Saudi's Qiddiya Partners with Globant to Build Digital Entertainment Hub
Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya Investment Company announced on Monday a partnership with technology firm Globant (GLOB.N) to develop a digital ecosystem for its entertainment megaproject, as the kingdom pushes ahead with plans to diversify its economy beyond oil.
The partnership will create the "PLAY LIFE Connected Experience," an AI-powered platform that will allow visitors to book events and manage their experiences at Qiddiya City, a massive entertainment hub being built 40 minutes from Riyadh.
"Our partnership with Globant marks a pivotal step in realizing Qiddiya's vision as the world's first city dedicated entirely to play," Abdulrahman Alali, Qiddiya's Chief Technology Officer, told Reuters.
The development, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic reform agenda, aims to attract millions of visitors annually with more than 400 attractions, including theme parks, sports venues and cultural facilities.
Globant, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, will deploy artificial intelligence, data analytics and cloud technology to create what it describes as an "immersive, digitally connected experience."
"We are not building a smart city but creating an immersive, digitally connected experience that brings Qiddiya to life in ways that go beyond traditional entertainment," said Federico Pienovi, CEO and Chief Business Officer of New Markets at Globant.
The partnership also focuses on the development of local talent, with Globant planning to transfer expertise to Saudi workers, according to Mamdouh Aldoubayan, the company's Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Qiddiya City represents one of Saudi Arabia's largest entertainment investments, featuring planned facilities, including a motorsports track, a stadium, golf courses, and esports arenas.
The project forms part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's push to create new sectors to reduce Saudi Arabia's reliance on oil revenues.