This study aims to investigate the factors that determine the success of citizen participation in smart city development, focusing on the mediating role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This research explores the connection between citizen participation, smart city development, and ICT results using a conceptual framework based on a comprehensive literature evaluation. The findings emphasize the potential impact of technology-oriented smart cities, particularly through ICTs, which process vast information and enable meaningful interactions between citizens and public officials. This research offers constructive recommendations for decision-makers, designers of cities, and scholars interested in the issues of spatial planning and management in the contemporary city.