Two recent announcements from Saudi Arabia highlight the growing momentum in that country behind smart city development.
Firstly, MVNO Virgin Mobile Saudi, owned by Dubai-headquartered digital services provider Beyond One, has become the preferred technology partner for Middle Eastern regional technology services company Hitek.
The two will develop a joint strategic approach to developing smart cities in Saudi Arabia. Initially, the partners say, the agreement will cover smart building solutions for potential projects in Saudi Arabia, but the deal does not rule out other markets.
Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa (VMMEA), the region’s largest mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has more than three million users in multiple GCC countries for both its Virgin Mobile and Friendi Mobile operations.
Virgin Mobile Saudi CEO Yaarob Al Sayegh says the operator will be responsible for “advanced telecommunications solutions”, including 5G networks, digital services and enablement.
He explains: “By leveraging Hitek’s expertise in digital solutions and our capabilities in telecommunications, we aim to build robust infrastructure that will not only enhance connectivity but also enable the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT.”
Hitek says it will be looking to deploy digital solutions to optimise waste, water and energy management, environmental monitoring, citizen engagement, retail and hospitality, data analytics and AI integration, smart transportation, real estate and urban development as well as education technology.
Meanwhile ROSHN Group, the Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned real estate developer, has signed a collaboration framework with tech giant Cisco that seeks further innovation in areas such as designing and building future-proof, sustainable smart buildings.
The MoU with Cisco focuses on the potential collaboration between both companies to explore the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in building future-proof, sustainable and smart buildings.
Launched in 2020, ROSHN is a giga-project dedicated to supporting the goal of 70% home-ownership in Saudi Araba by 2030.