The most recent big mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia is a 10 square kilometer area near Riyadh called “AlNama.” The term “smart city,” which is derived from the Arabic word “thrive,” is intended to refer to an area with 11,000 residential units and a final population of 44,000. In order to establish a “green circular economy,” the 1,000-hectare complex will generate 10,000 jobs across a number of businesses, including green technology.
The project’s design is being developed by URB, a boutique planning and design consultancy based out of the Dubai Design District. “AlNama aims to be the next generation of the self-sufficient city, producing all the city’s renewable energy needs, as well as the resident’s caloric food intake on site,” said Baharash Bagherian, CEO of URB, in a statement. “The city was planned through the design of its landscape, rather than its buildings. This creates urbanism that is more socially inclusive, more economically valuable, and more sensitive to the environment.”
The hospitality hub will encourage ecotourism by showcasing eco-friendly glamping lodges, eco-resorts, and a wildlife conservation center. Within the medical hub, an autism village, a wellness center, and clinics will aid in promoting medical travel.
“Ultimately the city will become a work, live, and visit a destination where people, planet, and profit can thrive in balance,” the statement added. “It will become a new benchmark model for all future cities to be planned to promote greener economies that center around food, water, energy, and waste.”