Saudi Arabia's Neom project is part of a global trend of "smart city" initiatives, but these projects, driven by advanced technologies, present both opportunities for urban governance and sustainability and risks for repression through increased surveillance, raising geopolitical and ethical concerns.
In 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman launched an ambitious $500 billion project to develop “Neom,” a futuristic “megacity” that would cover 10,230 square miles in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Although the project has faced recent budget cuts and setbacks, it remains a major feature of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” agenda to modernize its economy.
Discover how the Gulf region is leading the way in smart city development, revolutionizing urban landscapes through technology integration. Explore the challenges, opportunities, and global trends shaping tomorrow's cities.
As the morning sun casts its golden hues over the Arabian Gulf, a revolution quietly unfolds in the realm of urban planning. The Gulf region, known for its ambitious visions like Oman's Vision 2040 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, is now at the forefront of integrating technology with urban living. This transformative journey, aimed at enhancing living and working standards through advancements such as the Internet of Things, data analytics, and automation, is not just about cities that function smarter but about creating ecosystems that breathe life into the very fabric of urban existence.
Read more: Revolutionizing Urban Environments: The Gulf's Leap into Smart City Future
The digital revolution has become a cornerstone of economic diversification efforts in emerging markets, particularly in countries seeking to reduce their dependence on oil and gas production. Among these nations, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia stand out for their ambitious smart city initiatives, integral to their broader strategies for economic transformation. These initiatives include Dubai Smart City and various projects laid out under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 long-term economic development plan, such as, most prominently, the groundbreaking $500 billion NEOM project. Both countries, through international partnerships with tech giants, are at the forefront of leveraging digital technologies to redefine urban living and enhance governance. However, as these nations embrace the opportunities presented by developing smart cities, challenges such as cybersecurity and infrastructure sustainability must be addressed through strategic policies and trusted partnerships to ensure a secure and sustainable digital transition.
Read more: Transformational implications of moving toward smart cities in the Gulf
Gulf states ranked first in the Arab region in a UN index that measures the maturity of government electronic and mobile services, according to a UN statement released on Monday.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar secured the top three spots in the Government Electronic and Mobile Services (GEMS) Maturity Index, which is compiled by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), according to a statement.
Read more: Gulf states lead in Arab region in digital services: statement
The UAE ranked first in GCC in the online service index (OSI) issued by UN within the e-Government Development Index (EGDI), while Bahrain clinched the second spot. Saudi Arabia came third in the index followed by Kuwait and Oman in 4th and 5th place respectively.
The UAE topped the OSI for Western Asia region and ranked eighth globally in EGDI. The Gulf country has also been ranked 4th in Asia in this indicator.
Read more: UAE, Bahrain top Gulf region in UN online service index