Global Infrastructure Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo successfully concluded yesterday, having showcased the role of smart cities in supporting Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure vision. Day 2 saw key partnerships and MoUs signed at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, marking progress toward the Kingdom’s next phase of development.
In one such partnership, the Saudi Real Estate Infrastructure Company “Binyah” sealed an MoU with Al Jaber Engineering to support sustainable infrastructure projects, with Eng. Fahad AlMesfir, CEO of Binyah and Mohammed Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Al Jaber Engineering, representing the companies, respectively. Xceltra, a leader in industrial communications and IIoT, has partnered with ANMAT to deliver a Power Efficiency Monitoring solution, valued at approximately $533k (SAR2 million), for MOBILY’s BTS sites, a flagship smart city use case driving digital power efficiency.
Nemetschek Arabia also signed a strategic MoU with Integrated Dimension Company (IDC), powered by Udayd Alqimma Co., to accelerate digital transformation across the AEC/O sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, while the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center also signed an agreement with NHC Innovation to develop innovative solutions and exchange experiences in artificial intelligence and smart cities. At the event, Omran Tech Group inked an MoU with Saudi Elaf to establish a framework for cooperation and joint participation in various projects.
In parallel, discussions at Smart Cities Saudi Summit explored the role of data, connectivity and AI in shaping the Kingdom’s urban future. The opening session, “Smart cities as strategic engines of national transformation”, featuring Alaa Banabilah, Director of New Logistics Zones, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services; Eng Ali AlAwaji, Executive Director for Geospatial Data Governance, General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA); Cristina Niculescu, Digital Transformation Director, Nemetschek Group; Mujahid Al Abdan, General Manager of Digital Strategy, Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center; and Velina Mirincheva, Lead Principal Urban Planner, AtkinsRéalis, emphasized that successful smart city development requires integrated data systems, cross-ministry coordination and policy frameworks that enable rapid urbanization and national diversification.
Building on this, Dr Martyn Davies, Head of City Excellence at the Royal Commission of Riyadh City (RCRC) and Sasha Sud, Senior Director Smart Cities, AtkinsRéalis, called on the need for meaningful consent and responsible adoption to build governance and citizen trust.
A keynote by Dr Hajar El Haddaoui, Director-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, focused on bridging the digital divide to build inclusive and sustainable smart cities. During her session, Digital Cooperation Organization exclusively launched its new whitepaper “Smart Cities in the Digital Age: A Roadmap for Ethical, Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Futures”, which explores how digital innovation can optimize resources, strengthen resilience and address social inequalities.
“Smart cities are central to Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure strategy,” said Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President, dmg events. “From discussions on data, connectivity and AI to strategic agreements being signed and innovations showcased, Day 2 demonstrated how collaboration and technology are driving the Kingdom’s urban transformation.”
Kazi concluded: “The final day of the events hosted Infra 360 and Smart Cities 360 sessions, building on the momentum of strategic discussions, offering practical insights and partnerships that will shape the cities of the future.”
Global Infrastructure Expo, co-located with Smart Cities Saudi Expo is supported by: Strategic Partner, Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center; Supporting Partner, Riyadh Region Municipality; Main Sponsor, Tahakom; Diamond Sponsors, Amiantit, Al Ayuni Investment and Contracting Co., Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (SAJCO), Al Ojaimi Holding and Binyah; Platinum Sponsors, Saudi Water Authority, Saudi Electricity Project Development Company (PDC), Saudi Bin Laden Group; Platinum and Registration Sponsor, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) -Heavy Equipment Regulatory Center; Platinum Forum Sponsor, Remat Al Riyadh Development Co.; Gold Sponsors, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), Mutlaq Al-Ghowairi Contracting Company (MGC), SaudConsult; Gold Forum Sponsor, Elm; Silver Forum Sponsor, AtkinsRéalis; VIP Sponsor, Abdal Human Resources; Lanyard Sponsor, Fann Retaj General Contracting; Supporting Associations, CIOB, ICE; Industry Partner, SCAVO; Key Project Intelligence Partner, BNC.
Visitor registration is free and open to trade and industry professionals over the age of 18.
