Saudi Aramco, a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, won the Innovation Award for its “myCommunity” platform. However, Saudi Arabia’s participation in the leading smart cities show has sparked debate about the country’s human rights record.
Saudi Aramco, the world’s leading energy company, took center stage at the Barcelona Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), showcasing its A’amer platform. Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), this sophisticated system has transformed facility management at Aramco’s Dhahran headquarters, leading to substantial savings in water and energy consumption.
The company received recognition with the SCEWC Innovation Award for its “myCommunity” digital application, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a leader in smart city development. This ambition aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to diversify the Saudi economy and improve quality of life.
Vision 2030 blueprint for a sustainable future
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 encompasses many initiatives, with smart cities playing a crucial role. Neom, a futuristic megacity in northwest Saudi Arabia, is a flagship project. Envisioned as a model for sustainable living, Neom will be fully powered by renewable energy, minimizing its environmental footprint.
The city prioritizes the well-being of its residents and the preservation of the natural environment, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance the quality of life and optimize urban operations. Neom’s focus on innovation, economic diversification, and technological advancement seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development.
Human rights concerns cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia’s smart city ambitions
However, Saudi Arabia’s participation in the expo, particularly the presence of Aramco, has prompted discussions about the country’s human rights record and its approach to democracy. Critics point to the Kingdom’s history of suppressing dissent and restricting civil liberties as evidence of a disconnect between its ambitious smart city vision and its political realities.
A 2022 report by the National Endowment for Democracy highlights concerns about authoritarian states, like Saudi Arabia, seeking to weaken the international human rights system. These states often advocate for technical assistance and capacity building as solutions to human rights issues, downplaying the role of political will and accountability in addressing systemic abuses.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to increase its influence in international organizations, particularly within the United Nations Human Rights Council, have raised concerns about its intentions.
Critics argue that some of the Kingdom’s actions, such as defeating a resolution to investigate human rights violations in Yemen, demonstrate a prioritization of its own interests over advancing human rights. This contradiction between its smart city ambitions and human rights record presents a complex challenge for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to gain international recognition and legitimacy on the world stage.
Aramco’s sustainability claims face scrutiny
Aramco’s sustainability report acknowledges its commitment to stakeholder engagement, which includes regular interactions with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and local communities. However, concerns remain about how these engagements translate into meaningful improvements in human rights protections. Critics argue that the company’s focus on economic development and technological advancement should not overshadow the importance of upholding fundamental human rights and democratic principles.
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 annual report highlights significant investments in digitalization and transparency within the government. Platforms like Absher have streamlined access to various government services, while efforts to digitize the justice system aim to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Saudi Arabia has also improved its statistical performance, climbing to 15th globally in the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Index, indicating a commitment to providing high-quality data for informed policymaking.
However, critics argue that technological advancements and data management can also be used for surveillance and control, further restricting individual freedoms and limiting democratic participation. It’s essential to assess how these technological advancements will be implemented and whether they will be used to empower citizens or strengthen state control.
A call for transparency and accountability
The contrast between Saudi Arabia’s smart city aspirations and human rights record underscores a broader debate surrounding the ethical implications of technological advancements.As cities increasingly rely on digital technologies, questions arise about the potential trade-offs between efficiency, convenience, and individual liberties.
While serving as a platform for showcasing innovation, the Smart City Expo World Congress also provides an opportunity to critically examine the social and political implications of smart city development.
It remains to be seen how Saudi Arabia will navigate these complex challenges and whether its ambitious Vision 2030 plan will lead to a future that prioritizes technological advancement, the protection of human rights, and democratic values. The international community will watch closely as the Kingdom embarks on this transformative journey.
