Habib M. Alshuwaikhat

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the science fields with huge potential to create a cognitive and tech-leaping type of future smart city design/development. However, extant studies lag behind recent applications, potential growth areas, and the challenges associated with AI implementation. This study examines AI’s current role, trend, and future potential impacts in enhancing smart city drivers. The methodology entails conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of publications from 2022 onwards. The approach involves qualitative deductive coding methods, descriptive statistical analysis, and thematic analysis. The findings revealed the impacts of AI in (i) public services and connectivity, (ii) improving accessibility and efficiency, (iii) quality healthcare, (iv) education, and (v) public safety. Likewise, strategies, such as collaborative ecosystems, digital infrastructure, capacity building, and clear guidelines and ethical framework, were proposed for fostering the integration of AI in potential future smart cities. This research fills a notable gap in the current understanding of AI’s specific contributions to smart cities, offering insights for stakeholders in urban planning, computer science, sociology, economics, environmental science, and smart city initiatives. It serves as a strategic guideline and scholarly research output for enhancing smart city design. It also underscores the potential of AI in creating dynamic, sustainable, and efficient urban environments.

Urban computing is the incorporation of computing, sensors, and actuation technology into urban life. In Saudi Arabia, the neighborhoods lack an integrated approach to social, economic, and environmental values, thereby creating consequences, such as inefficient mobility, poor environmental protection, low quality of life, and inadequate services or facilities. This article aims to develop a smart sustainable neighborhood framework (SSNF) to create districts that contribute to a healthy environment, sustain a strong community, and thrive in economic value. The framework is created by two main factors, first is identifying and analyzing the categories of urban computing. Second is choosing the appropriate indicators from sets of standards, including sustainable development goal (SDG) 11, as developed by the United Nations. These two factors shaped the proposed “smart and sustainable urban computing framework (SSUCF)” of “people”, “prosperity”, and “environment” dimensions, and it has been applied to the Alkhaledia district as a case study. The result indicates that urban computing can be used as the basis of support, along with smart and sustainable standards to produce an SSNF. Furthermore, with the analysis of relevant data, this framework can be used in similar neighborhoods to enhance the quality of residents’ lives, environmental protection, and economic values.