Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Diriyah Company has recently signed an agreement with a joint venture between Integrated Telecom Company LLC (Salam) and Telecommunications Towers Company Ltd. (TAWAL) to provide telecommunications services to the first phase of the Diriyah project, including services for areas of Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Safar.
The 15-year Design, Build and Operate contract covers open-access services for visitors, tenants, and residents of Diriyah and fiber optic connectivity for 2,000 plots. In addition, more than 80 telecommunication towers are expected to be erected over the next three years.
The contract was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of DGDA, Eng. Ahmed Al-Anqari CEO of Salam, and Eng. Mohammed Alhakbani CEO of TAWAL.
Works commenced in August 2022 with the construction of temporary towers to enable telecommunications services during the construction phase. One of the project’s most notable sustainability features is the shared use of each tower among all three of Saudi Arabia’s primary mobile operators – STC, Mobily, and Zain – to minimize the number of towers required for coverage and their impact on the urban silhouette and landscape. In addition, camouflaged towers will be used to blend in with the surrounding heritage and architectural design. The project will also include high-speed fiber optics, 4G and 5G wireless services, as well as a range of indoor solutions.
Jerry Inzerillo commented on the agreement stating that Diriyah prioritizes telecommunications and network access across all of its projects, adhering to the highest global standards. “The contract with Salam and TAWAL will boost Diriyah’s offering, providing high-speed wireless and fiber connectivity to tenants, residents, and visitors to Diriyah, a key element that will help enhance overall quality of life. The project is part of Diriyah’s comprehensive plan to offer neutrally managed high-speed connectivity, support the Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, integrate smart city technology, and allow our residents and visitors to easily select their preferred service provider,” he stated.
Ahmed Al-Anqari, the CEO of Salam, said: “Salam is proud to contribute towards Saudi Vision 2030, not only by supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey but also by assisting in the diversification and sustainability of our economy. We are proud to be partnering with such visionary companies and look forward to what the next 15 years bring to Saudi Arabia and to Salam.”
Also commenting on the agreement, Eng. Mohammed Alhakbani highlighted that TAWAL has grown into its current position as the primary enabler of key information and telecommunications technology infrastructure requirements across Saudi Arabia, saying, “We are extremely pleased to enter into this agreement with Diriyah, newly announced as joining the Public Investment Fund’s giga project portfolio. This project will see us develop a state-of-the-art IT and telecom infrastructure that will be shared between service providers, enabling them to host the latest technologies in Diriyah. Set to be erected in areas characterized by traditional and authentic Najdi architecture, the telecom towers will blend seamlessly into their surroundings. In addition, the project will offer users indoor connectivity solutions, further establishing Diriyah as a modern and sustainable destination.”
The shared infrastructure will cut costs for service providers and will reduce the number of towers needed for coverage and provide reliable telecom services across the Diriyah development, thus guaranteeing connectivity.
New telecom services across Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Safar will also improve wireless connectivity and provide 4G and 5G services to residents and visitors, while replacing providers’ own towers with improved camouflaged ones that better blend in with the surroundings.
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About Diriyah:
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Diriyah will be transformed into the Kingdom’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination and one of the world’s foremost historic tourism destinations.
Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, just 15 minutes northwest of downtown Riyadh. It is recognized as a symbolic center of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the First Saudi State in 1727. As the nation’s renewed cultural and historic capital, Diriyah is being designed and built with Saudi traditions and heritage in mind. The mixed-use traditional urban community will be created using the authentic Najdi architectural style, typical of Saudi villages of centuries past.
Sitting at the cultural heart of Diriyah lies the historic city of At-Turaif. Built in 1766, At-Turaif is recognized as one of the world’s foremost mud-brick cities. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it is today set to become one of the nation’s must-see historic destinations.
With cultural and lifestyle experiences at its heart, Diriyah will be enriched by entertainment, learning, shopping, dining, hospitality, residential and workplace offerings. On completion, it will be home to a population of 100,000 residents, workers, students and visitors and will celebrate the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia.
The development will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, a bustling retail heart and over 150 places to dine. Bujairi Terrace is home to Riyadh’s new premium dining hub, enjoying uninterrupted views of At-Turaif; and the 135-key Bab Samhan Hotel. Wadi Hanifah, a two-square-kilometer space accessible from the escarpment walk, will provide passive and active recreational spaces and boutique hospitality venues – places to unwind and spend the afternoon with family and friends in the beautiful wadi surroundings.
