Barcelona, November 8, 2024 – The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) concluded its successful participation in the Smart City Expo World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain, from November 5 to 7. As a key global partner at the event, SDAIA highlighted its ongoing efforts to leverage data and artificial intelligence (AI) in building smart cities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's leadership in these advanced technology fields and its commitment to the transformative goals of Vision 2030. This participation underscored the Kingdom's rapid progress in digital transformation and urban innovation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional and global leader in AI-driven urban development.
Throughout the conference, SDAIA presented its initiatives and demonstrated its critical role in advancing Saudi Arabia's smart city agenda. One of the key moments was a keynote session by Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center. Dr. Alwagait shared the Kingdom’s vision for digital transformation and emphasized that Saudi Arabia had moved beyond the idea of simply building smart cities, now advancing towards the creation of "knowledge cities"—highly innovative, data-driven urban environments where AI and digital infrastructure enhance the quality of life for citizens. This strategic shift places Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global efforts to harness technology for urban sustainability and development.
In addition to the keynote, SDAIA played an active role in several high-level panel sessions that delved into various aspects of urban innovation. Topics such as “Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Urban Life,” “Enhancing Urban Life with Digital Services,” and “Modern Technologies in Urban Design” sparked lively discussions around the role of digital platforms and AI in improving urban living, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering sustainability. These sessions allowed SDAIA to showcase its leadership in deploying digital services that contribute to smarter, more connected cities.
SDAIA’s exhibition at the Smart City Expo also attracted significant attention, with a large number of visitors eager to explore the Authority's wide range of initiatives aimed at transforming urban living through advanced technologies. Among the key initiatives highlighted were platforms such as Sawaher, Baseer, Unified National Access, the Tawakkalna app, and the national charity platform "Ehsan." These platforms play a critical role in Saudi Arabia's broader digital ecosystem, offering citizens enhanced access to services and promoting greater engagement with government and community-driven projects.
The exhibition also featured SDAIA's work in building the foundational infrastructure for smart cities in the Kingdom, including the National Data Bank, the “DEEM” platform for data management, and the Government Integration Network. These initiatives are designed to streamline the collection and management of data across various sectors, enabling a more efficient and interconnected urban environment. SDAIA’s efforts are aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation, technological innovation, and the sustainable development of smart cities.
Among the standout national projects presented at the conference were "EYENAI," a platform for AI-driven data analytics, the "SauTech" product, and the "TALEEM" platform, which aims to revolutionize education through digital technologies. Additionally, SDAIA's commitment to accelerating smart city projects was underscored by its leadership in organizing the Global Smart Cities Forum and the Global AI Summit, two key international events that promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas on smart city development.
The Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona is one of the most prominent global events dedicated to smart cities and urban innovation. With over 600 speakers and more than 1,100 exhibitors, the conference provided an invaluable opportunity for SDAIA to engage with thought leaders, innovators, and government representatives from across the world. The event also provided a platform for discussing how emerging technologies and digital solutions can address urban challenges and create more sustainable, efficient, and livable cities for the future.
SDAIA's participation in the Smart City Expo underscores Saudi Arabia's growing role as a leader in the global smart city movement. By integrating cutting-edge technology and AI into urban planning and development, the Kingdom is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the cities of tomorrow, not only in the Middle East but across the globe.