Saudi NEOM Sparks a Brighter Future: Will Smart Cities Be the Next Big Thing?

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s vast desert landscape, where sand dunes meet the shores of the Red Sea, lies a futuristic vision that aims to redefine the way we live - NEOM. This mass-scale mega-city project isn’t just about constructing a smart city; it’s about breathing life into a vision that combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable living to create an oasis like no other.

This grand endeavor seeks to establish a modern utopia, a place where imagination meets technology and the limits of possibility are pushed beyond what we thought was possible. So, let’s explore the potential this city holds to be the next big thing and whether it can spark a wave of similar smart city projects worldwide.

The Rise of Smart Cities

I believe that it’s an undeniable fact that smart cities are revolutionizing urban development and bringing a paradigm shift in the way we live and interact with one another. Smart cities are the manifestation of our collective aspiration to harmonize urban living with technological innovation. These cities leverage data-driven solutions to optimize resource allocation, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

Let’s look at some smart city projects preceding NEOM to grasp what may be in store for us.

Songdo, South Korea

Often known as the world’s first smart city, Songdo is an international business district near Incheon. Designed from the ground up, Songdo is characterized by its cutting-edge technology integration and sustainable infrastructure.

With data being at the heart of all Seoul city projects, Songdo is no exception. There are sensors embedded throughout the city, monitoring everything from energy consumption to traffic flow and waste management in real-time, ensuring efficiency and environmental consciousness. The city also features a central pneumatic waste collection system, through which waste is whisked away with the help of underground tubes.

Songdo's presence is a reminder that the ideals set forth by NEOM and other forward-thinking projects are already being realized elsewhere to enrich the lives of residents while setting new standards for urban development.

Singapore

Being named the “smartest city in Asia,” Singapore is one of the frontrunners in the global race for going ‘smart.’ With the city-state having long been recognized for its strategic urban planning and efforts to promote sustainability, Singapore’s transition to a smart city began with the launch of its “Smart Nation” initiative. This initiative aimed to leverage data and technology to improve citizens' lives.

They introduced a number of smart technologies in both the private and public sectors. Ranging from a contactless payment system, SimplyGo, to aid the millions of passengers availing public transport every day to the creation of robotic patrol police, and a digital health system facilitating online consultations and an IoT device to monitor patients’ health.

Singapore sets a precedent for the relationship between technology and urban living, standing out as a shining example of how embracing innovation can lead to sustainable and harmonious urban environments.

NEOM: A Glimpse into the Future

NEOM isn't just a city; it’s aimed to be a manifesto for urban development. The vision is to create an oasis where humans and technology can coexist synergistically. Let’s explore what plans the Saudi government has for this colossal smart city project.

About NEOM

NEOM is a smart city project planned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This plan aims to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and boost the country’s public and private sectors.

NEOM is to be built in the country’s northwestern Tabuk province, north of the Red Sea and in close proximity to the east of Egypt and the south of Jordan. The area for the project is 26,500km2 and currently encompasses four different planned regions so far:

Sindalah

Nestled along the Red Sea coast, Sindalah is an island destination that embodies the spirit of leisure, luxury, and recreation. With pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and a thriving entertainment scene, this region is envisioned as a haven for relaxation and entertainment. It offers a plethora of underwater activities and will also be a yachting hub for some of the world’s most prominent yachting enthusiasts with its 86-berth marina and 75 off-shore buoys.

Trojena

Trojena emerges as a dynamic ski resort with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 meters and a pristine expanse spanning nearly 60 square kilometers. Trojena offers an enchanting playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Blanketed in snow during sub-zero winters, this alpine haven promises exhilarating slopes, breathtaking panoramas, and an unforgettable skiing experience that embodies the spirit of adventure within NEOM's visionary landscape.

Oxagon

Previously known as Neom Industrial City, Oxagon is an octagonal floating industrial complex. Situated around 25 kilometers north of Duba, Oxagon envelops a sprawling expanse of 200–250 square kilometers. This marvel is set to redefine modern manufacturing and industrial research, positioning itself as a dynamic hub for progress centered around the expansion of Duba port. Expected to be powered by 100% renewable energy, Oxagon's blueprint includes a desalination plant, a hydrogen facility, and an oceanographic research center, emphasizing NEOM's commitment to sustainable practices and scientific exploration.

The Line

At the heart of NEOM's vision lies The Line, a linear city stretching across 170 kilometers. The Line promises to be a blueprint for sustainability and efficiency. Free from the constraints of conventional urban design, it will be powered by 100% renewable energy and will feature cutting-edge transportation systems and AI-powered services. The Line's unique structure emphasizes proximity to nature, ensuring that no resident is more than a five-minute walk away from green spaces, offering a harmonious blend of urban and natural environments.

NEOM’s Impact

Right now, the whole world is keeping a close eye on NEOM and waiting to see how it unfolds. If the project turns out to be a success, it could have implications spanning far and wide.

Economic and Societal Impact

The economic and societal impact of NEOM will be unprecedented. Job creation in emerging sectors such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI programming could reshape the employment landscape. NEOM is expected to create hundreds of thousands of job opportunities for locals and immigrants alike in the country. The Line alone is expected to create 380,000 jobs by 2030.

Furthermore, the very essence of smart cities, which are convenience, efficiency, and sustainability, has the potential to elevate citizens' well-being. The findings of a report by the McKinsey Global Institute show that cities that use smart technologies improve some key quality-of-life indicators by 10 to 30 percent. This contributes to shorter commutes, fewer crimes, a reduced health burden, and more lives saved. In addition to that, when citizens are freed from mundane tasks by automation and empowered by technology, they can focus on creative pursuits, personal growth, and contributing meaningfully to society.

Global Implications

NEOM's success could also potentially send ripples across the globe, inspiring other nations to follow suit. As we witness various countries embarking on their smart city journeys, NEOM's innovative approach might serve as a benchmark for what's possible. From China's tech-driven city of Xiong'an to India's plans for sustainable urban development in Lavasa, the world is closely watching and learning from NEOM.

Challenges facing NEOM

The path to smart city utopia isn’t without thorns, and NEOM faces a spectrum of challenges and severe criticism that demand careful consideration.

NEOM has not been without its share of controversies, with notable issues including the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe from their ancestral lands and allegations of human rights violations against migrant laborers.

Critics have also voiced legitimate concerns about the feasibility and long-term sustainability of NEOM. The sheer magnitude of the project, coupled with its potential environmental repercussions, has prompted valid inquiries. Realizing the city’s grand ambitions, such as achieving full reliance on renewable energy, building a floating trade hub, and implementing autonomous transportation, presents substantial challenges.

The geopolitical landscape surrounding NEOM introduces an additional layer of uncertainty. Given its proximity to Egypt and Jordan, the intricate dynamics of the region add complexity that could influence the project's outcomes.

Then, there are also concerns about the amalgamation of technology in the design for NEOM. A prominent reason why Songdo didn’t achieve the success it was meant for was its technology-centric design. The city was designed with technology in mind, keeping humans in the peripheral rather than keeping the needs of humans in mind and using technology to fulfill those needs. NEOM must avoid making the same mistake.

Will Smart Cities Be the Next Big Thing?

As the sun sets over the desert, NEOM illuminates the horizon with countless possibilities. In the wake of this transformative vision, the question looms: Will smart cities become the next big thing?

As we witness the convergence of technology, sustainability, and urban living, it's undeniable that smart cities hold immense promise. NEOM's grand endeavor underscores the potential for harmonizing innovation and nature. However, for this vision to thrive globally, challenges like environmental impact, inclusivity, and geopolitical complexities must be navigated with wisdom.

The path forward demands a delicate balance between progress and responsibility, ensuring that the evolution of urban landscapes becomes a testament to human advancement that respects our planet and fosters shared prosperity.