RIYAD: Qiddiya Investment Co., wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, signed an agreement with tech firm Globant to turn Qiddiya City into an immersive hub.
Under the deal, Globant will work with QIC to develop the Qiddiya “PLAY LIFE Connected Experience,” a digital entertainment, sports, and culture ecosystem designed to transform how visitors and residents interact with the destination’s wide range of offerings, according to a press statement.
Developing mega projects like Qiddiya is one of the goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, as the Kingdom continues to evolve as a global tourism and entertainment destination.
“Our partnership with Globant marks a pivotal step in realizing Qiddiya’s vision as the world’s first city dedicated entirely to play. The Qiddiya PLAY LIFE Connected Experience will enhance how visitors engage with our attractions and set a new standard for digital integration in entertainment and tourism,” said Abdulrahman Al-Ali, chief technology officer at QIC.
He added: “We are creating a destination that is both innovative and unforgettable, and this collaboration will help ensure that every visitor’s journey is personalized, seamless, and truly unique.”
The press statement said that the PLAY LIFE Connected Experience framework will leverage advanced systems like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud technology to develop an interface that will personalize and enhance every interaction at Qiddiya City.
The platform will also allow visitors to book events, manage their itineraries, discover new adventures, and engage with the community, all through a personalized, real-time interface.
“Partnering with Qiddiya on this program is a major milestone for Globant. We are not building a smart city but creating an immersive, digitally connected experience that brings Qiddiya to life in ways that go beyond traditional entertainment. This is the future of how cities and people will interact, and we are thrilled to lead this transformation,” said Federico Pienovi, CEO and chief business officer of new markets at Globant.
The incorporation of technology in Qiddiya City will showcase how digital ecosystems can enhance the entertainment and cultural sectors in the Kingdom, according to the press statement.
Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, managing director for the Middle East and North Africa at Globant, said the deal will help the Saudi workforce advance in the technological sector.
“Projects like Qiddiya provide unparalleled opportunities to transfer our expertise in digital transformation and innovation, especially in the entertainment industry, to the new generation of Saudis. As a result of creating opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, we are helping to build the future workforce and enabling the Kingdom to become a leader in digital ecosystems,” said Al-Doubayan.
