Shimmering Horizons: Qatar's Digital Blueprint for the Sustainable Urban Future

The Echo of Innovation and Resilience

The 4th Smart City Expo Doha closed on November 26, culminating two days of intense discussions dedicated to transforming cities in the Middle East into sustainable and truly livable environments. Organized by Fira de Barcelona and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of Qatar, this leading event on the urban future in the MENA region successfully brought together international minds and groundbreaking concepts, setting a high benchmark for regional development.

Under the potent slogan, "Beyond connectivity: a digital solutions pathway to a smarter, thriving future," the Expo focused sharply on the undeniable impact of AI across vital fields like mobility, design, and urban management. Consequently, the event featured over 30 international experts, showcasing four standout keynotes. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Kent Larson (MIT) on tech-driven urban design and Jesús Serrano on AI innovation. Furthermore, H.E. Reem Al Mansoori detailed Qatar's urban transformation strategy, followed by an inspiring message on resilience and inclusion delivered by FIFA ambassador Ghanim Al-Muftah.

Qatar’s Living Digital Vision and the Road Ahead

The very celebration of this local edition of SCE Doha highlights Qatar's palpable leadership in smart and sustainable urban development across the MENA region. This prominent role already translates the country's digital vision into tangible reality through major national projects. For example, Lusail City, one of the most advanced smart city developments in the region, integrates real-time data systems, intelligent mobility solutions, and connected urban services that decisively enhance quality of life and operational efficiency.

In parallel, Msheireb Downtown Doha stands as the first fully built smart and sustainable city district in Qatar, combining digital innovation, energy efficiency, and human-centred urban design. These vibrant, living examples demonstrate precisely how Qatar is shaping future-ready urban environments, progressing toward the ambitions outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the nation's Digital Agenda 2030. Looking forward, the journey continues, as the next Smart City Expo Doha is now preparing for its fifth edition, scheduled for April 28–29, 2026. Before that date, the global significance of the event was recently affirmed, as this year's Smart City Expo Doha was featured at MWC25 Doha, which brought together nearly 300 thought leaders and over 250 exhibitors.

Cooling the Future: Daikin’s Bold Leap in Jeddah

A New Era in Saudi Manufacturing

In the vibrant heart of the *Kingdom of Saudi Arabia*, innovation is taking center stage. *Daikin*, a leading manufacturer of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) solutions, has begun constructing a groundbreaking manufacturing facility in Jeddah. This monumental step was celebrated on 26 November, with the steadfast support of their long-term partner and Chairman of Daikin Saudi Arabia, Mr. Tariq Almutlaq.  

The new facility will be dedicated to the localized production of chillers and hydronic heat pumps, tailored for advanced cooling needs. Designed to meet the evolving demands of regional customers in the Kingdom and beyond, this project stands as a testament to Daikin’s commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector while fueling regional growth. With operations guided by Daikin Applied Europe, customers can expect precision-engineered products that deliver unmatched durability, performance, and reliability — all perfectly suited for the region’s challenging climate. 

Powering Vision 2030 and Regional Growth

Driven by Saudi Arabia’s flagship projects like NEOM and the Red Sea development, the demand for energy-efficient infrastructure has reached unprecedented heights. Daikin’s strategic initiative directly supports Vision 2030, championing sustainability, job creation, and innovative industrial growth. Shinji Jodo, Managing Director of Daikin Arabia Regional Headquarter, emphasizes that this investment builds on over a decade of deep-rooted partnerships and operational expertise within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

This new facility follows Daikin's earlier milestone in 2022 — the Sudair Industrial City plant near Riyadh — which showcased the company’s dedication to technology transfer, local employment, and eco-friendly solutions. By integrating the globally recognized Production of Daikin System (DPS), which combines lean manufacturing, rigorous quality control, and continuous improvement, the Jeddah facility ensures optimal reliability and energy efficiency. Equipped with advanced laboratories and test benches, it will perform exhaustive factory acceptance tests before any product goes out the door, ensuring excellence every single time.  

Looking Ahead

Daikin’s strategic growth plan for the Middle East revolves around sustainable expansion, local production for local consumption, and deeper market penetration. Following the UAE factory established in 2014 and the KSA factory in 2022, the Jeddah facility marks a bold new milestone in Daikin’s journey. Initially producing large, air-cooled chillers, this plant is poised to broaden its portfolio in response to market needs, creating a ripple effect of innovation and growth across the wider region.  

In essence, this project isn’t just about cooling buildings — it’s about heating up opportunities, empowering local communities, and transforming the industrial landscape of the *Kingdom of Saudi Arabia*. 

Harbors of Tomorrow: Mawani and Hizone Build a Logistics Oasis in Dammam

A New Nexus at King Abdulaziz Port

The skyline of King Abdulaziz Port now hints at fresh activity as public and private partners converge to expand logistics capacity. Moreover, the agreement between Mawani and Hizone symbolizes a practical step toward faster, more resilient supply chains. The project brings concrete benefits to importers and exporters alike, while reinforcing Dammam’s role in regional trade.

Furthermore, immediate gains will include specialized yards and warehousing that speed container offloading and storage. Consequently, businesses can expect smoother operations and reduced dwell times. In short, this initiative enhances port competitiveness and prepares the Kingdom to host larger flows of international commerce.

Strategic Impact and Future Prospects

Beyond the physical footprint, the collaboration fits squarely with national ambitions. Additionally, it supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy by strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a logistics hub that bridges three continents. Therefore, public infrastructure and private expertise together create a multiplier effect for trade, jobs, and investment.

Meanwhile, Hizone plans to use the new park for storing export cargo arriving from China, including equipment and electrical components. The 20,000 m² warehouse, together with open yards, will offer flexible storage solutions. As a result, the park expects to handle up to 600,000 tons annually and generate over 100 jobs, both direct and indirect.

The Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani” and Hizone Logistics have signed an agreement to establish a logistics park dedicated to container offloading and storage at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. The project carries an investment value of SAR 30 million and spans an area of 47,000 square meters.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Suleiman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua, President of the Saudi Ports Authority, and Mr. Frank Xu, President of Hizone Logistics, in the presence of several officials.

This initiative aligns with Mawani’s ongoing efforts to enhance the competitive advantage of Saudi ports and reinforce their pivotal role in supporting trade and securing supply chains. It also supports the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, to solidify the Kingdom’s standing as a global logistics hub bridging the three continents.

Through this new logistics park, Hizone Logistics - a leading player in the logistics sector - aims to establish facilities for storing export cargo arriving from China, including equipment, electrical components, and other goods. The project also includes the development of a 20,000 m² warehouse to provide diverse storage solutions for its international clients.

The logistics park will enhance the port’s logistics service offerings by providing specialized facilities, including yards and warehouses capable of handling 600,000 tons annually, while creating more than 100 direct and indirect jobs in the logistics sector.

It worth noting that King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is known for its advanced operational and logistical capabilities, featuring 43 fully equipped berths and a handling capacity of 105 million tons of cargo and containers. These strengths support smoother trade flows and advance the Kingdom’s ambitions to achieve regional and global leadership in logistics.

In conclusion, this partnership marks a vivid step forward. Ultimately, the logistics park will not only expand capacity but also embody a strategic vision: to make Saudi ports smarter, faster, and more globally connected.