Huawei to set up its largest store outside China in Saudi

Chinese multinational technology company Huawei has partnered with Saudi Arabia-based developer Kaden Investment to set up its largest flagship store outside China in Riyadh.

Huawei’s new store will be located in Riyadh Front, a notable business and shopping destination in the kingdom.

It will provide an alluring experience that shows how connectivity will combine 5G and artificial intelligence into every aspect of daily life, the company said.

According to Terry He, chief executive officer of Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, the Huawei store will allow the telecom giant direct access to Saudi customers and provide “an unprecedented immersive full-scenario experience.”

“Saudi Arabia is an important market for us, and we are dedicated to providing the very best communications technology to the kingdom, as well as to investing in the growth of the local ICT ecosystem,” he added.

Abdullah Bin Amer Al-Sawaha, Saudi’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology said, “This strategic partnership with Huawei is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract international partnerships that strengthen our position as a leading investment force in the MENA, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship, and a digital hub that connects three continents.”

“Huawei is one of the most valued and long-standing digital partners, and it was ahead of the curve in recognizing the investment potential of the kingdom’s telecom sector. Huawei has played an instrumental role in Saudi Arabia’s development, collaborating with government and private enterprises … it continues to share our commitment to talent development, innovation and ambition … the values which underpin Vision 2030.”

The tech giant has not yet revealed more details about when the store will open and how much money has been invested in the project.

Last year the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and Huawei have signed an MOU with the support of researchers from the kingdom and Huawei, to recognize the Arabic language and character using AI technology. Some telecom companies in the Gulf countries, including Zain’s Saudi unit Zain KSA, have also signed agreements to use 5G technology from Huawei.