Human Smart City: An Integrated Vision for Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, KSA 2030

Saudi Arabia is embracing Smart Cities Initiatives to transform urban and rural areas into sustainable, citizen-centric hubs aligning with Vision 2030—a blueprint for a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable future. The research explores the potential of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, one of the world’s most significant religious cities, to evolve into a human smart city. Human smart cities are the new generation of smart cities, which balance the technological infrastructure with human aspects. Compared to existing literature that typically views smart and human city models as separate or even conflicting, this study promotes their integration. Previous research has largely focused on the technological aspects of smart cities, highlighting efficiency, automation, and data-based governance, but has paid less attention to incorporating human values, cultural identity, and active community engagement within these systems. This research aims to analyse the technology-based solutions and the human-centered initiatives in Al-Madinah, supported by a literature review and case studies of projects that emphasise citizen participation. The research begins with a theoretical overview of smart city concepts. Then, the research analyses both the technology-based solutions and the human-centered urban initiatives shaping Al-Madinah’s development. The research concludes with an integrated framework outlining strategies to transform Al-Madinah into a human smart city, ensuring a sustainable future for both residents and visitors.