Riyadh, November 12, 2024 — In a move that underscores its commitment to smart urban development, the King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with IoT Squared, a prominent leader in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. This agreement, formalized during the Cityscape Global event held in Riyadh from November 11 to 14, aims to further KAFD’s position as Saudi Arabia’s premier business and lifestyle destination by advancing its smart city infrastructure, sustainability practices, security, and operational efficiency.
According to a KAFD press release, this partnership will leverage IoT technology to elevate KAFD’s urban infrastructure with cutting-edge smart city solutions. Through the collaboration, KAFD plans to incorporate renewable energy technologies, implement smart grid systems, and enhance its incident management capabilities. These upgrades will enable KAFD to optimize real-time data collection and analysis, providing quicker and more efficient responses to various operational needs. Furthermore, IoT-enabled safety devices will be introduced to enhance public safety and employee monitoring, supporting a secure environment for residents, workers, and visitors.
Mazroua AlMazroua, KAFD’s Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, highlighted the global significance of this partnership in the context of rising smart city investments, which are expected to exceed $2.5 trillion by 2025. AlMazroua emphasized that advanced technology and secure infrastructure are essential to KAFD’s vision of creating a smart, sustainable, and safe urban environment. “Our partnership with IoT Squared supports our mission for smart, sustainable, and safe urban living. This collaboration strengthens KAFD's smart city capabilities, setting new benchmarks for urban development and digital innovation in the Kingdom, supporting a sustainable and resilient future for all who live, work, and visit,” AlMazroua remarked.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, KAFD is dedicated to becoming a model of smart and green urban development in the region. This partnership with IoT Squared supports KAFD’s aim to set new standards in sustainability and smart city design, with a focus on creating a resilient and technologically advanced living and working environment. The initiative will serve as a benchmark for future mobility solutions and is expected to position KAFD as a leader in the development of sustainable, digitally enabled urban spaces.
KAFD’s reputation as a pioneering smart and green district is already well-established. It is the first district in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to achieve WiredScore's Global Smart Neighborhood Certification, underscoring its sophisticated digital infrastructure and commitment to sustainability. Additionally, KAFD has achieved LEED Platinum certification, with over 40 of its buildings holding LEED Silver and Gold certifications, including the world’s first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station. This achievement reinforces KAFD’s position as a premier business destination that exemplifies the convergence of sustainability and technology-driven urban living.
Through this collaboration with IoT Squared, KAFD is poised to redefine the standards of smart urban development in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. The integration of IoT technologies will not only enhance KAFD's operational efficiency but also contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and vibrant urban environment, further cementing its role as a transformative model for the cities of the future.
