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Memorandum of Understanding signed with Al Madinah Region Development Authority to collaborate on promoting smart cities

November 2024

On November 7, 2024, the Smart City Institute Japan (SCI-Japan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA), a Saudi government authority, during the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The MDA is dedicated to advancing the development of smart city initiatives in Al Madinah Region, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals of creating sustainable and technologically advanced urban environments.

Purpose of the MoU

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under its long-term economic and social structural reform plan Vision 2030, has been heavily promoting the development of smart cities to enhance quality of life, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The MDA is a key player in the implementation of smart city initiatives in Al Madinah Region. This MoU establishes a partnership between SCI-Japan and MDA to facilitate joint initiatives such as knowledge-sharing on smart city projects, organizing joint workshops and events, and cultivating talent to advance smart city development. Together, these efforts aim to build resilient, smart communities that prioritize citizens’ well-being.

Left: Takehiko Nagumo, Representative Director of SCI-Japan
Right: Mr. Abdulrahman Ibrahim, Chief Data and Innovation Officer, MDA

About Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA) (https://www.mda.gov.sa/):
The MDA is a regional organization in Saudi Arabia tasked with planning and executing development projects across Al Madinah Region. It leads initiatives in sustainable urban planning and economic development. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the MDA plays an instrumental role in advancing infrastructure and smart city technologies to foster the growth of livable and innovative cities.

About the Smart City Expo World Congress (https://www.smartcityexpo.com/):
The Smart City Expo World Congress is the world’s largest event focused on smart cities, held annually in Barcelona, Spain, since 2011. It gathers government officials, businesses, and experts worldwide to exchange insights and showcase advancements in urban technology and innovation. In the 2024 edition, the event attracted 25,771 attendees from 130 countries. SCI-Japan has been organizing the Japan Pavilion exhibition at the event since 2022, showcasing Japan’s smart city solutions and fostering international partnerships.

About Smart City Institute Japan (SCI-Japan) (https://www.sci-japan.or.jp/english/):
Smart City Institute Japan (SCI-Japan) is a private sector-led non-profit organization that was founded in October 2019 by Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting, a think tank and a consulting firm, and NIKKEI, Asia’s leading economic media group. SCI-Japan is leading knowledge and public-private-academic partnership platform to promote the implementation and advancement of smart cities in Japan and the world with around 750 members and global partners.