The King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) and Huawei have announced the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first Smart WiFi-7 service, set to roll out across KAFD. This new service will significantly enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure for residents, visitors, and tenants within the district.
This collaboration strengthens KAFD’s position as a global leader in smart city development and technological innovation. As a key component of KAFD’s Smart City Platform, which incorporates artificial intelligence and data analysis, the introduction of WiFi-7 will provide integrated digital services, optimize data usage, and solidify KAFD’s role as an innovation hub in the region.
KAFD aims to provide a world-class urban experience, with digital infrastructure supporting its diverse community of tenants, residents, and visitors. The partnership with Huawei to introduce Smart WiFi-7 reflects the district’s commitment to driving innovation and reshaping urban development standards in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program. With Riyadh ranked 3rd regionally and 25th globally in the IMD Smart Cities Index 2024, KAFD’s focus on pioneering technologies will further enhance the capital’s position as a leading global smart city. This service will improve KAFD’s digital ecosystem, providing faster, more reliable connectivity for businesses, visitors, and residents, fostering a truly connected community.
Ramez Al-Fayez, Chief Information Technology Officer at KAFD DMC, said, “Our partnership with Huawei and the launch of Smart WiFi-7 reflects our commitment to innovation and redefining urban development standards. KAFD continues to prioritize cutting-edge technologies, enhancing the digital experience for all.”
Wang Xu, Deputy CEO of Huawei Saudi, emphasized, “Huawei is proud to partner with KAFD to transform this district into a smart business hub. Our Smart WiFi-7 technology will enable seamless connectivity, providing valuable insights and personalized experiences for visitors while supporting business growth.”
With the introduction of Smart WiFi-7, users will enjoy enhanced digital experiences, including fast, secure internet access, stable connectivity during peak usage, and multiple convenient authentication methods. The service also offers personalized suggestions and exclusive offers tailored to individual preferences. Retailers and restaurant owners within KAFD will benefit from an efficient advertising platform, enhancing sales and operational efficiency through data-driven insights.
This launch builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at LEAP 2025 between KAFD DMC and Huawei, focusing on advancing smart city technologies and collaborative efforts to enhance the district’s operations. KAFD is also the first neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to earn the WiredScore Global Smart Neighborhood Certification, a recognition of its top-tier digital infrastructure that provides robust connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless live-work-play experience.
