Riyadh climbs to 25th in IMD Smart City Index, Alkhobar joins the ranks

Public safety is strong in Riyadh, according to the report. Shutterstock
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Updated 30 April 2024
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Riyadh climbs to 25th in IMD Smart City Index, Alkhobar joins the ranks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s capital has been placed 25th in the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index this year, up five spots since 2023.

The assessment, which evaluates various structures and technologies in the city, underscored Riyadh’s strengths in health and safety, mobility, and governance. 

Key findings reveal that basic sanitation effectively serves even the poorest areas, while recycling sectors are satisfactory. Public safety is strong, complemented by enhanced surveillance through CCTV cameras, while innovative apps for car-sharing, parking availability, and bicycle rentals alleviate congestion. 

The report added that the provision of medical services meets expectations, and affordable housing options are readily available. Despite these positive aspects, public transport services are deemed satisfactory.

According to the report, residents actively participate in decision-making processes and provide valuable feedback on government projects.

In a parallel development, Alkhobar has secured its position as a smart city, ranking 99th out of 142 municipalities following its inclusion in the IMD list. 

Alkhobar is the fifth Saudi metropolis to embrace innovative city initiatives, joining Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah as well as Jeddah.

Its inclusion in the Smart City Index shows it is poised to attract global investments, foster the establishment of new companies and projects and stimulate economic growth.

This achievement reflects the Kingdom’s dedicated efforts and notable progress in the vital sector, aligning with the vision outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. 

The IMD’s Smart City Index serves as a significant benchmark, showcasing municipalities’ readiness and utilization of advanced technologies to foster sustainable communities.

The analysis evaluates various aspects of city development, including health and safety, employment and education opportunities and mobility as well as cultural activities, governance, and the harmonization of economic, technological, and human life dimensions. 

Smart cities leverage digital technology to optimize resource usage, curb carbon emissions, and enhance responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

Moreover, Makkah ranked 52nd on the list, whereas Jeddah and Madinah claimed 55th and 74th positions, respectively.

Omar Al-Abdullatif, CEO of the Sharqia Development Authority, expressed pride in this accomplishment, attributing it to the Kingdom’s overall development trajectory guided by strong leadership and the directives of the governor of the Eastern Province, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

 


Egypt inflation slows to 10.1% in January: CAPMAS  

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Egypt inflation slows to 10.1% in January: CAPMAS  

JEDDAH: Egypt’s annual inflation eased to 10.1 percent in January from 10.3 percent a month earlier, while consumer prices rose sharply on a monthly basis, highlighting persistent pressure on household costs. 

The consumer price index climbed to 268.1 points in January from 264.2 in December, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, also known as CAPMAS, said. Monthly inflation accelerated to 1.5 percent, compared with 0.1 percent in December. 

The government has stressed measures to contain inflation, with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi calling for coordination between the Central Bank of Egypt and the Ministry of Finance. 

Earlier, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said these efforts aim to curb inflation pressures, support economic stability and encourage private sector growth. 

In its latest report, CAPMAS stated: “Among the most important indicators in price changes.... an increase in the prices of the grains and bread group by 0.1 percent, the meat and poultry group by 5.1 percent, the fish and seafood group by 1.7 percent, the dairy, cheese, and eggs group by 0.5 percent, the oils, and fats group by 0.2 percent.”  

Price movements in January contrasted with patterns seen in December 2025. Essential food and beverage categories recorded significant increases after some declines in the previous month. The meat and poultry group rose 5.1 percent in January following a 1.1 percent decline in December. 

Vegetables increased by 8.5 percent after falling 2 percent in December, while coffee, tea, and cocoa rose by 6.7 percent, up from 0.1 percent. Fish and seafood increased by 1.7 percent, dairy, cheese, and eggs by 0.5 percent, grains and bread by 0.1 percent, and tobacco and oils and fats rose by 0.7 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. 

Housing-related costs continued to rise, with actual rents up 1.6 percent, imputed rents up 1.9 percent, and housing maintenance and repair up 0.8 percent. 

The report also showed hospital services increased by 3.4 percent, while outpatient clinic services rose by 1.0 percent, compared with December increases of 1.8 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively. 

Other consumer categories recorded moderate increases. Clothing and accessories rose by 1.4 percent, ready-made clothing by 1.1 percent, footwear by 0.4 percent, and cleaning, repair, and clothing rental by 1.0 percent. 

Personal care increased by 0.6 percent and transport services rose 0.3 percent, while household items and equipment rose between 0.2 percent and 0.7 percent. 

On the other hand, fruit prices decreased by 2.5 percent, and home appliances declined by 0.4 percent, continuing trends from December in some sectors.