Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 9, 2025 – The King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) and Huawei have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on smart city applications, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies. The partnership, signed at LEAP 2025, aims to build joint capabilities and advance the development of smart city and AI technologies to help enhance the district's future operations and deliver versatile and futuristic digital experiences across KAFD.

The collaboration encompasses multiple pioneering technologies, including WiFi-7, 5G-A networks,

artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and smart pole solutions. Through these innovations, KAFD is set to augment its robust digital infrastructure and improve operational efficiency by leveraging sophisticated data analysis across its 1.6 million square meter development.

Ramez Al-Fayez, Chief Information Technology Officer at KAFD DMC, said, "The smart city market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.8% between 2025 and 2034, reaching an estimated US $2.74 trillion by 2034. As part of this global growth, today, five Saudi cities earned spots among the top 100 in the IMD Smart Cities Index 2024, with Riyadh ranking 3rd regionally and 25th globally. At KAFD, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in smart city innovation that will serve as a model for shaping future urban development in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration with Huawei will reinforce our vision, redefining how we operate and serve our community of residents and businesses through seamless urban experiences and strengthening our leadership in digital infrastructure and smart city innovation.”

Trevor liuyan, CEO of Huawei Saudi, said, "As one of the leading technology companies, Huawei is committed to supporting KAFD’s smart city strategy and digital transformation objectives through our advanced AI and smart city applications. Our collaboration will focus on developing innovative applications across WiFi-7, smart lighting, environmental monitoring, and sustainable energy solutions. This partnership represents a significant step in realizing the technological advancement goals outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030."

The agreement also includes provisions for ICT talent development through specialized training programs and internationally recognized Huawei certifications, including HCNA, HCNP, and HCIE. Additionally, both parties will collaborate on extensive research and analysis to identify emerging technological opportunities.

Located in the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD is a transformative mixed-use development that merges the worlds of business and lifestyle and sets new benchmarks in urban living, smart city technologies, and sustainable development, designed to transform how urban communities live, work, and play. In recognition of its first-class digital infrastructure that delivers robust connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless live, work, and play experience, KAFD is the first neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to achieve WiredScore's Global Smart Neighborhood Certification.

Huawei is participating at LEAP from February 9^th-12^th, 2025 in Riyadh, demonstrating how its integrated approach to digital intelligence is reshaping industries through next-generation solutions. The company's comprehensive portfolio addresses the evolving needs of smart cities, healthcare, education, and industrial sectors, focusing on delivering intelligent infrastructure that supports sustainable development and drives operational excellence.