SMART ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING FOR SAUDI MEGA-PROJECTS: INTEGRATING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Abstract

Saudi Arabias rapid delivery of mega-projects under Vision 2030 is occurring alongside a strengthening environmental compliance regime and an accelerating national digital transformation. This combination creates a practical need to move environmental monitoring beyond periodic sampling and retrospective reporting toward continuous, risk-based and auditable digital oversight. This paper develops a conceptual framework for smart environmental monitoring in Saudi mega-projects by integrating Internet of Things ( IoT ) sensors, edge computing, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cloud platforms and secure data-traceability mechanisms with environmental management and regulatory compliance processes. The study uses a structured narrative review of recent peer-reviewed literature and official Saudi sources, including the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), Vision 2030 reporting and ISO 14001:2026. The synthesis identifies six core requirements for effective implementation: fit-for-purpose sensing, data quality assurance, spatial and operational contextualisation, automated compliance logic, accountable response workflows, and governance of data, cybersecurity and human decision rights. A Smart Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Framework (SEMCF) is proposed for large infrastructure, tourism, transport, urban and industrial developments.