The Eastern Province Municipality showcased its experience in leveraging digital transformation and smart city technologies to improve municipal operations and facility management during its participation in the International Facility Management Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Riyadh.

The municipality took part in a panel discussion titled “Smart and Connected Buildings” at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, with Nael Al-Huqail, Deputy Mayor for Digital Transformation and Smart Cities, joining experts and specialists in facility management, technology, and smart solutions.

Data and Digital Systems Transform Facility Management

The session explored the rapid evolution of smart and connected buildings and examined how modern technologies, data, and digital systems can reshape facility management and operations.

Discussions highlighted the role of digital solutions in improving operational efficiency, strengthening sustainability, and creating smarter and more connected urban environments that can respond more effectively to users’ needs.

Al-Huqail highlighted the integration of data and digital systems as a key enabler for advancing municipal operations, supporting decision-making, and improving operational efficiency.

He also emphasized the importance of deploying smart solutions to enhance facilities and strengthen their ability to adapt to future requirements and changing urban needs.

Smart Buildings and Cross-Sector Integration

The session also addressed strategic trends in smart buildings, the application of emerging technologies during implementation and operation, and the future of integration and collaboration across different sectors.

Participants discussed how data and digital solutions can help develop more efficient and sustainable facility management systems.

The municipality’s participation reflects its broader efforts to integrate smart city applications, digital platforms, and data-driven technologies into municipal services, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to smarter and more sustainable urban development.