Julie Alexander, Smart Cities Director at Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), has over 15 years’ experience in developing and delivering environmental sustainability strategies around the world. An experienced director of urban development and smart cities, Julie has previously been responsible for engaging with cities to showcase the role of infrastructure and integrated technological solutions in urban development. Julie’s particular areas of specialism include strategic city planning for the built environment and integrated infrastructure, sustainability and energy masterplanning and the optimisation of digitalised infrastructure. A member of the Smart London Board, Institute for Future Cities Board and Urban Living Partnership Advisory Board, Julie is also the Chair of the Managing Board of UKCRIC – the UK’s leading urban infrastructure research community.

Past roles include Group Director of Technology and Innovation & Environment Sustainability at Places For People Group Ltd in London, as well as Global Director of Urban Development & Smart Cities Lead at Siemens Centre of Competence for Global cities, where Julie was part of the advisory group for the UK All Party Parliamentary Group for Smart Cities. Over the years, Julie has engaged with the highest levels of government, mayors, consultants, academics and operating agencies within the urban setting, with her book ‘Smart Cities: Cities in the Digital Age’ published in 2016.

In her role as Smart Cities Director at Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Julie is responsible for the implementation of a smart city strategy at the $50.6 billion Saudi Arabia giga-project of Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Riyadh. DGDA is currently transforming Diriyah into the region’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination, featuring a mixed-use traditional urban community including world- class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas. The Authority is implementing social and economic initiatives that support the local community and economy, is preserving the cultural and historical sites located across the development, whilst ensuring the walkable city has a low carbon footprint and reflects traditional architectural styles with the use of locally sourced materials.