UK-based what3words, a leading technology company, has joined hands with Saudi Arabia’s Moqam company to launch what3words’ global address system in the country.

What3words has completely re-engineered global geographical mapping by dividing the surface of the world into 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares, each identified with a fixed tag of three words, said the company in a statement.

Currently available through mobile apps, sites and platforms in over 170 countries, what3words’ offline and local language map offers users the benefits of memorable and exclusive addresses, said Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words at the signing ceremony held in Jeddah.

"Any delivery person could locate an exact point on the world's map even when a country does not have an adequate addressing system. Instead of road names and zip codes, the company’s system has divided the earth into 57 million three-by-three meter squares and assigned each square a three-word identifier," he explained.

The what3words app is free, works on even the most basic smartphones, has built-in error detection and can work in places with poor or no mobile reception, said the statement.

Sheldrick said its system was more accurate than a postcode besides being easier to remember and share than co-ordinates. "It is now helping to improve addressing for the 4 billion people across the globe who are unable to get deliveries or receive aid and unable to exercise their rights as citizens," he stated.

Ziad Al Qawasmi, CEO of Moqam, said: “The technology provided by our partner gives Saudis and expatriates an opportunity to own an address for their residency and we are thrilled to be announcing this unique partnership.” – TradeArabia News Service