Futuristic Cities That Will Make You Question What Year It Is

24. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – A Capital in Hyper-Transformation

Riyadh is evolving faster than almost any capital in the world — and it’s not just NEOM or The Line that are transforming Saudi Arabia’s image. The city itself is being remade into a future-facing metropolis fueled by the bold ambitions of Vision 2030. At its heart is the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a sprawling sci-fi-looking business zone filled with angular towers, skybridges, and AI-managed climate systems designed for desert sustainability. The Riyadh Metro — one of the world’s most advanced fully automated rail systems — will soon crisscross the city, connecting sprawling districts via driverless trains and app-based smart stations. Traffic lights are being optimized by AI to reduce congestion, while facial recognition technology is already being integrated into public spaces for streamlined security. Riyadh is also going green, with 7 million trees being planted as part of its massive greening initiative. The transformation is bold, rapid, and unapologetically futuristic — reshaping how the Middle East envisions urban living.