Enhancing Public Participation in Saudi Arabia’s Urban Planning and Design through AI: Assessing Readiness, Engagement, and Ethical Implications

Community involvement is essential in urban planning to ensure the diverse needs and perspectives of residents guide the development of inclusive cities. This study explores the readiness of Saudi citizens to engage in urban planning through generative AI platforms—such as visual simulation tools, text-to-image systems, and conversational agents—by examining public perceptions, demographic factors, and attitudes toward AI-driven participation. MethodsA survey of 232 participants was conducted to assess AI readinesswith AI, comfort in using AI platforms for urban engagement, preferred AI applications, and major concerns such as data privacy and bias. ResultsThe results reveal a notable openness to AI-driven public participation, especially among younger and more educated respondents, reflecting a promising foundation for adopting AI in urban planning across Saudi Arabia. Participants showed a preference for AI methods like image and video analysis, but concerns about privacy, data protection, and ethical issues were prominent challenges to integration. ConclusionsWhile AI holds significant potential to enhance decision-making, inclusivity, and transparency in urban planning, addressing ethical concerns and data governance issues is crucial. These findings emphasise the need for robust ethical frameworks and interdisciplinary collaboration to maximise the benefits of AI-driven urban engagement. By tackling these challenges, Saudi Arabia can leverage AI to create responsive, sustainable cities and position itself as a global leader in technology-driven urban development. DOI : https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.1812