Madinah advanced 11 positions in the Global Smart City Index (IMD) issued by the International Institute for Management Development during the current year 2024, ranking 74th globally after being ranked 85th on the list of world cities compared to the previous year 2023.

Madinah maintained its seventh position in the Arab world among the cities included in the annually issued index, which highlights the level of digital progress and readiness of world cities and their residents’ awareness of the efforts made to make their cities smart, contributing to achieving a balance between economic and technical aspects, enhancing human dimensions, meeting population aspirations and needs, supporting urban development in building smart cities, transforming public spaces into attractive points that fulfill the aspirations of residents and visitors, achieving optimal use of resources, reducing carbon emissions, as well as employing digital technologies to improve quality of life.

Smart cities are witnessing remarkable development in transportation means, which has contributed to improving the mobility experience and encouraging sustainable transport by focusing on walking, bicycles, and electric vehicles. Advanced infrastructure supporting smooth mobility and reducing traffic congestion is being provided, relying on artificial intelligence to analyze data and improve vehicle flow through smart buses equipped with smart technologies for location and schedule determination, and modern systems for public transport management, thereby enhancing the mobility experience in Madinah.

Madinah

Madinah, also known as Medina, is the second holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. It holds profound historical significance as the city where the Prophet Muhammad migrated in 622 CE (the Hijra), establishing the first Muslim community and the Prophet’s Mosque, which now houses his tomb. Today, millions of pilgrims visit Madinah annually, particularly to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque and explore its rich Islamic heritage.