KAFD and Samsung Partner to Drive Smart City Innovation in Riyadh
A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to develop and implement advanced smart city technologies in Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle district. This collaboration will enhance digital experiences for businesses, residents, and visitors while strengthening innovation ties between Saudi Arabia and Asia.
The partnership demonstrates a strong commitment to investing in technology that reimagines urban living through digital transformation. By leveraging smart city solutions, the initiative aims to make urban districts more sustainable, efficient, and people-centric in line with the national vision for 2030.
Through this agreement, the partners will explore the integration of enterprise-grade systems such as access control, digital signage, and centralized monitoring tools. These will support real-time infrastructure management and improve overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, plans include opening a new experience center that offers residents exclusive benefits and access to innovative technologies.
Building a Smarter, Connected Future
According to Sultan Alshahrani, Chief Corporate Officer, “KAFD is forging ahead with investments in transformative urban and smart-city infrastructure, cultivating an environment where businesses, residents, and visitors can thrive in a seamlessly integrated, intelligent urban district. Our partnership with Samsung will unlock a new wave of enhancements and innovations, enhancing experiences and quality of life in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The partnership adds to KAFD’s growing list of collaborations with leading Asian companies, underscoring KAFD’s prominent role as an accelerator for economic cooperation.”
This partnership marks a new phase in the region’s digital transformation. By introducing next-generation connectivity, the project will establish a model for how modern cities can use technology to boost productivity and sustainability. Additionally, the collaboration will serve as a platform for future innovation between global and regional players.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Hendrik Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, shared, “Samsung Electronics has always been at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering connected communities. This fruitful collaboration with KAFD represents a key step and a new milestone in our strategy that aims at supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision and its transformation into a global hub for innovation. We are proud to embark on this partnership, through which we can together, integrate Samsung’s smart solutions and technologies to build a strong digital infrastructure and deliver an enhanced digital experience across the kingdom.”
KAFD’s growing recognition as a smart urban hub further strengthens its role as a regional leader in digital advancement. The district has already achieved WiredScore’s Global Smart Neighborhood Certification and launched the region’s first Smart WiFi-7 service. Pilot projects with artificial intelligence companies are also underway, reinforcing its goal of shaping the next generation of intelligent urban ecosystems.
