On December 16, Amr al-Dabbagh, the governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) discussed how the kingdom’s ambitious economic cities projects would break new ground in the integration and use of information and communications technology (ICT). Al-Dabbagh spoke during a forum entitled Intelligent Cities, held in Riyadh. The forum discussed the concept of the project and the investment opportunities associated with the cities. All are to be solely funded by the private sector but al-Dabbagh was quick to emphasize the government was offering tremendous support to the initiatives. In addition, the head of SAGIA also announced two new cities, which would bring the total to six. Studies are underway to establish two new economic cities in the northern and eastern regions, al-Dabbagh said. The four cities announced to date are King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, on the coast north of Jeddah, Prince Abdulaziz bin Mousaed’s Economic City
