Evaluation of Smart Community Engagement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

COVID19 has created a global effect on economies, people and governments around the world. This includes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Although the KSA’s peak of reported COVID cases was from March to July 2020 the pattern shows significant reduction from August 2020 onwards. Nonetheless, many people are still losing their jobs and businesses are shutting down. Due to the prolonged lockdown period announced by the KSA government from 9 March 2020, there has been an increased, 70%, demand for digital services during the lockdown, as compared to the previous year (according to the government figures). This is due to the high restriction of movements for everyone. People started to use online services to purchase items and food; meanwhile, lessons in schools and universities remained online to the date this proposal was written. Many people are also working from home. Online systems such as Tabaud, Mawid, Tawakkalna and Tetamman Many apps were developed for use during the pandemic. For example, the Tabaud, Mawid, Tawakkalna and Tetamman apps for smartphones are among the latest by KSA government efforts to combat and contain the virus. The KSA introduced Vision 2030 to empower their people to diversify the economy of the country. In Vision 2030, the KSA has prioritized the rapid growth of ICT as a building foundation of digital development. This study focuses on evaluating the smart community engagement in Riyadh focusing on the level of acceptance and execution from the perspective of the public and relevant agencies. This research seeks to understand the level of community engagement in Riyadh towards the use of ICT in improving quality of life. This could help move forward the development of the smart community concept involving the engagement of relevant authorities.