The Saudi Industrial Property Authority (Modon) has signed an agreement with Saudi Huawei to transform its industrial cities into smart industrial centres to keep abreast of developments and demands.

The move is aimed at enabling the factories to automate their operations and utilise advanced technologies in facilitating management, control, quality control and tracking its products remotely, said Modon.

Khalid Al Salem, the director general of Modon, said that work has already started on the planning and design of the project in Riyadh Second Industrial City by focusing on security and safety services.

“Fibre optic networks will be built and CCTV cameras installed, to monitor the traffic movement and security, as well as the operation of electronic lighting poles within the city,” said Al Salem.

He pointed out that this would be followed by the implementation of some smart applications for utilities, health and environment and engineering support, along with raising the level of the quality of services and sustainability of energy and water consumption operations.

Al Salem said the project would be launched soon after Modon completes the designs, prepares specifications and selects contractors.

The project will be carried out in a phased manner, to ensure cost efficiency and provide sufficient time for testing and trials and to benefit from the learning curve, he noted.