MEEZA, Qatar’s prominent end-to-end Managed IT Services and Solutions Provider, has signed an operational contract with Msheireb Properties for the Smart City ICT package at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), the most pioneering smart city in the world.
The signing ceremony, which took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2017 QITCOM Exhibition and Conference, appoints MEEZA as the Master System Integrator for the ICT Operations at the MDD.
This agreement, initially inked in 2014, has concluded phase one, which included the design and implementation stages, with the agreement is gearing in to its second phase for operations. Msheireb Properties will leverage MEEZA’s Smart Technologies and years-long expertise in building Smart Cities, toward developing the technological infrastructure for designing, managing and monitoring processes at MDD.
Commenting on the agreement, Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO of Msheireb, said: “At Msheireb Properties our allegiance to preserving traditional architectural languages while leveraging advancement systems inspired us to revolutionize the urban experience.”
He added: “This revitalized community in the heart of Doha will be equipped with state-of-the-art smart city technology that integrates multiple information and communications systems that drive intelligent network connectivity and robust processing solutions in retail, commercial, leisure and residential spaces.”
Ahmad Al-Kuwari, CEO of MEEZA, said: “We are pleased to shake hands with Msheireb Properties for operating the Smart City ICT package at MDD, through a momentous agreement that is set to redefine the standards of ‘Smart Living’ in Qatar.”
“Backed by years of experience in the field and a plethora of certifications that reflect our high standards, we will spare no effort to help make MDD the exemplary Smart City in Qatar and the entire region, as part of our solid commitment to the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the digital transformation of the country and its knowledge-based society,” he noted.
MDD, the 30-hectare sustainable urban development will witness the launch of 40 smart services that are designed to help power the operations at the Smart City’s 100 major buildings covering several divisions for retail, transportation, and heritage, residential and commercial zones.
The one-of-a-kind ‘environmentally friendly’ project is LEED platinum and gold accredited, and will provide Qatar’s citizens, residents and tourists with a mixed use development where they can live, work, shop, dine, and get entertained.
MDD’s facilities include 10,000 parking spaces, a 2 kilometer tramway, and an interchange station for the Qatar Rail project. Popular destinations in the City are set to include the National Archive, Galleria Mall, msheireb museums, cinemas and Baharat Msheireb outdoor venue for entertainment and dining.
MEEZA signs 2nd phase contract with Msheireb Properties in Doha
MEEZA signs 2nd phase contract with Msheireb Properties in Doha
25,000 attend Social Development Bank’s DeveGO25 forum
The Social Development Bank concluded the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum — DeveGo 2025 — announcing the achievement of high-impact outcomes that further reinforced the forum’s position as the largest national platform in the region dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and freelance work in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The forum witnessed broad participation from local and international experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local, regional, and international institutions.
Over three days at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, the forum drew 25,000 participants and visitors, who benefited from over 45 specialized workshops and over 2500 advisory sessions delivered by more than 70 consultants and experts.
The sessions covered key areas including entrepreneurial planning, business models, venture capital, digital platforms, freelancing, and emerging technologies.
The forum also featured 20 panel discussions with leading local and international speakers, addressing major global trends in entrepreneurship, including the future of artificial intelligence, the creative economy, digital transformation, and venture investment.
The forum saw the launch of the Saudi Empretec Fellowship, in the presence of Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
The partners in success within the Social Responsibility Portfolio supporting entrepreneurs were honored.
It also saw the honoring of 13 winners of the Handicrafts Competition, representing various regions of the Kingdom, the announcement of winners of the Salam Award for Promising Projects, and the recognition of leading entrepreneurial projects fund under the Enterprises Track.
In addition, the NEXT UP Challenge concluded on the third day of the forum with 20 startups presenting their projects to more than 500 investors, enhancing opportunities for networking and partnership building.
As part of efforts to strengthen the support ecosystem, the forum witnessed the signing of 51 agreements, along with the launch of a suite of new financing products. These included the Capital Expansion Product with a ceiling of up to SR10 million, the Payroll Product with a ceiling of SR2 million, and the Rental Product with a ceiling of SR1.5 million, aimed at supporting enterprises in asset development and covering operational costs.
This reflects the bank’s direction toward offering more specialized financing tools that respond effectively to market needs.
The forum concluded by reaffirming its role as a unifying national platform for entrepreneurship, where accompanying activities and events provided direct engagement opportunities between entrepreneurs, investors, and experts.
The forum also highlighted success stories and practical experiences that reflect the scale of entrepreneurial momentum in the Kingdom and the growing role of the Social Development Bank in supporting a national economy driven by innovation and knowledge.
