Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company has teamed up with tech firm Augmento to use augmented reality in showcasing its Media and Innovation District. This partnership, revealed on January 6, 2026, at Cityscape Global in Riyadh, lets people explore future developments through interactive digital models before any building starts.
The move supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by mixing old heritage with new tech. It helps draw investors and speeds up planning for big projects.
Partnership Details Spark Excitement
Augmento brings its augmented reality tools to Diriyah’s plans. The team created an AR experience that works on devices like Apple Vision Pro and iPads.
Visitors at the Riyadh event could walk through virtual models of buildings and public spaces. This setup shows off Diriyah’s mix of history and modern design.
The district sits in a spot with 300 years of cultural roots. Augmento’s tech lets users see how new media hubs and innovation centers fit without harming the past.
This is not just a demo. It helps leaders make quick choices on designs.
Experts say such tools cut planning time by up to 30 percent. They also boost investor interest by making ideas feel real.
AR Tech Transforms Urban Planning
Augmented reality overlays digital info on the real world. In this case, it turns flat plans into 3D walkthroughs.
Diriyah’s project covers a large area near Riyadh. The AR model includes details like apartment layouts and green spaces.
One key feature lets users zoom into specific parts. For example, they can check how sunlight hits a building or how paths connect.
This tech has grown fast in real estate. Recent studies show AR can increase project approval rates by 25 percent.
In Saudi Arabia, it fits the push for digital change. The Kingdom has invested billions in tech to move beyond oil.
Here are some ways AR helps in projects like this:
- Speeds up feedback from stakeholders
- Reduces costly changes later
- Engages global audiences online
Teams can share models worldwide. This draws foreign money to Vision 2030 efforts.
Link to Saudi Vision 2030 Goals
Vision 2030 aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy. It targets tourism, tech, and culture by 2030.
Diriyah plays a big role. The full master plan could attract 25 million visitors each year.
The Media and Innovation District is a key piece. Launched in 2025, it focuses on creative industries and new tech.
Augmento’s AR showcase ties into this. It shows how heritage sites like ancient oases blend with modern hubs.
Recent data from 2025 shows Saudi venture capital hit record highs with 254 deals worth 1.66 billion dollars. Much of that goes to tech like AR.
The Kingdom’s non-oil economy now makes up 56 percent of GDP. Projects like Diriyah help push that number higher.
This partnership highlights Saudi Arabia’s tech boom. It includes big moves in AI and data centers, as seen in a new SDAIA project in Riyadh.
Impact on Investment and Development
Investors love clear visions. AR makes complex plans easy to grasp.
At Cityscape Global, set for November 16 to 19, 2026, this tech could shine again. But the January reveal sets the stage early.
Diriyah aims for billions in development. The AR tool helps align teams and cut risks.
One table shows key stats on Saudi tech growth:
| Area | 2025 Achievement | 2030 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Venture Capital Deals | 254 | Over 300 |
| Non-Oil GDP Share | 56% | 65% |
| Annual Tourists to Diriyah | Current: 10 million | 25 million |
| FDI Goal | 50 billion dollars | 100 billion dollars |
These numbers come from official reports. They show steady progress.
Developers say AR reduces misunderstandings. It leads to faster funding.
For everyday people, it means better cities. Planners can test ideas with community input.
Future Outlook for AR in Saudi Projects
More partnerships like this could pop up. Augmento plans to expand in the region.
Diriyah’s success might inspire other giga projects. Think Neom or the Red Sea developments.
Tech experts predict AR will be standard in urban planning by 2030. It saves time and money.
Saudi Arabia leads in this shift. With funds like the Public Investment Fund backing it, growth looks strong.
This blend of old and new sets a model for the world. It honors history while building tomorrow.
What do you think about using AR for city planning? Share your views in the comments and spread this story to spark discussions.
