Cisco to design infrastructure network for King Abdullah Economic City

Mr. Fahd Al-Rasheed, chief executive officer, Emaar.E.C, and Mr. Wim Elfrink, executive vice president and chief globalisation officer, Cisco, confirmed the final agreement in the presence of His Excellency Amr Al-Dabbagh the governor of Saudi Arabian Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Mr. John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco.

This appointment showcases KAEC's evolution as the world's first 'Smart City' and highlights Cisco's key role in working with Emaar.E.C to meet its objective. Cisco will offer consultancy and advisory services for KAEC and identify networking requirements for infrastructure-related services within the mega-project.

Mr. Fahd Al-Rasheed said: 'A reliable networking provider that can meet the diverse needs across its various sectors is critical in the success of KAEC as a 'Smart City' development. As the world's first 'Smart City', KAEC's superior information and communications technology platform will give it a crucial competitive advantage and deliver modern lifestyles. The design of this network will complement our efforts to ensure next generation connectivity services throughout KAEC. Cisco's proven competence in networking makes it our partner of choice.'

Mr. Elfrink added: 'The sheer size and varied infrastructure needs of King Abdullah Economic City make networking a challenge as well as an opportunity to highlight Cisco's capabilities. Cisco, through years of experience and continuous research, today, has the unmatched ability to offer networking solutions for large-scale projects, cities and countries. Our solutions are well aligned with KAEC's projected vision of creating an Intelligent city.'

The appointment of Cisco to design the information and communications technology infrastructure will form the platform for KAEC to deliver a modern lifestyle and enhance the productivity of the businesses within the 168 million sq m development.

KAEC is the single largest private sector development in the region and is located the Red Sea coast offering easy access to the two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the commercial nerve-centre of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the Kingdom's apex body for strengthening inward investments to the country, is the prime facilitator of KAEC. Several global businesses are expected to establish operations within KAEC, which aims to create jobs for one million people.

KAEC recently unveiled Bay La Sun Village, the first residential component of the project, to overwhelming investor response. Work is progressing on the first phase of the project including the Sea Port, Industrial Zone and Residential Communities.