SDAIA Highlights Smart Cities Initiatives At Barcelona's Smart City Expo World Congress

The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) recently wrapped up its involvement in the Smart City Expo World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain, from November 5 to 7. As a global partner, SDAIA showcased its initiatives in utilising data and AI to develop smart cities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's leadership in these advanced technology sectors.

During the event, SDAIA's National Information Center Director, Dr. Esam Alwagait, delivered a keynote address. He highlighted the authority’s digital transformation efforts and noted that Saudi Arabia is advancing from smart cities towards knowledge cities. This shift marks a significant step in the Kingdom's technological evolution.

SDAIA participated in various panel discussions on topics such as "Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Urban Life" and "Modern Technologies in Urban Design." These sessions allowed SDAIA to share insights on enhancing urban life through digital services. The authority's exhibition attracted many visitors interested in its smart-city initiatives.

The SDAIA exhibition aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It featured platforms like Sawaher, Baseer, Unified National Access, the Tawakkalna app, and "Ehsan," the national charity platform. These platforms demonstrate SDAIA's commitment to digital transformation and smart-city development.

SDAIA also shared its experience in building smart-city infrastructure through projects like the National Data Bank and the "DEEM" platform. The Government Integration Network was another highlight of their exhibit. These projects are crucial for empowering smart cities and accelerating related initiatives.

National projects such as "EYENAI," "SauTech," and the "TALEEM" platform were also showcased. Additionally, SDAIA's role in organising events like the Global Smart Cities Forum and the Global AI Summit was emphasised. These efforts underline their dedication to fostering innovation in urban environments.

Global Participation at the Expo

The Smart City Expo World Congress is a leading event for smart cities and urban innovation worldwide. It gathered over 600 speakers from governments, corporations, and innovation organisations involved in smart-city development. More than 25,000 attendees from over 850 cities across 130 countries participated.

The conference featured over 1,100 exhibitors who shared insights into urban innovation. Leaders from various sectors discussed advancements that are shaping future cities. This global gathering provided a platform for exchanging ideas on sustainable urban development.

SDAIA’s participation at this prominent event underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing smart city technologies. By leveraging data and AI, they aim to enhance urban living conditions while aligning with international sustainability goals.

With inputs from SPA