Saudi Arabia isn’t just building cities, it’s building intelligent ecosystems from the ground up. From zero-carbon communities to AI-powered logistics hubs, the Kingdom is attracting global attention for its bold integration of smart technologies into its construction vision.
Here are seven smart mega-projects that are actively deploying AI, smart infrastructure, and advanced materials, reshaping how we think about construction, sustainability and urban living.
1. The Line (Neom)
- Location: NEOM, Northwest Saudi Arabia
- Owner: NEOM (Backed by the Public Investment Fund)
- Project Value: Over $500 billion (entire NEOM)
- Timeline: Launched on 10 January 2021; earthworks began October 2021; Phase 1 expected complete by 2030
- Key Focus: Fully AI-integrated linear smart city spanning 170 km
- AI Applications: Digital twins for infrastructure, predictive energy use, AI-driven public services, autonomous transport
The project will call for smart facades, high-efficiency glass, integrated sensor networks and modular systems along with advanced installation techniques that can support robotic construction.
2. Oxagon
- Owner: NEOM
- Location: Coastal area near the Gulf of Aqaba
- Timeline: Announced 16 November 2021; currently in early stages of development
- Project Type: Smart floating industrial and logistics hub
- AI Applications: Automated logistics, smart warehousing, AI-led port operations, industrial digital twins
This development will require prefabricated modular docks, marine-grade steel for durability, integration with smart-grid systems and robust energy storage solutions to support its automated infrastructure.
3. Trojena
- Owner: NEOM
- Location: NEOM, mountain region of Tabuk
- Timeline: Announced 3 March 2022; slated for completion by 2026; hosting 2029 Asian Winter Games
- AI Applications: Guest analytics, resource automation, smart mobility, climate-adaptive control systems
The project calls for structures designed to withstand snow, enhanced by intelligent lighting and high-performance glazing, alongside integrated terrain sensors to effectively adapt to its unique topography.
4. Alnama Smart City
- Developer: URB (Dubai-based)
- Location: Just outside Riyadh, spanning 10 km²
- Project Type: Zero-carbon, mixed-use eco-city
- Timeline: Launched 1 July 2022 by URB; currently in study and planning phase
- AI Applications: Smart energy monitoring, autonomous vehicles, waste-to-energy automation, AI-assisted green infrastructure
This city will rely on solar-integrated facades, low-VOC paints for healthier interiors, IoT-connected HVAC systems for energy efficiency, and modular green building solutions to meet its zero-carbon goals.
5. Qiddiya City
- Owner: Qiddiya Investment Company (wholly owned by PIF)
- Location: Southwest of Riyadh
- Timeline: Ongoing; various facilities launched between 2023–2025, full completion by 2030
- Project Type: Entertainment, sports and culture hub
- AI Applications: Crowd analytics, intelligent security, event scheduling, and immersive tech experiences
This project will require advanced facades integrated with sensor networks and real-time monitoring systems to enable responsive, data-driven building performance.
6. Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City
- Owner: Misk Foundation
- Location: Irqah District, Riyadh
- Project Type: Smart nonprofit city for education and innovation
- Timeline: Incorporated between 2023–2024, now in early development stages
- AI Applications: Campus management AI, smart classrooms, predictive utilities, automated public spaces
The development will feature smart concrete for structural intelligence, digital-ready buildings equipped for seamless tech integration, acoustic panels for optimized learning environments, and infrastructure tailored to support education-focused technologies.
7. Digital City - Riyadh
- Owner: PIF-backed
- Location: Al-Nakheel District, Riyadh
- Project Type: Tech and innovation hub
- Timeline: Planning and early construction started in 2023–2024
- AI Applications: Smart building systems, occupancy monitoring, data-driven energy use
The project will depend on an intelligent building management system, reinforced server infrastructure, smart lighting, advanced security solutions and fully integrated IoT systems to support its high-performance digital environment.
What these projects mean for the construction industry
Each of these projects demands not only traditional construction materials but also high-tech solutions including:
- Smart HVAC and MEP systems
- AI-integrated Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Energy-efficient facades and solar solutions
- Digital twins and IoT sensor integration
- Autonomous construction equipment
- Cyber-physical infrastructure
Seize the market at Big 5 Construct Saudi
These smart projects are actively sourcing technologies from local and international suppliers and Big 5 Construct Saudi is where they come to find them.
At the event, you’ll meet:
- Procurement heads from NEOM, Qiddiya, PIF and giga project developers.
- Contractors building AI-integrated developments
- Engineers driving green building technologies
- Urban designers and FM consultants looking for smart solutions
Book your stand today and get your innovations in front of the people shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s cities.
Be where smart construction takes form. Exhibit now at Big 5 Construct Saudi.
