Naver signs MOU with Saudi state-run transport company Saptco

Major Korean internet company Naver signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-run Saudi Public Transport Company (Saptco) to collaborate on building a digital traffic infrastructure utilizing Naver’s technologies.

From left in the second row and clockwise, Naver's Chae Seon-ju, president of communications and social responsibility, Saudi Public Transport Company (Saptco) CEO Khalid Alhogail, Naver Cloud's Han Sang-young, head of the global DX & innovation division, Digital Mobility Solutions CEO Ahmed Al Johani and Naver Labs CEO Seok Sang-ok at the signing ceremony on the two companies' partnership in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. [NAVER]

Major Korean internet company Naver signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-run Saudi Public Transport Company (Saptco) to collaborate on building a digital traffic infrastructure utilizing Naver’s technologies.

Saptco operates some 8,000 public transportation vehicles, including buses, through its subsidiary Digital Mobility Solutions.

Saudi Arabia’s urban traffic congestion is increasing due to the surge in large-scale infrastructure and housing developments, and traffic simulations based on digital twin technologies are crucial for data and effective decision-making, Naver said.

The two companies are also discussing establishing a separate cloud system and AI-powered CCTVs to construct an intelligent transport system. AI-powered CCTVs capable of facial recognition will charge drivers or passengers automatically based on Naver’s Clova Vision technologies.

“Naver is the best partner for Saptco, which is promoting extensive digital transformation, as a company with various technology portfolios from cloud infrastructure to digital twins and AI,” said Naver’s Chae Seon-ju, president of communications and social responsibility, in a statement. We will continue to lead Saudi Arabia’s digital reform with various local partners.”

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]