With this recognition, KAFD becomes the first neighborhood in the Middle East, and Africa (MENA)
Saudi Arabia’s prime business and lifestyle destination, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), has been awarded the SmartScore Neighborhood Certification by WiredScore, the world’s leading authority on smart building technologies, for its first-class digital infrastructure that delivers robust connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless live, work, and play experience. With this recognition, KAFD becomes the first neighbourhood in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) to achieve WiredScore’s SmartScore Neighborhood certification.
The recognition follows a rigorous evaluation and certification process initiated in September 2023, when WiredScore announced during Cityscape Global in Riyadh that KAFD had secured SmartScore Neighborhood Pre-certification status.
In the heart of Riyadh, KAFD redefines urban living with its cutting-edge mixed-use development, spanning 1.6 square kilometers. As Saudi Arabia’s first vertical city, KAFD is home to 95 avant-garde buildings that seamlessly blend Grade A offices, upscale residences, commercial and retail spaces, luxury hotels, and entertainment venues. This transformative environment is designed to offer a walkable experience, with everything interconnected within a 10-minute stroll.
Central to KAFD’s vision is its smart city strategy, which integrates over 40 initiatives focused on district-wide automation and advanced digital infrastructure. This includes AI-driven systems, smart building management, efficient energy use, and intelligent waste management, all aimed at fostering a sustainable and cost-effective urban environment while advancing towards a cognitive city model.
WiredScore is the global leader in smart building technology certification, ensuring that neighborhoods meet high standards in digital infrastructure, smart services, cybersecurity, and resident engagement. The SmartScore Neighborhood Certification evaluates the use of advanced technologies to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
Expressing his excitement about the recognition, Gautam Sashittal, CEO of King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), stated: “At KAFD, we’ve always envisioned a future where technology is people-centred, building a smart city focused on enhancing the lives of our residents and empowering a smooth community experience. This goes beyond flashy tech and sparkling skyscrapers; it’s about a holistic approach combining innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful planning. This recognition by WiredScore is the embodiment of our vision for KAFD.”
He added: “We are deeply honoured to receive this outstanding recognition from WiredScore, an endorsement of our strategic efforts and investment in secure, reliable, and advanced infrastructure. We are privileged to become the first neighbourhood to achieve WiredScore’s SmartScore Neighborhood Certification, which reaffirms KAFD’s leadership for modern-day and future smart developments in the MENA region and etches its presence on the global smart city landscape.”
It is important to note that in March 2023, the KAFD DMC headquarters became the first building in Saudi Arabia to achieve SmartScore certification, receiving the highest level of Platinum.