Achieving Human-Centered Smart City Development in Saudi Arabia

The shift from techno-centric to human-centric development is essential for smart cities to effectively leverage technological innovations and enhance the quality of life of citizens. Despite this recognition, there are limited studies that address the challenges and frame the conditions and impacts involved. This study employs a mixed-method approach, namely the combination of literature review, expert consultation, and case analysis, to investigate human-centered smart city development based on the example of Saudi Arabia. Drawing from the literature, it develops a conceptual framework that provides guidance for achieving human-centric smart cities. The findings indicate that while Saudi Arabia has achieved notable progress in smart city development, inclusivity, centralized planning, public engagement, capacity building, and data security hinder advancement. This study demonstrates that smart city initiatives must aim to go beyond mere buzzwords and integrate components in line with human values and societal expectations. The study’s findings may help in framing urban humanization policies aligned with of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and offer guidance for cities with similar contexts.