Function Rooms

Conference & Workshop

TBA

Luncheon

TBA

Registration

Please register at the Corporate World Intelligence registration desk, where you will receive a lanyard upon signing in, which must be worn at all times during the conference. Registration is also required on Day 2 & Day 3.

Mobile Phones

As a courtesy to others in the conference room, please switch your mobile phones to silent mode during sessions.

Message

Any messages received for attendees will be announced before each break, and will be left at our Corporate World Intelligence registration desk for collection.

Access To Conference Documentation

All participants will receive a copy of the presentation slides/materials via email within 7 business days, upon approval. Please note that the documentation provided is copyrighted by the speakers and Corporate World Intelligence, and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from either parties.

Belongings

Please remember to keep your personal belongings and conference materials with you at all times.

Monday 7th September 2026 - Day 1

Vision, Infrastructure & Innovations

8:30am

Registration & Welcome Coffee

9:00am

Opening Remarks

9:15am

Utilizing AI for Smart Governance

Data to Decisions: Turning Information into Foresight
Citizen-Centric Digital Services at Scale
Ethical, Transparent, and Secure Governance Frameworks

Lawrence Eta,
Digital Expert Advisor - Thought Leader

9:55am

The Line: Redefining Urban Living

Vertical Urbanism & Zero-Carbon Design
Explore how The Line’s revolutionary linear structure eliminates the need for cars, reduces carbon emissions, and reimagines spatial planning through vertically stacked communities.
AI-Powered Infrastructure & Cognitive Living
Discuss how integrated artificial intelligence, digital twins, and autonomous systems create a responsive urban environment that adapts to residents’ needs in real time.
Human-Centric Innovation & Livability
Examine how The Line prioritizes walkability, nature integration, and access to services within five-minute zones—setting new global benchmarks for quality of life in future cities.

TBA

10:30am

Coffee and Networking Break

10:45am

Case Study: NEOM – Building a Cognitive City from Scratch

Dive into NEOM’s bold vision to create a fully automated, AI-powered urban ecosystem. This session will unpack its modular infrastructure, zero-carbon goals, and digital twin technology.

Key Takeaways:

The Line’s vertical urbanism
NEOM’s mobility grid and autonomous transport
Data-driven governance and predictive city modeling

Himanshu Kaul,
Chief Technology Officer - ELISIUM City

11:25am

Digital Infrastructure for Smart Mobility

Connected Mobility Ecosystems
Explore how integrated digital platforms—combining IoT, GPS, and real-time data—enable seamless coordination across public transport, ride-sharing, autonomous vehicles, and pedestrian flows
Smart Traffic Management & Predictive Analytics
Discuss how AI-powered traffic systems reduce congestion, optimize routes, and improve emergency response through real-time monitoring and predictive modeling.
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) & Citizen Experience
Examine how unified digital infrastructure supports MaaS platforms, offering citizens personalized, efficient, and sustainable travel options through a single interface.

Hajar El Haddaoui,
Director General | Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) - Switzerland

12:00pm

Lunch Break

13:00pm

AI & IoT in Urban Planning

Predictive Urban Design Through Real-Time Data
Explore how AI and IoT sensors enable city planners to analyze traffic patterns, energy consumption, and population flows—allowing for data-driven decisions that optimize zoning, infrastructure, and public services.
From Static Blueprints to Dynamic Cities
Discuss how digital twins and AI modeling are transforming traditional urban planning into a continuous, adaptive process—where cities evolve in response to real-time needs and environmental conditions.
Enhancing Citizen-Centric Planning
Examine how IoT-enabled feedback loops and AI-powered sentiment analysis can capture community input, improve service delivery, and ensure urban development aligns with resident needs and behaviors.

TBA

13:40pm

Green Cities: Sustainability & Smart Energy

Smart Energy Grids & Renewable Integration
Explore how intelligent grid systems and decentralized energy sources—like solar, wind, and waste-to-energy are powering urban sustainability. Discuss how real-time data and predictive analytics optimize energy distribution and reduce carbon footprints.
Eco-Conscious Urban Design & Green Architecture
Examine how cities are embedding sustainability into their physical form through passive cooling, green roofs, energy-efficient materials, and nature-based solutions that enhance livability and climate resilience.
Policy, Incentives & Citizen Engagement
Discuss how governments and city leaders can accelerate green adoption through regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and citizen-driven initiatives from smart meters to behavioral nudges for energy conservation.

TBA

14:15pm

Coffee and Networking Break

14:30pm

Smart Governance & Citizen Engagement

Digital Platforms for Transparent Governance
Explore how smart cities are leveraging e-governance tools, open data portals, and blockchain-based systems to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and build public trust.
Citizen-Centric Service Delivery
Discuss how AI-powered chatbots, mobile apps, and integrated service dashboards are transforming how residents interact with city services making access faster, more personalized, and inclusive.
Participatory Urban Decision-Making
Examine how cities are using digital polling, gamified engagement platforms, and real-time feedback loops to involve citizens in planning, budgeting, and policy development turning residents into co-creators of their urban future.

TBA

15:10pm

Cybersecurity in Smart Cities

Securing Urban Digital Infrastructure
Explore how smart cities can protect critical systems—like traffic control, energy grids, and public services—from cyber threats through layered security architecture, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven threat detection.
Data Privacy & Citizen Trust
Discuss the ethical and regulatory frameworks needed to safeguard personal data collected through IoT devices, surveillance systems, and digital platforms—ensuring transparency and building public confidence
Resilience Against Cyber Disruption
Examine strategies for incident response, disaster recovery, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure cities can withstand and quickly recover from cyberattacks targeting essential services.

TBA

15:45pm

Smart Waste Management & Circular Economy: Tech-driven solutions for sustainable urban resource cycles.

TBA

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Tuesday 8th September 2026 - Day 2

Strategy, Leadership & Global Collaboration

9:15am

Vision 2030: Smart Cities as Economic Catalysts

How Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects are driving economic diversification and global competitiveness.

Urban Innovation as a Driver of Non-Oil GDP Growth
Explore how giga-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and The Line are creating new economic sectors from advanced manufacturing and digital services to tourism and entertainment supporting Saudi Arabia’s shift away from oil dependency.
Smart Cities as Investment Magnets
Discuss how integrated infrastructure, regulatory reform, and digital readiness are attracting global investors, tech firms, and startups positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for future-forward urban development.
Job Creation & Talent Development in Emerging Sectors
Examine how smart city ecosystems are generating high-skilled employment opportunities in AI, robotics, sustainability, and urban design while fostering local talent through education, training, and global partnerships.

TBA

10:05am

10:55am

Coffee and Networking Break

11:10am

12:00pm

Lunch Break

13:50pm

Smart Tourism & Cultural Integration

Tech-Enhanced Visitor Experiences
Explore how smart cities are using AR/VR, AI-powered guides, and multilingual apps to create immersive, personalized tourism journeys—making heritage sites, museums, and cultural districts more accessible and engaging.
Preserving Identity While Embracing Innovation
Discuss how urban planners and cultural institutions can balance modernization with authenticity ensuring that smart infrastructure enhances, rather than erodes, local traditions and historical narratives.
Data-Driven Tourism Strategy
Examine how real-time analytics, visitor flow tracking, and sentiment analysis help cities optimize tourism offerings, manage crowds, and tailor experiences to diverse audiences boosting both satisfaction and sustainability.

TBA

14:25pm

5G & Urban Connectivity: How next-gen networks are transforming mobility, safety, and citizen services

Real-Time Mobility & Autonomous Transport
Explore how 5G enables ultra-low latency communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and control systems—accelerating the deployment of autonomous shuttles, smart traffic lights, and predictive route optimization
Enhanced Public Safety & Emergency Response
Discuss how high-speed, high-capacity networks support real-time surveillance, drone-assisted monitoring, and AI-powered incident detection empowering faster, data-driven responses to urban emergencies.
Seamless Citizen Services & Digital Inclusion
Examine how 5G connectivity improves access to healthcare, education, and government services especially in underserved areas while supporting immersive experiences like remote diagnostics, virtual classrooms, and mobile service kiosks.

TBA

15:00pm

Coffee and Networking Break

15:15pm

Net-Zero Cities - Pathways to Carbon Neutrality: Strategies for energy transition, green buildings, and climate adaptation.

Energy Transition & Decentralized Power Systems
Explore how cities are shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, and geothermal while adopting decentralized grids, energy storage, and smart metering to balance supply and demand efficiently.
Green Buildings & Low-Carbon Urban Design
Discuss the role of sustainable architecture, passive cooling, and energy-efficient materials in reducing emissions. Highlight how building codes, retrofitting programs, and LEED certifications are accelerating the shift toward carbon-neutral construction.
Climate Adaptation & Urban Resilience
Examine how cities are preparing for climate impacts like heatwaves, flooding, and water scarcity through nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, and data-driven risk modeling that supports long-term sustainability.

TBA

15:50pm

Case Study: Singapore – The Global Benchmark for Smart Governance

Explore how Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative integrates AI, IoT, and citizen-centric design to deliver seamless public services, predictive urban planning, and real-time responsiveness.

Key Takeaways:

National digital identity system
Smart traffic and energy grids
Citizen feedback loops and participatory design

TBA

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Wednesday 9th September 2026 - Day 3

Urban Data Management for Smart, Sustainable Cities

8:30am

Registration & Networking Coffee

9:00am

Welcome & Framing

Why urban data matters - Objectives & flow

Outline why urban data matters for smart city transformation.
Learn what good data management looks like in practice.
Inspire participants with the vision of data-driven urban futures.

9:15am

Urban Data Foundations

Urban data types & ecosystems · What good data management looks like · Smart city examples

Explore different urban data types and their ecosystems.
Learn what good data management looks like in practice.
Review smart city case studies showcasing effective data use.

10:15am

Coffee Break

10:30am

Governance, Ethics & Trust

Privacy, security & quality · Ethics & citizen trust · Global standards (ISO, UN)

Understand privacy, security, and quality challenges in urban data.
Discuss ethical frameworks and building citizen trust.
Examine global standards (ISO, UN) for data governance.

11:45am

Networking Lunch

12:45pm

AI, Analytics & Emerging Technologies

AI & machine learning · Predictive analytics & Digital Twins · IoT and real-time data

Discover how AI and machine learning transform urban systems.
Apply predictive analytics and digital twins to city planning.
Explore IoT and real-time data for smarter decision-making.

14:00pm

Hands-On Design Lab

Designing a data-driven urban initiative · Data, governance & KPIs

Collaboratively design a data-driven urban initiative.
Integrate governance frameworks and KPIs into project planning.
Practice applying theory to real-world urban challenges.

15:15pm

Coffee Break

15:30pm

From Strategy to Implementation

Funding & governance models · National–city data integration · Overcoming barriers

Explore funding and governance models for urban data projects.
Learn how to integrate national–city data systems effectively
Identify and overcome barriers to implementation.

16:30pm

Looking Ahead

Future urban innovation · Data teams · Alignment with SDGs

Discuss future urban innovation trends and opportunities.
Highlight the importance of data teams and capacity building.
Align urban data strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

17:00pm

Closing & Key Takeaway

Help us by submitting feedback For Day 3

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Edgar Perez

Top Global AI Keynote Speaker

Jamie Hull

Motivational Speaker

Alaa Banabilah

Director of New Logistics Zones | Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services

Lawrence Eta

Digital Expert Advisor | Thought Leader

Mohammed Sheikh Ali

Senior Vice President - Smart Infrastructure Buildings in KSA - Siemens

Eng. Eman El-Garhy

IFC EDGE Expert | The World Bank and CEO |El Garhy Architects

Himanshu Kaul

Chief Technology Officer - ELISIUM City

Laila Al Hadhrami

Group CEO - Communities Connect Cities (C3)

Joaquim Alvarez

Chief Digital Officer - KOAN Club

Oleg Krylov

Senior Director – Information, Communications and Technology | Confidential PIF

Dr Saad Alnafisah

Director - AI & Emerging Technologies | Confidential

Frans-Anton Vermast

Strategy Advisor to Governments & Organisations

Ahmad AlMontshery

Digital Architecture and Delivery Director - ARDARA

Master Trainer

Drs. Robert P.P.J. Hermans

Affiliated Urban Development Expert and Master Trainer - SMU Urban Institute

Drs. Robert P.P.J. Hermans is a Dutch urban geographer, data strategist, and international advisor with over 35 years of global experience at the intersection of urban development, smart cities, statistics, and data-driven policymaking. Having worked across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, he combines strategic vision, hands-on implementation, and international perspective. He is currently based in Buriram, Thailand.

Today, Drs. Hermans is Senior Advisor and Partner for Southeast Asia at Emerging Markets Intelligence and Research (EMIR), focusing on smart cities, urban data science and AI, actionable urban intelligence, and sustainable city strategies. He is also Advisor for Urban Development and Smart Cities at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (Bangkok), an Affiliated Urban Expert and Master Trainer Urban Data Governance at the Urban Institute of Singapore Management University, and an Affiliated Urban Development Expert with Mehwar Consulting in Saudi Arabia. A frequent keynote speaker, moderator, master trainer and workshop leader, Drs. Hermans is known for his clear storytelling, practical insights, and ability to bridge policy, data, and realworld urban impact. He has contributed to multiple United Nations initiatives, served on international advisory boards, and co-authored influential publications on city data, smart cities, and urban governance.

CORPORATE CLIENTS INCLUDE:

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) – Director-level leadership; Urban Data Centers & Regional Data Alliances
Advisory engagements with cities and statistical offices in: Argentina, China, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Panama, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, UAE, USA and Vietnam
City of Wujiang (China) – Smart & Sustainable Urban Development
Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD) – Senior Advisor to the Director General

Coming Soon

Global Smart City Excellence Awards

List & Categories of Awards

Smart Government Authority Award
Recognizes government bodies that leverage digital innovation to deliver efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric services.
Smart Urban Development Award
Honors initiatives that transform cities through sustainable planning, smart infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
Healthcare City Initiative Award
Acknowledges pioneering healthcare ecosystems that integrate technology, accessibility, and patient-centered care.

Smart Mobility Innovative Award
Rewards groundbreaking solutions in transportation that enhance connectivity, safety, and sustainability.

Smart Energy and Renewable Integration Award
Recognizes excellence in harnessing renewable energy and smart grids to drive sustainability.

Smart Waste Management Award
Honors initiatives that revolutionize waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery.

Smart Buildings Excellence Award
Acknowledges cutting-edge building designs that integrate technology, efficiency, and sustainability.

Digital Trust and Privacy Champion Award
Rewards organizations that uphold the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and digital ethics.

Smart Education Ecosystem Award
Celebrates transformative education models that integrate technology, inclusivity, and innovation.

Sustainable Infrastructure Award
Honors projects that deliver resilient, eco-friendly infrastructure aligned with long-term sustainability goals.