Alkhobar launches tree digitization project to become smart green city

Arab News

4 days ago

Jeddah: The Eastern Province Municipality has launched a project to document and digitize trees in Alkhobar, aiming to make it the first smart green city in the region.
The first phase will involve the recording and digital tagging of more than 100,000 trees.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Alkhobar's global standing, as the city ranks 61st in the 2025 Smart Cities Index.
Officials said that the project reflects the municipality's commitment to environmental sustainability while creating economic opportunities by encouraging private sector participation in tree-planting campaigns.
Each tree will be fitted with an electronic tag carrying detailed information such as its species, location and care guidelines, in both Arabic and English.
The tags will be geo-linked to create a comprehensive database of Alkhobar's green assets.
The project will also promote investment in smart cities and sustainable infrastructure, raise environmental awareness and enhance social responsibility, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
More than 10,000 trees have already been tagged in areas including the Southern Corniche, the waterfront, the Northern Corniche and along main roads. The program will eventually cover all trees across the city.
The initiative aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions, plant 10 billion trees, and protect 30 percent of the Kingdom's land and marine areas by 2030.
Across the Kingdom, cities are adopting sustainable urban strategies to improve air quality, expand green spaces and enhance biodiversity.
Saudi Arabia's broader smart city vision includes megaprojects such as NEOM with its futuristic developments, The Line, Oxagon, Trojena and Sindalah, powered entirely by renewable energy.
Riyadh is advancing with integrated smart transport, digital healthcare and its massive Green Riyadh afforestation program.
Jeddah Economic City is being designed with smart energy grids and automated waste systems, while King Abdullah Economic City focuses on port innovation and digital ecosystems.
Qiddiya City near Riyadh is set to become a global entertainment and sports hub with AI-driven operations, and Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh is pioneering a global-first district dedicated to education, innovation and culture.