The Rise of Gulf Smart Cities
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.
Africa: Building tomorrow’s cities today with AfriGIS
As more people move to urban areas, there is a growing need for cities to become more efficient, sustainable and liveable.
Smart city initiatives explore how advanced technologies such as data analytics, the internet of things and artificial intelligence can improve city operations and public services, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall quality of life.
AU: Victoria: Melbourne to play host to smart city leaders
Advances in technology are empowering planners to make better informed decisions about urban policy, helping create more sustainable Australian cities that are resilient to changes in population and climate.
Developing more sustainable urban policies is a priority for the Albanese government, which in the last federal Budget announced it would develop a comprehensive National Urban Policy— the first in over a decade.
GB: Surrey: Woking: UK Connect powers Smart City connectivity at Harrington Place
UK Connect, a leading provider of connectivity and communication solutions, has overseen the network transformation of Smart City property development Harrington Place in Woking. This collaboration reinforces UK Connect’s commitment to providing the connectivity cornerstone for the UK construction industry, enabling residents at Harrington Place to enjoy reliable, uninterrupted, superfast broadband.
Built by property developer ThamesWey, Harrington Place covers a 493 square metre area and consists of 148 self-contained flats for rent. Spanning a huge physical space, ThamesWey needed to leverage optimal network connectivity to provide residents with high-speed Internet and drive improvements across the Smart City development.
PH: Baguio a 'smart city' by 2027 – Magalong
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has set the city's goal of becoming a Smart City by 2027 behind an urban management approach driven by innovation.
The mayor cited this objective during his State of the City Address 2024 which he delivered during the 115th Baguio Charter Day Anniversary program, on September 1 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.