Governments worldwide are advancing smart city projects, leveraging digital technologies like AI and IoT to enhance urban living and governance. Initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Neom, UAE’s Masdar City, and Kuwait’s Saad Al-Abdullah City aim to modernize economies, improve service delivery, and address environmental concerns. These projects demonstrate how digital tools can transform urban infrastructure and increase efficiency.
However, these developments raise significant concerns regarding data privacy and human rights, especially with the involvement of foreign technologies from China. Such technologies can enhance government surveillance and control, posing risks of repression and ethical issues. Monitoring and regulating the use of these technologies is crucial to ensure their alignment with ethical standards and protect citizen rights.
