Designing Healing Cities, One District at a Time
Dr. Houssam Al Masri’s Smart City Therapy method has guided the transformation of multiple urban projects across the MENA region. Each case study reveals how data-driven insight, community empathy, and future-focused infrastructure converge to produce healthier, more resilient cities.
From mobility integration in heritage zones to digital wellbeing pilots in future-ready districts, these curated stories reflect Dr. Al Masri’s signature blend of strategic design and human-centric vision.
Case Study # 1: Digital Wellbeing in Jeddah Central
Case Study # 2: Heritage Mobility Integration – Al Balad
In the heart of Jeddah Central, this pilot initiative redefined digital wellness by embedding smart learning infrastructure within walkable, mixed-use districts.
- Designed sensor-integrated learning zones linked to digital twins
- Enabled real-time analytics on education space usage
- Prioritized children’s safety, accessibility, and healthy digital interaction
Fostered a new model of inclusive education design, now informing JCDC’s broader Smart Community guidelines.
Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, needed modern mobility without compromising its heritage value. Dr. Al Masri’s team created a sensitive integration strategy.
- Introduced low-impact mobility hubs and EV loops
- Used pedestrian heatmaps and crowd flow sensors
- Created digital twin overlays to simulate historic preservation impact
Maintained architectural integrity while improving access and livability for residents, artisans, and tourists.
Case Study # 3: Command & Control – Future Proofing Operations
To consolidate city operations and emergency readiness, JCDC developed a Smart Command & Control Center aligned with the Smart City Therapy method.
- Defined cross-asset digital twin frameworks
- Integrated climate, energy, transport, and safety systems
- Applied ethical AI governance for decision-support layers
Built a centralized, ethical, and adaptive digital nerve center for urban operations—setting a standard for other PIF-funded projects.
Case Study # 4: Data Equity for a Connected Coastline Red Sea Smart Fiber Loop
To ensure that connectivity didn’t exclude seasonal workers or remote dwellers, the Smart Fiber Loop initiative was launched as a regional model.
Designed neutral-host fiber loop across coastal giga-projects
- Ensured open access for public and private services
- Proposed embedded ESG metrics and community ownership models
Reduced the digital divide in remote coastal zones and enabled scalable Smart Tourism and Marine Research platforms.
More Stories Coming Soon
Explore upcoming case studies from JCDC, NEOM, Diriyah, and other Smart City Therapy engagements across MENA, Europe, and Africa.
