Volume 13, Issue 7 (July 2026), Pages: 30-46

----------------------------------------------

 Original Research Paper

AI-enabled circular economy framework for quantum-smart cities: Strategic pathways for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

 Author(s): 

Eissa Alreshidi *

 Affiliation(s):

College of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia

 Full text

    Full Text - PDF

 * Corresponding Author. 

   Corresponding author's ORCID profile:  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1446-0780

 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

 
https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2026.07.003

 Abstract

The shift from linear “take–make–dispose” models to regenerative Circular Economy (CE) systems is important for sustainable urban development. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are widely recognized as key technologies for supporting CE in smart cities; however, few frameworks combine these technologies with emerging quantum computing capabilities. This study proposes a multi-layered, AI-enabled CE framework for quantum-smart cities in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. A multiphase methodology is applied, including a systematic literature review, benchmarking of global CE initiatives, and adaptation to Saudi urban conditions. The proposed framework includes six functional layers, ranging from data collection to citizen engagement. The findings show that interoperability standards, ESG dashboards, and gradual integration of quantum technologies can improve predictive maintenance, resource efficiency, and citizen participation. Unlike existing CE models that treat digital technologies separately, this study introduces an integrated and quantum-ready architecture capable of addressing complex optimization problems in large-scale urban systems. By linking CE domains to Vision 2030 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in major projects such as NEOM and Riyadh Sustainability Strategy, the framework provides policymakers with a clear roadmap for embedding CE principles into the national innovation system. It also offers practical guidance for cross-sector implementation, governance alignment, and long-term scalability, while highlighting future research directions in quantum optimization and citizen-centered innovation.

 © 2026 The Authors. Published by IASE.

 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

 Keywords

Circular economy, Smart cities, Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, Quantum computing

 Article history

Received 18 December 2025, Received in revised form 16 June 2026, Accepted 4 July 2026

 Acknowledgment

No Acknowledgment. 

 Compliance with ethical standards

 Citation:

Alreshidi E (2026). AI-enabled circular economy framework for quantum-smart cities: Strategic pathways for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 13(7): 30-46

  Permanent Link to this page

---------------------------------------------- 

 References (19)

1. Alyami SH (2025). Circular economy of municipal solid waste management to promote sustainable environment for Saudi Arabia future cities. In: Nia EM, Awang M, Aulady MFN, Traykova M, and Yola L (Eds.), Selected Articles from the 8th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering: 12–19. Springer, Singapore, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-5654-7_2   [Google Scholar]
2. Bibri SE, Alexandre A, Sharifi A, and Krogstie J (2023). Environmentally sustainable smart cities and their converging AI, IoT, and big data technologies and solutions: An integrated approach to an extensive literature review. Energy Informatics, 6: 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42162-023-00259-2   [Google Scholar] PMid:37032812 PMCid:PMC10074362
3. Braungart M and McDonough W (2019). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. Vintage, London, UK.  [Google Scholar]
4. Cavallo M (2022). Smart sustainable cities: Synergies between circular economy, innovative policies and European projects. International Journal of Business and Management, 1(2): 1-13. https://doi.org/10.56879/ijbm.v1i2.9   [Google Scholar]
5. Geissdoerfer M, Savaget P, Bocken NM, and Hultink EJ (2017). The circular economy – A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143: 757-768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.048   [Google Scholar] PMCid:PMC10407053
6. Gyongyosi L and Imre S (2019). A survey on quantum computing technology. Computer Science Review, 31: 51-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosrev.2018.11.002   [Google Scholar]
7. Hernandez JCR, Villa-Enciso E, Cardona-Acevedo S, Valencia J, and Velasquez Salas S (2025). Smart innovation for a circular economy: A systematic review of emerging trends and the future of AI in the sustainable economy. Sustainability, 17(13): 5793. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135793   [Google Scholar]
8. Kusi-Sarpong S, Gupta H, and Sarkis J (2019). A supply chain sustainability innovation framework and evaluation methodology. International Journal of Production Research, 57(7): 1990-2008. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1518607   [Google Scholar]
9. Lee K, Chin S, and Kim J (2003). A core system for design information management using industry foundation classes. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 18(4): 286-298. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8667.00318   [Google Scholar]
10. MacArthur E (2013). Towards the circular economy. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 2(1): 23-44.   [Google Scholar]
11. Mahmud D (2025). An IoT-enabled decision support system for circular economy business models: A review of economic efficiency and sustainability outcomes. American Journal of Scholarly Research and Innovation, 4(1): 250-286. https://doi.org/10.63125/28kdxg31   [Google Scholar]
12. Montanaro A (2016). Quantum algorithms: An overview. NPJ Quantum Information, 2: 15023. https://doi.org/10.1038/npjqi.2015.23   [Google Scholar]
13. Nobre GC and Tavares E (2017). Scientific literature analysis on big data and internet of things applications on circular economy: A bibliometric study. Scientometrics, 111: 463-492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-017-2281-6   [Google Scholar]
14. Pappas IO, Mikalef P, Giannakos MN, Krogstie J, and Lekakos G (2018). Big data and business analytics ecosystems: Paving the way towards digital transformation and sustainable societies. Information Systems and E-Business Management, 16: 479-491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10257-018-0377-z   [Google Scholar]
15. Ramadoss TS, Alam H, and Seeram R (2018). Artificial intelligence and Internet of Things enabled circular economy. The International Journal of Engineering and Science, 7(9): 55-63.   [Google Scholar]
16. Reike D, Vermeulen WJ, and Witjes S (2018). The circular economy: New or refurbished as CE 3.0? — Exploring controversies in the conceptualization of the circular economy through a focus on history and resource value retention options. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135: 246-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.08.027   [Google Scholar]
17. Sacco S, Di Martino F, and Cerreta M (2023). Smart circular cities and stakeholders engagement: A literature review to explore the role of artificial intelligence. In: Gervasi O et al. (Eds.), Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2023 Workshops: 239–258. Springer, Cham, Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37117-2_18   [Google Scholar]
18. Yadav G, Luthra S, Jakhar SK, Mangla SK, and Rai DP (2020). A framework to overcome sustainable supply chain challenges through solution measures of Industry 4.0 and circular economy: An automotive case. Journal of Cleaner Production, 254: 120112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120112   [Google Scholar]
19. Yigitcanlar T, Kamruzzaman M, Foth M, Sabatini-Marques J, Da Costa E, and Ioppolo G (2019). Can cities become smart without being sustainable? A systematic review of the literature. Sustainable Cities and Society, 45: 348-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2018.11.033   [Google Scholar] PMCid:PMC7177348