Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 27^th September 2023

During an appearance at Cityscape Global in Riyadh, WiredScore, the industry leader in technology certification and education for the built world, announced that KAFD has become the first development in the EMEA region to attain SmartScore Neighborhood Pre-certification status, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of globally recognized innovative technology standards at a district level.

Situated in the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD is home to 95 buildings designed by 25 world-leading architectural firms. It spans 1.6 square kilometers and features state-of-the-art office space, world-class facilities, and iconic luxury residences. KAFD aims to transform how urban communities live, work, and play. Located just a 22-kilometer drive from King Khalid Airport, KAFD is the world's largest Platinum LEED-certified mixed-use business district. It is owned and managed by the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC).

SmartScore Neighborhood certification recognizes mixed-use developments that have successfully implemented cutting-edge district-wide infrastructure, ensuring resilience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and an exceptional user experience.

KAFD is the first development in EMEA to pursue this new accolade, joining SPP's Water Street Tampa in Florida, USA, which announced its participation earlier this year.

KAFD's smart city mission is anchored in complete district automation, deploying advanced city management solutions, and an ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency. Recent innovations include a smart parking app that enables employees and residents to reserve parking spots through their smartphones effortlessly. Additionally, KAFD has partnered with Google Maps to leverage z-axis vertical location technology, providing visitors with improved navigation within the district, including mapping the vertical elements around buildings.

John Hilliard, Middle East Lead, WiredScore, commented: “Technology is and will continue to shape and enhance our daily lives, and we, therefore, strive to empower the individuals responsible for buildings to implement solutions in such a way that it will have a lasting impact. In achieving EMEA’s first SmartScore Neighborhood Pre-Certification, KAFD DMC demonstrates its ability to deliver on a bold vision to provide excellence across the first-class digital infrastructure that can support the evolving needs of the communities living and working at its world-leading scheme.”

Gautam Sashittal, CEO of King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) shared his thoughts on the esteemed certification saying: "We are thrilled to have earned the prestigious SmartScore Neighborhood Pre-certification for KAFD. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to creating a truly smart, sustainable, and technologically advanced district. Our underlying goal at KAFD is to ensure the best experiences for everyone who lives, works, and visits by implementing innovative solutions like our digital twin and leveraging advanced mapping technology, setting new standards for intelligent communities in this region”.

Committed to sustainability and climate action, KAFD boasts energy-efficient buildings with 10-15% energy savings compared to conventional structures. Designed with climate solutions in mind, the central Wadi – a pedestrian zone connecting all the areas together – was built lower than street level, ensuring that the temperature in the Wadi is always 8-10 degrees lower than the temperature in central Riyadh. Today, over 40 buildings in the district have achieved Silver and Gold LEED certifications.

As KAFD's journey towards full neighborhood certification progresses, WiredScore anticipates announcing the completion of the certification process around the end of this year. This remarkable achievement will solidify KAFD's position as a trailblazer in smart district implementation within the EMEA region.