Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a transformative blueprint aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. And French urban technology companies have a unique opportunity to contribute to this broader landscape of urban development.
Saudi Arabia’s Urban Development Projects
The Saudi Vision 2030, unveiled in 2016, places significant emphasis on urban planning and infrastructure development as key drivers of economic diversification and improved quality of life. The plan outlines several ambitious urban development programs, including the creation of smart cities and the transformation of existing urban centers. A cornerstone of this vision is the Quality of Life Program 2030, which aims to develop world-class urban environments across Saudi Arabia.
This program focuses on enhancing city infrastructure, improving public transportation networks, and creating more green spaces in urban areas. Additionally, the Vision also includes the Housing Program, which aims to increase homeownership rates to 70% by 2030 through the development of sustainable urban communities. The plan also emphasizes the creation of technologically advanced urban spaces.
NEOM
NEOM is probably the most famous of all Saudi urban and smart city projects. It is a groundbreaking initiative set to become a global hub of innovation and sustainability. Spanning an area of approximately 26,500 sqkm, it is situated in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, bordering the Red Sea. With a budget exceeding $500 billion, funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and local and international investors, NEOM is set to become a community powered only by renewable energies.
At the heart of NEOM lies THE LINE, a revolutionary urban development stretching several kilometers from the epic mountains of NEOM across inspirational desert valleys to the beautiful Red Sea. THE LINE is designed as a linear city housing hundreds of thousands of residents within walkable communities. This car-free city will feature a 100% sustainable transport system, zero pollution, and zero wait time.
NEOM also includes other visionary projects such as Oxagon, a floating industrial complex; Trojena, a mountain destination; and Sindalah, a luxury island resort. The economic impact of NEOM is expected to be substantial. The project is projected to create 380,000 jobs and contribute over $100 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030.
French companies are playing a pivotal role in bringing NEOM’s vision to life. Alstom, a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, has been selected to develop NEOM’s advanced transportation system. The company’s expertise in smart mobility will be instrumental in creating an efficient and environmentally friendly transit network. Schneider Electric, another French powerhouse, is contributing its smart building and energy management solutions to ensure NEOM’s sustainability goals are met. Thales, renowned for its cutting-edge digital security solutions, is set to implement an integrated security system for NEOM. Dassault Systèmes, a world leader in 3D design software, is lending its expertise to the project through its 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Now, NEOM is not just about creating a new urban district; it represents a vision for a sustainable and smart city of the future. The development will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a modern transportation system with autonomous vehicles, high-speed trains, and a network of pedestrian walkways. This integrated transport network ensures that all basic services are within a five-minute walking distance. The project will also feature abundant green spaces, parks, and gardens, creating a natural oasis for residents and visitors alike. The integration of smart city technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), will revolutionize urban planning, resource management, and public services, positioning NEOM as a global benchmark for smart urban development.
New Murabba
In a bold move to reshape Riyadh’s urban landscape, Saudi Arabia has recently unveiled the New Murabba project, a development set to become the capital’s new downtown. Announced by the New Murabba Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), this ambitious project spans an impressive 19 sqkm and is slated for completion by 2030, coinciding with the highly anticipated Expo Riyadh 2030.
At the heart of New Murabba stands The Mukaab, a colossal cubic structure measuring 400 meters in width, height, and length. This architectural marvel is poised to become one of the world’s largest built environments, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and holographics to create an unparalleled immersive experience. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Najdi architectural style, The Mukaab represents a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and futuristic design.
The scale of the New Murabba project is truly staggering. With plans to develop over 25 million square meters of floor area, the district will house more than 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and nearly one million square meters of retail space. The project also includes 1.4 million square meters of office space, 620,000 square meters dedicated to leisure facilities, and 1.8 million square meters of community amenities. Cultural and educational institutions are not overlooked, with plans for a museum, a technology and design university, over 80 entertainment and cultural venues, and a multipurpose theater.
New Murabba is not merely an urban expansion; it represents a vision for a sustainable and smart city of the future. The development will boast state-of-the-art infrastructure, including an advanced transportation system comprising buses, trains, and an extensive network of pedestrian walkways. This integrated transport network ensures that the entire district is within a 15-minute walking radius, while also being just a 20-minute drive from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Sustainability is at the core of New Murabba’s design philosophy. The project will feature abundant green spaces, parks, and gardens, creating a natural oasis for residents and visitors alike. Energy-efficient buildings and water conservation measures will be standard throughout the development.
The economic impact of the New Murabba project is expected to be substantial. With a budget exceeding $50 billion, the development is projected to generate 334,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute over $47 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP, underscoring its significance in the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.
French companies are playing a crucial role in bringing this visionary project to life. Here again, Alstom, Schneider Electric, Thales, and Dassault Systèmes, and other French international groups, intend to lend their expertise and technologies to the development of this new city. With the collaboration of world-class French companies, this ambitious project is set to redefine urban living and cement Riyadh’s position as a global city of the future.
AlUla
AlUla is rapidly emerging as a pivotal cultural and tourism destination under the Saudi Vision 2030, with a pronounced emphasis on smart city principles and sustainable development. This ambitious project aims to preserve the region’s rich heritage while promoting eco-friendly tourism and leveraging advanced technologies to create a modern, integrated urban environment.
Spanning an area as vast as Belgium, the project includes several innovative initiatives designed to enhance urban living and visitor experiences. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) oversees the project with a budget exceeding $15 billion. The development is projected to contribute over $31.9 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and create approximately 38,000 jobs. AlUla aims to attract 2 million visitors annually by 2035. Key attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, the ancient cities of Dadan and Lihyan, and AlUla Old Town. These sites offer a unique blend of archaeological, cultural, and natural experiences, making AlUla a focal point for sustainable tourism.
One of the standout features of AlUla is the Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building. This architectural marvel hosts various cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions, reflecting the region’s commitment to blending modernity with heritage. In addition, the Sharaan Resort and Nature Reserve, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is a luxury destination seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape, offering an eco-friendly and immersive experience for visitors. Wadi AlFann, or the “Valley of the Arts,” is an open-air gallery featuring large-scale artworks by renowned international artists.
The partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Agence Française d’AlUla (AFALULA) is a cornerstone of the project’s success. This collaboration brings together French expertise in urban planning, cultural heritage, and technological innovation to develop sustainable and smart city solutions for AlUla. Contracts worth of more than $1 billion have already been awarded to French companies.
French companies are actively involved in various aspects of the project, leveraging their urban tech and technological innovations. SUEZ is involved in waste management and water treatment, contributing to the project’s sustainability goals. Veolia offers expertise in environmental services, focusing on sustainable resource management. RATP Dev implements the “360 Mobility Plan” to develop an integrated, sustainable, and smart mobility network for residents and visitors. Amane Advisors leads superior waste management services, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly waste disposal.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The future of smart cities in Saudi Arabia is brimming with opportunities, particularly for French companies known for their expertise in urban technology and sustainable development. Emerging trends in smart city technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, present new avenues for innovation and collaboration. These technologies can significantly enhance urban planning, resource management, and public services, making cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable. French companies are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.
However, the path to success is not without its challenges. Indeed, the regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia can be intricate, requiring companies to stay abreast of local laws and compliance requirements. Cultural nuances also play a significant role in business operations, necessitating a deep understanding of local customs and practices.
Despite these challenges, strategic partnerships and local collaborations can pave the way for successful market entry and expansion. By forming alliances with local entities, French companies can gain valuable insights and build strong relationships that facilitate smoother operations. Additionally, a thorough understanding of the Saudi market, coupled with tailored solutions that address specific local needs, can provide a competitive edge.
Artemis Business Care is here to help you with all that.