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According to the Saudi Press Agency, a delegation from the Eastern Province Municipality reviewed key initiatives covering urban planning, smart cities, digital transformation and crisis and disaster management during the international gathering. The presentations allowed the municipality to share Saudi experience in applying geospatial tools for sustainable urban development. Participants engaged with global counterparts to exchange practices that support efficient municipal services.
Organizers of the Geospatial World Forum stated that the 2026 edition, hosted at the RAI Congress Centre, centered on the theme of Sovereignty, Economy and Society. The event convened policymakers, industry leaders and experts to examine how trusted spatial data bolsters national resilience and drives economic innovation. Sessions also addressed inclusive development through advanced geospatial applications.
Eastern Province Mayor Eng. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Jubeir led the municipality’s participation, according to forum listings. Al-Jubeir’s team focused on how the province has integrated geospatial technologies into city planning and emergency response systems. The involvement aligns with national efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve governance through technology.
The Geospatial World Forum has built a track record of attracting representatives from more than 100 countries in prior years, a scale that organizers said the 2026 meeting maintained. Such platforms enable municipalities to benchmark domestic projects against international standards in digital mapping and smart infrastructure. Discussions highlighted emerging tools including digital twins and artificial intelligence applications in urban management.
The Eastern Province Municipality has deployed these technologies to enhance service delivery across its jurisdictions, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Delegation members outlined projects that improve data accuracy for planning and disaster preparedness. Interest from other attending authorities pointed to potential future partnerships in geospatial innovation.
Additional forum panels explored data sovereignty and interoperability challenges that many governments face amid rapid digital adoption. The municipality’s showcase emphasized practical implementations that deliver measurable benefits to residents and businesses alike. Outcomes from the Amsterdam event are expected to inform continued development of smart-city strategies in the province.
