Smart Sustainable Cities are the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s urban future, according to Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Huqail. During a meeting with academics and students from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Riyadh on February 8, 2026, the minister emphasized that artificial intelligence and youth engagement are fundamental to building the next generation of urban centers.
The minister outlined a comprehensive vision for transforming Saudi cities through strategic partnerships between government sectors and academic institutions. He stressed that universities are not merely academic institutions but strategic partners driving urban transformation through AI-powered solutions that analyze population growth, optimize traffic flow, and design public spaces aligned with community needs.
AI-Driven Urban Development Strategy
Al-Huqail revealed that the ministry’s scientific research focuses on developing Saudi-specific algorithms and models across housing, transportation, and sustainability sectors. These innovations include predicting housing demand, improving building energy efficiency, and implementing intelligent water network management systems to maximize national impact.
The ministry is establishing national living laboratories for AI applications, ranging from generative urban design to drone deployment supported by computer vision technology. This approach accelerates innovation transfer from laboratories to city streets while ensuring responsible technology implementation.
Digital Twin Technology for Smart Sustainable Cities
A key initiative involves developing digital twins of cities to simulate future scenarios before implementation. This technology supports proactive decision-making based on accurate data, enhancing operational efficiency and resource sustainability. The minister emphasized that engaging students and researchers in real-world projects empowers the next generation to use AI ethically and responsibly.
Measurable Impact and Achievements
The adoption of modern technologies such as computer vision and smart monitoring has yielded impressive results. Compliance rates increased to 64%, operational costs decreased by 80%, and reliance on physical inspections dropped to just 2%. The ministry achieved operational savings exceeding 250 million riyals through improved road layer quality.
“Universities are strategic partners leading urban transformation, using artificial intelligence to convert complex urban challenges into sustainable development opportunities.”
Majid bin Abdullah Al-Huqail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing
Collaboration with universities, including King Saud University, contributed to developing urban design programs and authenticating Saudi architecture, with 19 design guides approved, significantly improving the urban landscape quality.
Future Vision and Economic Value
The minister highlighted a fundamental shift in work philosophy from service development to re-engineering decision-making processes. This transformation increased resident satisfaction with municipal services from 49% to over 65%, satisfaction with city cleanliness from 53% to 76%, and reduced improper waste treatment from 64% to 49%.
Cognitive cities represent the future of urban life, using data and advanced technologies to proactively manage massive assets including over 8,000 parks and public squares, and a road network extending more than 196,000 kilometers. Al-Huqail concluded that the ministry’s ambition is to build an integrated national model combining knowledge and decision-making, powered by AI, to serve the entire nation and achieve Saudi Vision 2030 targets.
