KAFD and sirar by stc Partner to Advance Smart Infrastructure Security Through AI-Driven Cyber Defense

In line with their commitment to advancing cybersecurity and fostering innovation in smart infrastructure, sirar by stc and the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) announced a strategic partnership to leverage AI-powered cybersecurity capabilities across KAFD’s smart infrastructure, reinforcing its position as one of the most advanced business and lifestyle destinations in the region.

The collaboration will establish a comprehensive digital security framework aligned with global best practices in cybersecurity, designed to enhance threat detection, readiness, resilience, and operational continuity.

As part of the agreement, sirar by stc will leverage its expertise in managed security operations through its nationally Tier-1 licensed Managed Detection and Response center, providing 24/7 monitoring. This will provide KAFD with advanced capabilities to detect and respond to evolving threats, safeguard critical operational systems, and ensure sustainable and reliable infrastructure performance.

Beyond protecting core systems, the partnership will also secure KAFD’s broader smart infrastructure, which includes safeguarding Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, and control systems deployed across the district, while applying AI-powered monitoring to protect mobility, lighting, and building management systems.

Additionally, the collaboration will strengthen the security of KAFD’s public wireless infrastructure, ensuring safe digital participation for residents, tenants, and visitors, and enhancing the district’s overall resilience as a leading financial and technological destination.

Since its launch in 2008 and subsequent acquisition by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2018, KAFD has emerged as a leading business and lifestyle destination in the region. The district spans a total of 1.6 million square meters and 1.4 million square meters of Grade A office space, hosting 19 regional headquarters and more than 140 office tenants, including leading global corporations Goldman Sachs, PepsiCo, HSBC and EY.

KAFD is also home to Riyadh’s largest metro station, a cutting-edge conference center, and 42 climate-controlled skywalks – officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the World’s Largest Continuous Pedestrian Skyway network. A state-of-the-art monorail system is set to launch in 2027, further enhancing connectivity and increasing the demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Sharaf Alzahrani, Chief Commercial Officer of sirar by stc, stated: “This collaboration with KAFD underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing operational security, particularly in smart and highly advanced sectors.

Through our cutting-edge security operations management solutions, we aim to build a secure digital environment that ensures the sustainability of critical infrastructure and enables organizations to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This will contribute to maintaining stable and uninterrupted operations with the highest levels of efficiency and reliability.”

From his side, Abdulelah Altayeb, Chief Governance and Risk Officer at KAFD DMC, added: “KAFD’s Smart City ecosystem and advanced digital infrastructure position us at the forefront of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect and empower our growing business community.

With the Kingdom’s cybersecurity market valued at approximately SAR 14 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at an annual rate of 13% over the next five years, our partnership with sirar by stc reflects our commitment to continuously strengthening our digital capabilities, staying ahead of evolving threats, and fostering innovation, and ensuring a secure, future-ready environment for our tenants and partners.”

This partnership reflects the shared commitment of sirar by stc and KAFD to developing a resilient smart infrastructure that can adapt to digital challenges, enhance operational agility, and support secure digital transformation that position the kingdom as a global financial, lifestyle and technology hub.