The Warning Behind Saudi Arabia’s Scaled-Back Urban Mega Project

Description:

There is a long history of planned city building by both governments and the private sector from Brasilia to Islamabad. More recently, two trends have come together in a new wave of visionary urban planning. On the one hand, there are the neoliberal “special economic zone” policies that accelerated in the 1980s and which have become an almost unquestioned global economic article of faith. On the other, there is the “smart city” in which ubiquitous sensing and surveillance generate big data, fr…

Personal Impact:

As an individual, the warning behind Saudi Arabia’s scaled-back urban mega project may have significant implications on your privacy and quality of life. The use of ubiquitous sensing and surveillance in smart cities can lead to increased monitoring of your activities and behaviors, raising concerns about data privacy and personal freedom.

Global Impact:

From a global perspective, the scaled-back urban mega project in Saudi Arabia serves as a cautionary tale for other countries embarking on similar ambitious initiatives. It highlights the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on neoliberal economic policies and excessive surveillance in urban planning, emphasizing the importance of considering the ethical implications of such developments.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the warning behind Saudi Arabia’s scaled-back urban mega project underscores the need for a more thoughtful and balanced approach to urban planning. While the concept of smart cities offers innovative solutions for urban challenges, it is essential to prioritize the protection of privacy rights and the well-being of individuals in the pursuit of technological advancement.