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KAFD Becomes MENA’s First SmartScore Neighborhood certified by WiredScore
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 22nd July 2024
Saudi Arabia’s prime business and lifestyle destination, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), has been awarded the SmartScore Neighborhood Certification by WiredScore, the world's leading authority on smart building technologies, for its first-class digital infrastructure that delivers robust connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless live, work, and play experience. With this recognition, KAFD becomes the first neighborhood in the Middle East, and Africa (MENA) to achieve WiredScore’s SmartScore Neighborhood certification.
The recognition follows a rigorous evaluation and certification process initiated in September 2023, when WiredScore announced during Cityscape Global in Riyadh that KAFD had secured SmartScore Neighborhood Pre-certification status.
Located in the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD is a transformative mixed-use development that sets new benchmarks in urban living, smart city technologies, and sustainable development, designed to transform how urban communities live, work, and play. Spanning 1.6 square kilometers, the Kingdom’s first vertical city is home to 95 buildings notable for their avant-garde urban design and smart infrastructure, across five asset classes, featuring Grade A office spaces, upscale residences, diverse commercial and retail areas, luxury hospitality, and vibrant entertainment venues, all interconnected and walkable within 10-minutes.
KAFD's smart city strategy is at the core of its future-forward development vision. This strategy, which involves a roadmap of over 40 initiatives, is anchored in full district automation and comprehensive digital infrastructure that integrates data, systems, AI applications, and a robust network of smart technologies — including an advanced building management system, HVAC systems, a smart parking system, a high-performance solar control system, and more.
This smart infrastructure supports multiple facets of city management including advanced security systems, smart building technologies, efficient energy management, smart mobility, intelligent waste management, and data-driven governance, building an efficient and sustainable environment that enhances the experiences of KAFD residents and workforce while promoting cost-efficiency and sustainability and evolving to the next level of smart city evolution – the cognitive city.
WiredScore is the global authority on smart building technologies, providing certification and education to enhance the digital connectivity of buildings and neighborhoods. The SmartScore Neighborhood Certification evaluates the implementation of advanced technologies and digital systems that promote efficiency, sustainability, and seamless connectivity. The certification assesses factors such as digital infrastructure, smart services, cybersecurity, and resident engagement, ensuring that certified neighborhoods deliver superior user experiences and operational excellence.
John Hilliard, Head of Middle East, WiredScore, commented: “By becoming the first SmartScore Neighborhood in MENA, KAFD continues to demonstrate why it is the cornerstone of Vision 2030. KAFD DMC has developed a landmark smart community that will meet the needs of its tenants for years to come thanks to its continuous investment in bleeding-edge technology at the building- and district-level. Congratulations to the KAFD DMC team for this momentous milestone.”
Expressing his excitement about the recognition, Gautam Sashittal, CEO of King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) stated: "At KAFD, we've always envisioned a future where technology is people-centered, building a smart city focused on enhancing the lives of our residents and empowering a smooth community experience. This goes beyond just flashy tech and sparkling skyscrapers; it's about a holistic approach that combines innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful planning. This recognition by WiredScore is the embodiment of our vision for KAFD.”
He added: “We are deeply honored to receive this outstanding recognition from WiredScore; an endorsement of our strategic efforts and investment in secure, reliable, and advanced infrastructure. We are privileged to become the first neighborhood to achieve WiredScore’s SmartScore Neighborhood Certification, which reaffirms KAFD's leadership for modern-day and future smart developments in the MENA region and etches its presence on the global smart city landscape.”
Darren Denikiewicz, Head of Energy and Engineering at JLL, who acted as the lead Accredited Professional for the project, commented, ‘"We are thrilled to have been able to expand our project and development services partnership with KAFD, where we served as their WiredScore Accredited Professionals in achieving the region's first SmartScore Neighborhood Certification. This is a testament to KAFD's pioneering smart city mission, demonstrating their profound influence in shaping the future of real estate for thriving communities."
It is important to note that in March 2023, the KAFD DMC headquarters became the first building in Saudi Arabia to achieve SmartScore certification, receiving the highest level of Platinum.