Salam Signs Two Strategic Agreements With Huawei
Etihad Salam Telecom Company (Salam) has signed two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Huawei at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh. The agreements focus on next-generation IP networks and quantum-safe communications.
The partnerships aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure while supporting more intelligent, efficient and secure connectivity. Moreover, Salam and Huawei will use proof-of-concept initiatives to assess emerging technologies before wider deployment.
AI-Driven Networks and SRv6
The first agreement targets the evolution of next-generation IP networks. As part of the collaboration, Salam and Huawei will evaluate AI-driven network operations and intelligent automation.
They will also examine energy-efficient network optimization and advanced service-level-agreement connectivity enabled by SRv6 technology. Consequently, the partners will assess how these capabilities could improve network efficiency and operational performance.
Furthermore, the proof-of-concept work will explore autonomous network capabilities and power-saving technologies. The companies will use the results to identify potential applications for future network development across Saudi Arabia.
Abdullatif Alsaeed, Chief Technology Officer at Salam, said: “At Salam, we are building networks that are ready for what comes next. Our collaboration with Huawei allows us to evaluate AI-driven operations, intelligent automation, and quantum-safe security as we advance our next-generation IP infrastructure. These Proofs of Concept are about delivering stronger performance, greater efficiency, and more resilient connectivity for our customers, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital ambitions.”
Quantum-Safe Security Takes Focus
The second MoU focuses on quantum-safe network technologies, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The initiative will assess the feasibility of quantum-secure communications for organizations managing sensitive and critical information.
In addition, the companies will evaluate secure key distribution and end-to-end communications. They will also examine operational feasibility, scalability and potential applications across government and enterprise sectors.
Steven Shen, Chief Technology Officer at Huawei, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Salam on these forward-looking initiatives that address two critical areas of telecommunications evolution. Our joint exploration of next-generation IP networks and Quantum Key Distribution technology demonstrates our shared vision for building intelligent, sustainable, and secure network infrastructure. Together, we look forward to assessing these emerging technologies and uncovering new possibilities that can benefit enterprises, government entities, and citizens across the Kingdom.”
Together, the agreements address two key challenges for future telecom infrastructure: network intelligence and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the partners will assess the outcomes of their initiatives and identify opportunities for further innovation.
The collaboration also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation objectives. Therefore, the initiatives could support the development of more resilient connectivity and security capabilities as demand for advanced digital services grows across the Kingdom.
