The inaugural Global Smart City Forum 2024, recently concluded in Riyadh, revealed Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to establish more smart industrial zones. This two-day event, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with key ministries, attracted global experts, investors, and policymakers, shedding light on the future of smart cities and the pivotal role of smart energy solutions for sustainable development.
Ministerial Inauguration: Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, inaugurated the forum, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology in urban infrastructure for enhanced living standards.
Industrial Growth Perspective: Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, highlighted the significance of smart cities in fostering industrial growth, technology diffusion, and sustainable development. He emphasized the need for advanced digital infrastructure in manufacturing and mining sectors.
Sustainable Urbanization: Dr. Esam Al-Wagait, Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA, emphasized the forum's role in shaping Saudi Arabia's vision for sustainable and smart urban development. Discussions revolved around green initiatives, intelligent transportation systems, and smart healthcare and education.
Data-driven Solutions: Al-Wagait stressed the importance of harnessing data for informed decision-making and efficient city management. SDAIA's commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and data technologies was highlighted, with the announcement of the Center for Congestion Solutions.
Aviation Sector Development: Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, highlighted the aviation sector's growth as a reflection of Saudi Vision 2030's transformative impact on cities and societies.
Collaborative Initiatives: The forum witnessed the launch of the Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Industry and Mining and various collaborations aimed at advancing human resources in artificial intelligence and fostering technical innovation.
