The Smart Madinah Forum 2022 to kick off on Sunday at the city's Namaa Almunawara building with the theme "Where technology meets tranquility." Organized by the Madinah Regional Development Authority, the forum aims to discuss the concept of smart cities and how they would improve quality of life and ensure sustainability. A group of specialists from around the world are participating in the forum's sessions to review the experiences of global smart cities, discuss the challenges faced by residents and visitors to Madinah city, and ways to apply the concept of smart cities to address those challenges. Experts will review the Madinah experience in transforming into a smart city, the role of innovation in promoting sustainable development, and introducing urban innovation tools. The two-day forum features three main panels answering questions about what a smart city is, what is meant by a smart city, what the mission of a smart city is, what its key challenges are, if technology is an objective or a tool in smart cities, and whether a religious and historic city like Madinah can transform into a smart city. The sessions will look at many sectors, including luxury, transport, and tourism, and also discuss the experience of Madinah in its first steps toward becoming a smart city without affecting its Islamic culture or identity. — SPA
