Broadband/Connectivity News

Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter inks deal with Tawal to manage ICT infrastructure

This agreement is one of many signed by the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority for the provision of ICT services in the area.

The Diplomatic Quarter General Authority has recently partnered with Saudi Arabia’s integrated ICT infrastructure service provider, Tawal, in a ten-year deal for the development of the area’s telecommunication infrastructure. The strategic partnership is the first of its kind in the Kingdom through which Tawal will manage the ICT infrastructure and deal with the mobile network operators in fulfilling the Diplomatic Quarter’s requirements. The agreement was signed by the CEO of the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority Dr. Fahad bin Hussein Bin Mushayt and the CEO of Tawal, Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Alhakbani.

Dr. Fahad bin Hussein Bin Mushayt, CEO of the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority, stressed the importance of this agreement in activating the communications services in the Diplomatic Quarter, as an important step that will enable the Authority to achieve its goals in developing the DQ into a model city that provides all modern technologies and smart services. The agreement comes as a result of the authority’s constant keenness to improve the services and facilities available to the neighbourhood’s residents and visitors. Dr. Bin Mushayt also stated that this agreement is part of a comprehensive development plan that the Authority has initiated in order to achieve its role in representing the Kingdom amongst the most important regional and international commissions and organizations and in reflecting the best image of the Diplomatic Quarter in particular and the Kingdom in general.

Eng. Mohammed Alhakbani, CEO of Tawal, remarked: “We are optimistic to be joining hands with the General Authority in the development of the Diplomatic Quarter and its transformation into a smart city and the role this project will have to pave the way for similar mega projects in the Kingdom. This is a promising partnership and it will lead to a digital revamp of the area to become an ideal role model for the development of smart future cities, using the best technologies and smart services that rely on 5G technology. We are proud of this partnership and the General Authority’s trust in Tawal’s capabilities to deliver the best innovative solutions that would cater to its needs. The agreement is firm proof of our leadership in the industry in providing the best ICT infrastructure services and solutions and in supporting the Kingdom’s 2030 vision aimed at achieving digital transformation.”

The agreement is aimed at managing DQ’s telecommunication tower services, inclusive of the installation of stations and networking solutions. Tawal will secure a wide mobile network coverage according to the highest global standards. It will also build advanced and environmentally friendly telecommunication towers that will be shared in a smooth manner that considers the importance of preserving the splendour and beauty of the Diplomatic Quarter’s landscape. Tawal will also be responsible for the operational and maintenance aspect of the grid in accordance with all service providers. This, in turn, will help centralise a strong network in the Diplomatic Quarter with 5G coverage to be expanded as required by the General Authority.

This agreement is part of a bundle of agreements and memoranda of understanding recently signed by the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority for the development of the area’s infrastructure and the provision of all ICT services to benefit all residents and visitors. These projects complement the Diplomatic Quarter’s path to become an exemplary model for future and modern residential neighbourhoods.