In the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure development, the demand for robust, interconnected transportation networks has never been greater.
In addition to hosting one of the world’s biggest events - the 2032 Fifa World Cup football tournament – the Kingdom is actively pursuing economic diversification and urban expansion.
Saudi Arabia is enhancing its transport network to improve traffic flow and safety. With Riyadh's rapid expansion, the Ministry of Transport has launched an extensive four-phase road construction programme worth $13.3 billion. These projects incorporate advanced traffic management and ITS to optimise mobility and ensure safer roads.
The government’s efforts to enhance roads, bridges and tunnels are not only designed to meet the immediate needs of a growing population, but also to align with the nation’s long-term vision for a sustainable and efficient transportation system.
“The Line ‘sidescraper’ is going to be a car-free, vertical city, 500m tall and 200m wide, stretching 170km and boasting high-speed rail”
Saudi Arabia’s transport projects are part of Vision 2030, which aims to increase the transport sector’s contribution to nearly $12 billion in annual non-oil revenues.
With an extensive 71,500 km road network, including 5,000 km of operational highways, Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in enhancing connectivity. The government has outlined plans to convert 49,000 km of single-lane roads into double-lane highways, improving mobility and safety.
Additionally, a 5,330 km railway network is in development, featuring key projects like the Haramain high-speed railway, to connect Makkah and Madinah.
At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s transformation lies its commitment to smart cities, a key pillar of the Vision 2030 agenda. These advanced urban hubs are designed to serve as catalysts for economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life. By integrating intelligent systems into urban planning, the Kingdom says it is aiming to redefine the way cities function, making them more efficient, liveable and future-ready.
Neom & The Line
Neom is the most ambitious smart city initiative. Rising from scratch along the Red Sea in the north-west of Saudi Arabia, it will be made up of a number of regions – including its linear city The Line – as well Oxagon, a “centre for advanced and clean industries”, plus a “mountain destination” Trojena, “luxury island” Sindalah and various places on the Gulf of Aqaba.
Backed by a $500 billion investment, the plan is for Neom’s economy to be driven by industries such as AI, IoT, biotechnology, media and advanced security. Positioned as a living laboratory, Neom is intended to operate entirely on renewable energy. Most of Neom’s population will live on The Line. According to plans, this ‘sidescraper’ is going to be a car-free, vertical city, 500m tall and 200m wide, stretching 170km and boasting high-speed rail.
The Line’s executive director Giles Pendleton calls this ‘vertical urbanism’, where you will live in ‘modules’ of 80,000 people, with most activities – e.g. work, leisure - within a five-minute walk. He writes: “Residents will be able to live on the 50th floor, for example, and go down in the lift to the 20th floor to a restaurant, hotel or dentist. Or even travel sideways to their office, university or a football match. All within minutes of home.”
The first residents are expected to arrive in 2026, with the population projected – by some estimates - to reach nine million by 2045.
Riyadh Smart City
Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh plays a central role in achieving the goals of Vision 2030. One of its most significant projects is Riyadh Metro, a driverless public transportation system designed to ease traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility. Spanning approximately 176 km across six lines and 85 stations, the metro will reduce dependence on private vehicles, improve air quality, and enhance urban connectivity. As such, the project is a key step toward improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors in Riyadh.
Covering over 13 km², King Salman Park is set to become one of the world’s largest urban parks, featuring extensive green spaces that support environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the Diriyah Gate Development is a major cultural and historical restoration project focused on revitalising Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state. This initiative seeks to create a dynamic cultural and tourist destination by preserving the area’s rich heritage while integrating modern infrastructure.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Green Riyadh Initiative aims to plant 7.5 million trees across the city, enhancing green spaces and improving environmental conditions. By reducing temperatures, improving air quality, and creating green corridors, parks, and urban forests, the project contributes to Riyadh’s sustainability goals and elevates the city’s liveability.
Qiddiya, an entertainment, sports, and cultural project on Riyadh’s outskirts, is designed to offer a diverse range of recreational activities and attract global visitors, positioning Riyadh as a key destination for leisure and tourism.
Riyadh’s ranking rose in the 2024 IMD Smart City Index, up to 25th (from 30th in 2023). This index evaluates cities based on their use of smart technologies to enhance urban life. Riyadh’s transformation under Vision 2030 tries to balance modernisation with cultural preservation, while addressing challenges such as rapid urban expansion and environmental sustainability. Its smart city initiatives aim to improve governance, public services, and sustainable development, ultimately driving economic growth and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Jeddah Economic City
As Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, Jeddah plays a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s non-oil economic growth, driven by its strong shipping and trade heritage and its function as a key transit hub for millions travelling to Makkah and Medina. Ongoing major infrastructure projects will support growth across industries, tourism, and logistics, reinforcing the region’s contribution to Saudi Vision 2030 and its long-term economic goals.
Jeddah Economic City, along the Red Sea, is designed to redefine urban living and attract global investors, tourists and businesses. Located between Makkah and Madinah and near King Abdulaziz International Airport, it integrates smart infrastructure, energy-efficient technologies, and an advanced road system, supporting sustainable urban development. It will feature residential, commercial and diplomatic quarters, along with academic institutions and training centres to foster innovation. With its coastal ports, luxury resorts and iconic architecture, Jeddah Economic City aims to become a global trade hub and a model for modern urban development.
A Vision for the future
Through these strategic initiatives, Saudi Arabia says it is setting new benchmarks in urban planning and infrastructure development. By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, the Kingdom is not only enhancing its cities but also shaping a future where sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity define modern urban living. With smart cities and advanced infrastructure at the core of its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia believes it is paving the way for a new era of progress and prosperity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zeina Nazer is co-founder of Cities Forum, external expert for UK Department for Transport and chair of ITS UK’s Road User Charging Forum
zeinanazer@citiesforum.org
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Traffic in Riyadh (© Kirill Neiezhmakov| Dreamstime.com)
Saudi Arabia’s smart city initiatives
In line with its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is developing smart cities that integrate advanced technology to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.
• Neom emphasises cutting-edge innovation, environmental sustainability and economic growth
• Riyadh Smart City focused on smart transportation, digital healthcare, and e-government services to enhance urban efficiency
• Jeddah Economic City designed to become a thriving economic hub, leveraging technology and innovation to attract global investment
There are several critical factors in Saudi Arabia’s smart cities programme:
• Economic diversification The Kingdom is attracting start-ups and innovation-driven industries, fostering a dynamic and competitive business environment
• Environmental sustainability Saudi Arabia says it is emphasising eco-friendly infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources
• Enhanced quality of life Smart cities prioritise residents’ well-being by implementing advanced transportation systems, smart healthcare and digital services
• Infrastructure optimisation ITS integration will reduce congestion and improve mobility, ensuring smoother and more efficient urban transit
• Digital innovation The government is actively supporting the development of emerging technologies, including 5G networks, Internet of Things sensors, and artificial intelligence solutions
