Alkhobar Secures Spot Among World’s Smartest Cities
Alkhobar, a city in Saudi Arabia, has made its mark as one of the world’s smartest cities, ranking 99th in the prestigious International Institute for Management Development’s Smart City Index for 2024.
Joining the Ranks of Tech-Savvy Urban Centers
This achievement now places Alkhobar as the fifth Saudi city to achieve smart city status, alongside Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The IMD, a renowned Swiss business school, uses the Smart City Index as a benchmark for assessing cities’ readiness to leverage advanced technologies and create sustainable, intelligent communities.
A Testament to Saudi Vision 2030
Alkhobar’s smart city designation is a testament to Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’s commitment to creating a digital, prosperous nation. The IMD index evaluates various factors of urban development, including health and safety, employment, education, mobility, cultural activities, governance, and the harmonization of economic, technological, and social aspects of city life.
Harnessing Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Future
Smart cities like Alkhobar use digital technologies to optimize resource use, reduce carbon footprints, promote citizen engagement, and design vibrant public spaces tailored to residents’ needs. Omar Al-Abdullatif, CEO of the Sharqia Development Authority, expressed pride in this accomplishment and credited the progress to the guidance of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and the capabilities of its people.
Collaborative Efforts for Development and Progress
This milestone was achieved through collaborative efforts between key stakeholders, focusing on improving infrastructure, executing development projects, and enhancing livability for Alkhobar’s residents and visitors. The Sharqia Development Authority extended gratitude to partner entities such as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Eastern Province Municipality, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.