The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing has launched several digital initiatives that incorporate advanced technologies to support the Urban Landscape Improvement Journey and the Housing Journey, marking them as the first two journeys in the Life Experiences Program. This initiative was unveiled as part of the Ministry’s participation in the LEAP Technology Conference in Riyadh, which focuses on future digital innovations. The launch event was attended by His Excellency Professor Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing; His Excellency Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; His Excellency Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Suwaian, Governor of the Digital Government Authority; alongside several other dignitaries.

Engineer Ali bin Hadi Rajhi, Deputy Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing for Digital Transformation and Smart Cities, emphasized the significance of these initiatives in accelerating digital transformation in the municipal sector, automating services, and reducing expenditures. He explained that this is achieved through the adoption of emerging technologies that enhance the urban landscape of cities, such as monitoring land encroachments via satellite imagery, detecting visual pollution and urban distortions through Dash Cam technology, and identifying the most critical urban issues affecting residents to prioritize automated solutions. He further highlighted the role of technologies like Nasaq, an integrated system that coordinates infrastructure works across cities in collaboration with over 80 entities from both government and private sectors. These initiatives have successfully raised residents’ satisfaction levels from 35% to 76%, in alignment with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives.

Engineer Ryan bin Abdullah Al-Aql, Head of the Individual Solutions Sector at the National Housing Company, noted the substantial government support received by the housing sector, which has facilitated rapid and efficient services for beneficiaries. This was achieved through a comprehensive digital experience that saves time and effort for users, featuring interactive maps that allow beneficiaries to locate housing units, check availability, and view property sizes. The package also includes an electronic financing service, providing beneficiaries with access to financing anytime and anywhere. In addition, the Rental Behavior Service enables rental market participants to make better-informed decisions, further supporting the expansion of the Kingdom’s housing sector.

It is noteworthy that the inaugural edition of the LEAP International Technology Conference began in Riyadh yesterday and will run until 3 February, under the slogan “An Eye on the Future.” The conference features broad participation, with over 350 speakers representing 40 countries worldwide.