Kinan International for Real Estate Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ActiveMania to provide its SR2.2-billion ($0.58 billion) mega mixed-use project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the latest digital technologies suited for a modern lifestyle.

Slated to redefine the smart buildings concept in Saudi Arabia, the project will enhance the living experience with smart technology features such as fully automatic lighting, multimedia, cooling, home entertainment and communications systems and Wifi access.

The MoU was signed by president of Kinan Abdulmalik Fathaddin and CEO of ActiveMania Michel Kilzi.

Under the MoU, ActiveMania will work on the infrastructure which will be built by Cisco, and supply all smart systems to create a unique lifestyle experience at Kinan’s mega project located at the intersection of King Abdullah road and Al-Andalus Street in Jeddah.

The project consists of residential apartments, a five-star hotel, high-end retail complexes for world famous brands, and hanging gardens, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

ActiveMania’s responsibilities include providing state-of-the-art smart solutions, assisting Kinan in setting the standards for smart homes and connected communities, ensuring the comfort and luxury aspects of smart lifestyle applications, and coordinating with other Kinan providers to connect all systems to one central platform for smooth and efficient operations.

During the signing of the agreement Eng. Fathaddin said Kinan strives to provide the best technological services for buildings equipped with smart systems. The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing consistent growth, he said.

Through the project Kinan aims to be one of the most innovative real estate developers in Saudi Arabia. In 2005 and 2006, Kinan won the "Best Real Estate Developer" award for building and operating several large commercial malls in Saudi Arabia.

The company's profile currently has 11 commercial malls in addition to “Albasateen Suburb" housing project in Yanbu, which consists of 200 villas. Kinan was founded by Savola in 2005 and holding a capital of SR1.7 billion.

ActiveMania, founded in 1999, has a presence in all GCC countries and other Arab countries. It has forged strategic partnerships with several IT companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Cisco Systems as part of its plan to expand globally. – TradeArabia News Service