The Saudi government's commitment to enhancing citizens' quality of life takes center stage in the 2024 fiscal year budget, as evidenced by the inclusion of four Saudi cities in the prestigious IMD Smart City Index for 2023. This strategic focus aligns with the Kingdom's vision to emerge as a global leader in smart city development, harnessing technology to elevate urban living standards, foster economic growth, and promote sustainable practices.

In a comprehensive review by Al-Arabiya Business, the 2024 budget demonstrates a concerted effort to further enhance the provision of basic services to citizens through strategic spending channels. Notably, the IMD Smart City Index for 2023 showcased Riyadh maintaining its position as the third smartest Arab city. Joining the ranks for the first time, Makkah secured the 4th position, followed by Jeddah at 5th and Madinah at 7th in the Arab world. Globally, Riyadh ranked 30th, Makkah 52nd, Jeddah 56th, and Madinah 85th among 141 cities.

These rankings underscore Riyadh and Saudi Arabia's commitment to adopting smart technologies and innovative urban planning, emphasizing an unwavering dedication to improving living standards and fostering sustainability. The entry of these cities into the IMD Smart City Index signals a broader commitment within Saudi Arabia to develop urban areas using smart technology and sustainable practices.

The IMD Smart City Index evaluates the impact of technology on residents' quality of life, emphasizing a human-centered approach to smart city development. The improved rankings of Saudi cities are attributed to collaborative initiatives, including the National Smart City Platform initiated by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). These efforts showcase a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing living standards through advanced smart technology systems, exemplifying the Kingdom's forward-thinking approach to urban development and digitization.

As Saudi Arabia continues to forge ahead with its smart city initiatives, the global recognition garnered by Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah positions the Kingdom as a pioneer in leveraging technology for the betterment of its communities, solidifying its status on the world stage as a leader in smart urban development.