SDAIA National Information Center Director: Saudi Arabia is Building Cognitive Cities, Not Just Smart Ones

Director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Esam A. Alwagait stressed the need for optimal and effective use of next-generation technologies of infrastructure, AI, data, and IoT to create an adaptable and sustainable environment in which humans come first.
Alwagait stated in a speech delivered during the main session of the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona: “Our world today has moved beyond the concept of smart cities to that of cognitive cities, which have redefined the dynamics of urban environments. These cities not only respond to changes but also anticipate them, learn, and evolve to meet the needs of their residents. Technology, especially cognitive technologies supported by AI, plays a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of cities and making them more inclusive.”
Alwagait said that the role of emerging technologies today extends beyond enhancing infrastructure; it also involves creating cities that are adaptable, proactive, and efficient in addressing challenges. Therefore, cognitive cities are designed to leverage the huge amounts of data generated within their ecosystems, not only to improve service delivery but also to anticipate future needs.
He added that technology has become the backbone of modern urbanism, from smart traffic management systems that reduce congestion and improve road safety to digital platforms that provide integrated services to citizens.
Alwagait also noted that responsibly customized technology-led solutions help cities become more resilient in overcoming environmental, economic, or social challenges. These solutions are essential to making cities livable, environmentally friendly, and future-ready. He explained that the Kingdom, in light of Saudi Vision 2030, seeks to harness technology to modernize its urban environments and enhance the well-being of its citizens.
Alwagait affirmed that SDAIA is making great efforts in the field of smart cities and is driving much of this technological progress by supporting various government entities and smart city initiatives, citing the establishment of innovative platforms such as the National Smart Cities Platform (Smart C) which serves as the foundation for all smart city initiatives in the Kingdom, aiming to implement proactive, smart solutions to improve the urban landscape, alleviate traffic congestion and reduce severe traffic accidents.
In his speech, Alwagait touched on a number of initiatives launched by SDAIA that contributed to supporting its efforts in the field of smart cities, such as the government cloud "Deem," which not only accelerated the digital transformation of more than 200 government entities but also helped reduce energy consumption by 64 megawatts and reduce carbon emissions by 608 kilotons.
He also mentioned the National Data Bank (NDB), which is another major initiative that enhances data-driven decision-making across the public and private sectors by integrating over 370 systems and 420 APIs. This contributed to improving the level of data sharing between government entities and building a data-based digital economy, which eventually enhanced the Kingdom’s position in the global smart cities scene.
Alwagait stated that “Estishraf” platform at SDAIA stands as a shining example that confirms the Kingdom’s proactive approach to anticipating future urban challenges by harnessing advanced analytics and AI. The platform’s role is not limited to providing real-time insights to decision-makers, but is also instrumental in reducing costs. To date, this platform has contributed to savings exceeding SAR51 billion ($13.6 billion) in operational efficiencies, further improving the Kingdom’s ability to adapt and innovate in response to evolving urban needs.
Alwagait referred to the development of “Tawakkalna” application in SDAIA, which was initially launched as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to become today a national super app designed to be a digital companion for individuals across the Kingdom. He indicated that the application aims to improve the quality of life for more than 30 million users in the Kingdom by providing over 315 government services that enrich the experience of citizens, residents, and visitors, becoming an essential part of the Kingdom’s digital transformation strategy.
Alwagait noted the leading position the Kingdom’s cities have achieved at the global level, as five Saudi cities entered the IMD Smart City Index, and the capital, Riyadh, ranked 25th globally and third regionally, consolidating its position as a leading city in urban transformation.
At the heart of Riyadh’s success lies the Smart Riyadh Operations Center (Smart ROC), which uses AI to monitor urban infrastructure, manage traffic, and ensure safety. AI-based congestion solutions have contributed to reducing congestion by 36% during major events, making the city a model to be emulated in the field of urban resilience.
Alwagait touched on NEOM project, one of the Kingdom’s ambitious projects, which embodies the future of urban life by relying on the next generation of infrastructure, digital twins, and AI-based services, indicating that NEOM is setting the stage for a new era of sustainable and carbon-neutral cities. This ambitious project demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to creating cognitive cities capable of anticipating needs and offering innovative solutions for the future.
Alwagait denoted the emergence of Trojena in NEOM as one of the cognitive cities and future global destinations scheduled to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029. He said: “Trojena is on a remarkable journey to integrate cognitive technologies and deliver exceptional experiences for the future. It is an innovation icon, combining smart city solutions with unique tourism and sports experiences, setting new standards for global destinations. On the other hand, The Red Sea Project, powered entirely by renewable energy, is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, redefining the concept of eco-friendly development.”
Alwagait said that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to smart cities extends beyond its borders. In February 2024, the Kingdom hosted the Global Smart City Forum, which brought together global researchers, investors, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss the future of cities. This forum demonstrated the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the global conversation on urban resilience, sustainability, and the future of urban living.
He pointed out that the Kingdom will leverage advanced technologies to deliver world-class experiences to the international attendees of Expo 2030. The exhibition will focus on technologies that achieve individual well-being and enhance the global sustainability and quality of life agenda, thus consolidating Riyadh’s position as a leader in smart city innovations.
Alwagait stressed at the end of his speech that the Kingdom’s vision for its cities is not just a vision of technological progress but rather a vision of shared global responsibility. All of these efforts in developing smart cities align with global goals that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and quality of life for the good of humanity.