A partnership between “Reemat Riyadh” and “Innovation” to enhance the capital’s infrastructure

In a significant step aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing the transportation system in the Saudi capital, Riyadh Development Company (RIMAAT Riyadh), the development arm of the Riyadh Municipality, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Innovation and Development for Information Technology. This partnership focuses on developing and operating modern off-street public parking facilities in 17 key locations, including areas adjacent to Riyadh Metro stations, representing a major boost to the city's infrastructure.

Project background and strategic objectives

This project comes in the context of Riyadh's rapid population and urban growth, which has led to increased demand for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, the Riyadh Municipality, through its development arm, seeks to find innovative solutions to address the challenges of traffic congestion and parking shortages. The project aims to encourage the use of public transportation, primarily the Riyadh Metro, by providing "Park and Ride" parking facilities that allow residents and visitors to leave their cars and continue their journeys efficiently and easily via the metro network.

Project details and targeted locations

Under the agreement, Innovation Company, the developer of the popular ParkAway app, will develop and operate organized surface parking facilities on 17 strategic plots of land. These include seven plots located near Riyadh Metro stations in vibrant neighborhoods such as Al-Shuhada, Al-Mansoura, and Al-Sahafa. Additionally, 10 other plots will be developed in high-traffic areas within the Al-Rahmaniyah, Al-Murabba, and Al-Nasiriyah neighborhoods. These facilities will occupy a total area of ​​approximately 60,000 square meters and are expected to provide nearly 1,700 organized parking spaces.

Expected impact on quality of life in the capital

This partnership is expected to have a tangible positive impact on Riyadh’s urban landscape. By increasing the supply of organized public parking, the project will help reduce haphazard parking and minimize vehicle intrusion into residential neighborhoods near commercial areas and metro stations. These parking spaces will also facilitate access to various destinations, both commercial and residential, thus improving the daily commute experience for residents and visitors. Abdullah Abudawood, CEO of Rimat Riyadh, emphasized that this initiative aims to maximize the utilization of municipal assets and develop sustainable regulatory solutions through partnerships with the private sector, thereby enhancing service efficiency and improving the overall mobility experience within the city.

The role of technology in improving user experience

For his part, Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Khalid, CEO of Innovation Company, explained that this partnership will leverage the company's expertise in managing public parking and utilize the advanced technological solutions offered by the "Park Away" application. The application will provide users with a seamless experience, including easy searching for available parking spaces, electronic payment, and reservation management, thereby increasing operational efficiency, reducing time wasted searching for parking, and enhancing the smart mobility system in Riyadh to match its status as a leading global capital.

Jeddah Airports Company announced the formation of its new Board of Directors, a strategic move aimed at strengthening governance and leading the next phase of development and growth for King Abdulaziz International Airport. The new board will serve for three years, beginning January 10, 2024, under the chairmanship of Mr. Raed bin Ibrahim bin Sulaiman Al-Mudaiheem, with Mr. Raed bin Hassan Al-Idrisi serving as Vice Chairman.

The council includes a distinguished group of experts and specialists: Professor Ghassan bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, Professor Khalid bin Mansour Al-Salman representing the Public Investment Fund, and Professor Mohammed bin Abu Al-Khair Ismail representing the Guests of God Service Program. This diverse composition reflects the integration of expertise between the public and private sectors and a focus on major national objectives.

Strategic context within the national transformation

This restructuring comes as part of the comprehensive transformation underway in the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a cornerstone of achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Since its establishment in 2022, Jeddah Airports Company has been responsible for managing and operating King Abdulaziz International Airport, with the aim of transforming it into a leading global aviation hub. The company is working closely to implement the aviation program initiatives stemming from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aim to increase the capacity of Saudi airports, enhance the Kingdom's air connectivity, and strengthen its position as a global logistics platform linking three continents.

The importance of King Abdulaziz International Airport

King Abdulaziz International Airport holds exceptional importance as the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, receiving millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually. Therefore, developing its services and enhancing the passenger experience is a top priority, directly aligning with the objectives of the "Guests of God Service Program," one of the key programs of the Vision. The presence of a program representative on the board of directors underscores the commitment to providing an exceptional and seamless travel experience for pilgrims.

Expected impact of the new council

The new board of directors is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating airport development projects, overseeing operational efficiency improvements, and implementing the latest smart technologies to better serve passengers. The board will also work to strengthen strategic partnerships with global airlines and investors, contributing to increased non-oil revenues, diversification of income sources, and the company's financial sustainability. The expertise of the Public Investment Fund representative will be instrumental in guiding major investment decisions that will shape the airport's future and its international standing.