Saudi New Murabba to Collaborate with Naver Cloud on Smart City Technology

Representatives of Both Sides Sign MOU at Sebitseom in Seoul
"Goal to Create 300,000 Jobs"
Facilities to Be Built for the 2034 World Cup

On June 30, New Murabba, under the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Naver Cloud signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technological cooperation in the construction of a 14-square-kilometer mixed-use city currently being developed in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

That afternoon, Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba, and Yu Won Kim, CEO of Naver Cloud, signed the agreement at the 'New Murabba Investment and Partnership Forum' held at the Floating Island Convention in Sebitseom, Seoul.

On the 30th, Michael Dyke, CEO of New Muraba, and Yu Won Kim, CEO of Naver Cloud, shook hands after signing an agreement at the 'New Muraba Investment and Partnership Forum' held at the Floating Island Convention in Sebitseom, Seoul. Photo by Daehyun Kim

Over the next three years, the two sides agreed to collaborate in the fields of smart technology and automation for the success of the New Murabba project. This includes robotics, autonomous vehicles, smart city platforms, and digital solutions for monitoring construction progress.

CEO Dyke stated, "New Murabba plays a key role in realizing Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' by shaping the future blueprint for real estate development in Riyadh." He continued, "We are transforming Riyadh into a global hub of innovation and investment, and setting new standards for urban design and living." He also added, "There are many ways for Korean cultural SMEs and large corporations to enter Saudi Arabia, and large-scale partnership programs are in place for this purpose. I hope we can realize our shared dreams together and inspire wonder around the world."

CEO Kim said, "It is highly meaningful that a variety of innovative technologies will be introduced and play an active role in New Murabba, which will serve as a new benchmark and core infrastructure for future cities." He added, "As a technology partner for Saudi Arabia's future innovation, we will continue to expand our cooperation going forward."

Senior executives from New Murabba also visited Seoul to establish strategic relationships with Korean partners and explore funding opportunities. The two-day, closed-door forum is attended by investors, developers, government officials, construction companies, and technology firms.

New Murabba aims to create more than 300,000 jobs and is being developed as a city integrating sustainable design, innovative infrastructure, and a future-oriented lifestyle. At the heart of the project will be The Mukaab, the symbol of New Murabba. The Mukaab is a premium mixed-use building featuring retail, culture, tourism, residential, commercial, and entertainment elements. Currently, civil engineering work equivalent to about 5,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools has been completed.

Once completed, New Murabba will include over 100,000 residential units, 10,000 hotel rooms, as well as schools, hospitals, and medical facilities. In addition, numerous sports and entertainment facilities, including the New Murabba Stadium with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, will be built to accommodate football fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

During the Q&A session, CEO Dyke addressed the background of the MOU with Naver, stating, "The Mukaab is an extremely complex ecosystem, and we must partner with the best technology companies to meet its demands. When I visited Naver headquarters, I observed the autonomy and sophistication of the spaces and the operation of robotics." He further explained, "This project requires a range of technological solutions and capabilities. Of course, we may also expand cooperation with other companies in the future."

When asked whether he was considering collaboration with major Korean construction companies, he replied, "Yes. Korea's infrastructure development capabilities are outstanding. Currently, there is strong interest from companies wishing to participate in the project, and related bidding processes are underway."

Meanwhile, New Murabba is collaborating with global companies such as AtkinsRealis, China Harbour Engineering Company, Bechtel, and STC Group. It is also working closely with major Saudi institutions, including the Tourism Development Fund and the King Khalid Foundation.