Saudi Arabian smart city project promises to be ‘zero carbon’

Saudi Arabia’s latest smart city endeavour – AlNama – will be a zero-carbon community where “people, planet and profit thrive in balance”, according to the company behind its development.

However, few details are available and experts question some of the sustainability promises.

The project – designed by Dubai-based developer URB – is planning to provide 11,000 residential units and aims to eventually host a population of 44,000 people.

Located on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh, the 10 square kilometre city will feature various hubs including residential, educational, commercial, tourism and medical facilities.

“AlNama aims to be the next generation of self-sufficient city,...