Avanceon Arabia InfoTech and Umm Al-Qura Collaborate on $3.6 Million Smart City Project in Makkah

In a significant development, Avanceon Arabia InfoTech, a subsidiary of Avanceon (PSX: AVN), has inked a groundbreaking agreement worth $3.6 million with Umm Al-Qura for Development & Construction Company (UAQ). The deal aims to establish an innovative Intelligent Platform for Smart City in Makkah, according to the disclosure filed with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) today.

The ambitious Smart City project is set to revolutionize Makkah, making it a smarter, sustainable, and urban destination. This transformative initiative will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analysis, and sustainable transport solutions.

The implementation and delivery of this multimillion-dollar project will be a joint venture between Avanceon Saudi Energy Co. and ZOMCO (Zamil Operations & Maintenance), a fully-owned subsidiary of Zamil Group. It's worth noting that UAQ is the owner and developer of Masar Destination.

This project falls under the Smart Infrastructure domain, where Avanceon Arabia InfoTech (AAIT) will deploy a comprehensive Smart City Solution. The scope includes supply chain management, installation, testing, and commissioning of an Intelligent Platform for Smart City.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a thriving economy through smart infrastructure development.

Abdul Mohsen Al-Bakr, Chief Development Officer at Masar, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, "We are pleased to partner with Avanceon in this key milestone; their experience in the field of smart cities will be of great value to the success of this project."

The completion of the smart city project is anticipated by 2025, as per the official notice.

Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi, Executive Director & CEO of Avanceon Arabia InfoTech (Zamil JV Co.), commented, "We are thrilled to unveil the integration of our cutting-edge smart city solution, a milestone in our ongoing mission to expedite a streamlined, sustainable, and interconnected urban landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

He emphasized that the collaboration with Masar signifies a shared commitment to enhancing the lives of Makkah's residents and visitors, improving public services, and securing a brighter future.

Qureshi highlighted, "Together, we are crafting a city that operates with greater efficiency, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, business intelligence, digitalization, and innovative mobility and energy solutions to benefit every journey in the holy city."

The smart city project is poised to bring numerous benefits to Makkah residents, including improved public transportation and mobility services, enhanced safety and security, improved air quality, and easier access to government services. Additionally, religious tourism will see improvements in mobility, transportation, access to information about religious and cultural places, and personalized services.

Masar Destination, strategically located at the heart of Makkah and spanning over 1.2 million square meters, will offer a diverse range of amenities while preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the holy city.

Avanceon ensures compliance with local regulatory and QHSE authorities' requirements and plans to partner with world-class OEMs for project execution. Thorough studies will precede the project launch to address any safety, quality, and environmental concerns.