Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a groundbreaking collaboration, the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) has partnered with Huawei, a global leader in ICT, to launch Saudi Arabia’s first Smart WiFi-7 service. This service is set to transform connectivity across KAFD, enhancing the digital experience for residents, visitors, and tenants.
This strategic collaboration solidifies KAFD’s position as a global leader in smart city technology and innovation. As a key component of KAFD’s Smart City Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and data analytics, the rollout of WiFi-7 will provide optimized digital services, reduce data consumption, and strengthen KAFD’s role as a hub for cutting-edge technologies.
Ramez Al-Fayez, Chief Information Technology Officer at KAFD DMC, commented: “At KAFD, we are committed to providing a high-quality urban experience, underpinned by world-class digital infrastructure. The launch of Smart WiFi-7 with Huawei highlights our dedication to innovation and supports Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program. With Riyadh ranked 3rd in the region and 25th globally in the IMD Smart Cities Index 2024, KAFD’s focus on advanced technologies will further elevate the capital as a leading global smart city. This initiative will ensure faster, more reliable connectivity, empowering businesses and enhancing the visitor experience across the district.”
Wang Xu, Deputy CEO of Huawei Saudi Arabia, added: “We are honored to collaborate with KAFD to transform this prestigious financial district into a smart business hub. Huawei’s Smart WiFi-7 technology will deliver seamless connectivity and personalized experiences for visitors, while offering valuable insights for businesses. This partnership highlights our commitment to advancing digital transformation and connectivity, contributing to the global evolution of smart cities.”
The new Smart WiFi-7 service promises a range of benefits, including fast and secure internet access, stable connectivity during peak hours, multiple authentication methods, and the ability to stay connected while moving across the district. The technology will also offer personalized recommendations and exclusive deals tailored to individual preferences.
Retailers and restaurant owners within KAFD will also benefit from an efficient advertising platform, designed to boost sales and operational efficiency through data-driven insights. This will enable them to enhance profitability by making informed decisions based on real-time analytics.
This launch represents a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between KAFD DMC and Huawei, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at LEAP 2025. Their collaboration focuses on implementing advanced smart city applications, with a shared commitment to enhancing KAFD’s digital ecosystem and future operations across its 1.6 million square meter development.
KAFD’s continued focus on leading smart city innovations was recently recognized when it became the first neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to earn WiredScore’s Global Smart Neighborhood Certification. This prestigious certification acknowledges KAFD’s world-class digital infrastructure, which promotes robust connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless lifestyle experience for all its occupants.
About Huawei
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a global leader in information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With over 207,000 employees, Huawei operates in more than 170 countries, serving over three billion people worldwide. Its mission is to bring digital connectivity to every person, home, and organization, creating a fully connected, intelligent world.
About KAFD
The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a landmark development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, designed to integrate business and lifestyle in a digitally advanced and sustainable ecosystem. Spanning 1.6 million square meters, KAFD is home to 95 world-class buildings and is the largest LEED platinum-certified business district in the world. Managed by KAFD DMC, a PIF company, the district is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s vision for economic diversification and sustainable urban development.
