8 Countries Building Entirely New Smart Cities From Scratch

As urban populations continue to grow, many countries are building entirely new smart cities designed with advanced technology, sustainable infrastructure, and digital services from the ground up. These cities aim to improve transportation, energy efficiency, public services, and quality of life while reducing environmental impact.
1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is building NEOM, a futuristic smart city powered by renewable energy. The project includes The Line, a planned linear city focused on sustainability, smart mobility, and zero-emission transport.
2. Egypt
Egypt is developing the New Administrative Capital east of Cairo. The city will house government offices, business districts, smart infrastructure, digital public services, and residential communities.
3. Indonesia
Indonesia is constructing Nusantara, its new capital city on Borneo. The project is designed to be a sustainable, forest-friendly smart city with modern transport and energy systems.
4. South Korea
South Korea’s Songdo International Business District is one of the world’s best-known purpose-built smart cities, featuring connected infrastructure, smart traffic systems, and energy-efficient buildings.
5. India
India is developing several new urban projects under its Smart Cities Mission. New planned cities and urban extensions are incorporating digital governance, intelligent transport, and sustainable infrastructure.
6. United Arab Emirates
The UAE continues expanding smart urban developments that integrate artificial intelligence, autonomous transport, renewable energy, and smart public services into newly planned communities.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is developing Forest City, a large mixed-use smart city project focused on sustainable buildings, green spaces, and digital infrastructure.
8. China
China continues to build new smart urban districts featuring AI-powered traffic management, smart utilities, energy-efficient buildings, and connected public services.
Conclusion
Countries around the world are investing billions in new smart cities to prepare for future population growth and climate challenges. By combining digital technology with sustainable urban planning, these projects aim to create safer, cleaner, and more efficient places to live and work.
FAQs
What is a smart city?
A smart city uses technology and data to improve public services, transportation, energy use, and quality of life.
Which country is building NEOM?
Saudi Arabia.
What is Indonesia’s new smart capital called?
Nusantara.
Are smart cities environmentally friendly?
Most are designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase the use of renewable energy.



