A strategic partnership has been formed between Tokyo’s Uhuru Corporation and Web Arabia, an IT enterprise based in Riyadh, as they aim to advance smart city initiatives within Saudi Arabia. The collaboration was cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding, signifying a shared commitment to transforming urban environments in the Kingdom.
Web Arabia, recognized for its smart city solutions, operates under the umbrella of Metscco Heavy Steel Industries, which has a reputation for its pivotal role in the Kingdom’s infrastructure construction. This alliance is poised to merge Uhuru’s comprehensive IT solutions expertise with Web Arabia’s deep understanding of local needs to innovate in areas that augment the safety and convenience of religious tourism, particularly for events like the Hajj, and to enhance the urban infrastructure of buildings, airports, stadiums, and transportation systems.
Uhuru’s engagement in Saudi Arabia is not new; the company has previously demonstrated its commitment through initiatives such as the smart city research and development program in February 2024, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s national research organization (KACST). This venture builds upon Uhuru’s extensive experience in Japan, where they have supported the digital transformation of tourism and urban development.
The Kingdom has already witnessed a surge in foreign visitors, with travel visa relaxations contributing to a record 27.4 million international travelers in 2023, a figure that underscores the growing importance of developing smart city capabilities to support the expanding tourism sector.