KAFD seals new partnerships at PIF Private Sector Forum 


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Updated 08 February 2024
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KAFD seals new partnerships at PIF Private Sector Forum 


The King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company announced on Wednesday a series of groundbreaking partnerships and collaborations at the second edition of the Public Investment Fund’s Private Sector Forum, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on Feb. 6 - 7.

The strategic alliances emphasize KAFD's commitment to enhancing the development and experience of KAFD as a world-class business and lifestyle destination.
 
The forum, which seeks to support nationwide private sector engagement and strengthen the Kingdom’s economy, witnessed KAFD awarding several major contracts for five industry-leading, private enterprises across diverse sectors, from construction to hospitality and technology solutions, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development and renovation works at KAFD.
 
KAFD DMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and oversees the development of the King Abdullah Financial District — a landmark project and a key driver of Riyadh’s economic ambitions. Set in the heart of the capital, it is home to 1.6 million square meters of mixed-use urban development, designed to transform the way urban communities live, work, learn, and play.

Located just a 22-kilometer drive from King Khalid International Airport, KAFD is the world's largest Platinum LEED-certified mixed-use business district.

During the two-day forum, KAFD DMC and Advanced Communications & Electronic Systems Company, a Neutral Digital Infrastructure Company signed a partnership agreement.

ACES as Neutral Host Service provider will build a state-of-art 4G and 5G telecom infrastructure, support all mobile operators and provide seamless connectivity for all tenants and residents, visitors, and businesses alike, fostering a hyper-connected digital infrastructure environment which will empower the KAFD community and its business ecosystem.

Cementing its development trajectory, KAFD DMC awarded three Design and Build contracts to the Mohammed Alrashid Trading & Contracting Company, which will undertake the comprehensive design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover of works for Buildings 3.01, 3.02, 3.06, and the rooftop area of Building 3.11, in addition to two sky bridges; and MID Arabia stepping in to complete the fit-out works for a lifestyle hotel, ensuring seamless integration with KAFD's aesthetic vision.

Meanwhile, Source Machinery were awarded two contracts to embark on the development of Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 of KAFD’s Area 6, laying the groundwork for future expansion plans, while JASH TECHNICAL Services L.L.C. was commissioned to provide comprehensive community services for KAFD's common use facilities.

Commenting on these latest collaborations, Gautam Sashittal, Chief Executive Officer of KAFD DMC, said: "The partnerships announced represent a powerful testament to the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.”

He added: “These agreements not only double down our commitment to urban excellence but essentially demonstrate the critical role private-sector expertise plays in realizing the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
“At KAFD, we have experienced firsthand the transformative impact of collaborating with dedicated and innovative private entities. We are thrilled to be joining forces with these industry giants and we are incredibly keen to continue seeking out partnerships with organizations that share our vision for the future of the Kingdom and KAFD. These collaborations bring us closer to what KAFD is always meant to be: a vibrant hub of innovation, business growth, and sophisticated urban living not just for Riyadh, but for the entire Kingdom.”

This constellation of partnerships not only accelerates the development of a smart, dynamic KAFD but demonstrates KAFD's dedication to forging strategic alliances that contribute to the district's growth and creating a thriving environment for businesses and residents. At the same time, these collaborations solidify the district's role as a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. KAFD acts as a microcosm of Vision 2030 in action, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships to unlock potential and propel Saudi Arabia towards a prosperous future.


Jeeny launches First–Last Mile Access in partnership with Medina Bus

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Jeeny launches First–Last Mile Access in partnership with Medina Bus

Jeeny has announced the introduction of its First-Last Mile Access Program in collaboration with Medina Bus, marking a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's transportation reform. 

Passengers who buy a Medina Bus ticket can now get discounted Jeeny rides to and from key bus stops, making public transportation more accessible for both residents and pilgrims.

While the initiative appears modest, it represents a far wider vision: the first operational phase of Jeeny's goal to develop Saudi Arabia's next-generation Integrated Mobility Platform, an integrated framework that will eventually connect numerous modes of transportation under one seamless consumer experience.

Medina was chosen as the launch location because of its national importance and growing demand for efficient transportation. 

In 2024, the city's bus network handled 1.72 million people, and demand is predicted to increase further in 2025. 

Medina, being one of the Kingdom's most popular destinations, provides a real-world setting for evaluating concepts that can then be scaled across the country.

“This marks the beginning of a mobility shift in Saudi Arabia, where public transport and private operators can work together to offer a seamless journey,” said Hammad Ehtesham, CEO of Jeeny. “Making it easier for people to reach public transport is the foundation of a future where every mode of mobility in the Kingdom connects effortlessly.”

With millions of rides every year in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, Jeeny has developed into one of the top mobility platforms in the area. 

The company, which employs over 400 people and has one of the biggest active driver networks in the Kingdom, is currently getting ready for its next stage: a nationwide mobility ecosystem that will support buses, ride-hailing, micro-mobility, pilgrim mobility services, and end-to-end travel solutions, including direct flight booking through Jeeny.  

Despite the fact that Medina's First-Last Mile initiative is relatively new, early feedback shows that users are really interested in more accessible transportation options. 

Similar First-Last Mile initiatives can increase public transportation usage by 15 to 25 percent, according to international research, underscoring the wider potential impact as Jeeny considers expanding to more Saudi cities.

“What begins in Medina will become a blueprint for the Kingdom’s connected mobility future,” Ehtesham added. “This is the first step toward a nationwide ecosystem that will make movement simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone.”

Passengers on Medina Bus are now able to make use of the Jeeny First-Last Mile Access Program, which supports Saudi Arabia's vision for contemporary, sustainable, and inclusive mobility while providing a new, more convenient means of accessing public transportation.