In 2024, Al-Khobar Governorate ranked 99th as a smart city after IMD’s announcement, joining Riyadh, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Medina, and Jeddah. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030.
IMD’s Smart Cities Index is crucial for assessing cities’ readiness and tech use in building smart, sustainable societies. It evaluates city development across health, safety, employment, education, mobility, culture, and governance, aiming for a balance of economic, technical, and human aspects. Smart cities leverage digital tech to optimize resources, cut emissions, enhance interactivity, and meet residents’ needs.
Engineer Omar Al-Abdullatif, CEO of the Eastern Region Development Authority, expressed pride in this achievement, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment and development across all fields under the wise leadership of His Highness the Emir of the Eastern Region and his deputy. They also oversee the Authority’s Executive Committee, leveraging the capabilities of the people.
Al-Abdullatif highlighted the benefits of smart cities, improving living standards and access to basic services for all. Furthermore, this achievement results from collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors. Moreover, the Al-Khobar Governorate aligns with Vision 2030 by fostering a robust economy, attracting investors, and generating job opportunities.
Additionally, the Eastern Region Development Authority expressed gratitude to development partners for their contributions, reflecting close cooperation towards the national vision. It also commended the efforts of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, the Eastern Province Secretariat, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
Saudi Arabia for Data and Artificial Intelligence and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has also exerted efforts which resulted in this achievement.
Finally, Al-Khobar Governorate’s inclusion in the Smart Cities Index is anticipated to attract global investments, new companies and fostering economic growth. Al-Khobar’s achievement reflects the commitment of Saudi cities to technical development and building smart and sustainable communities.
Related Topics :
Saudi Expands Adoption of Smart City Technology in Riyadh
Samsung Smart Ring: New Era in Wearable Technology
In Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, alone lion prowls the streets
