Saudi Arabia approved the cloud-based digital twin platform from South Korean company Naver as its national standard for local municipal projects. The Digital Government Authority officially sanctioned the system to unify urban planning, infrastructure management, public safety, and municipal services across the Kingdom, according to KED Global.
Following the regulatory decision, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing directed local administrations to prioritize the platform for municipal developments. This directive seeks to eliminate duplicate spending and establish consistent technical standards across regional governments. Local authorities will use the system to build data-driven operations and exchange administrative data nationwide.
Expanding the digital twin platform Nationwide
Naver initially secured a contract with the ministry in October 2023 to map out major urban centers. By 2025, the company completed three-dimensional digital mapping for Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah. That project documented more than 920,000 buildings across 6,800 square kilometers, representing an area roughly eleven times larger than Seoul.
The national standard designation represents an uncommon case of a foreign government adopting South Korean software for state infrastructure. The company plans to use this position to deploy further tools in artificial intelligence and cloud computing for urban development initiatives.
Strategic Infrastructure and Joint Ventures
In May 2025, Naver established a joint venture named Naver Innovation alongside NHC Innovation. Strategic Business Head Chae Seon-ju and Saudi Minister Majed Al-Hogail took part in signing the agreement to deepen technical cooperation within the local digital economy.
“The adoption as a national standard is significant because it validates not only Naver’s technological capabilities but also the results we have demonstrated and the trust we have built locally.”
Chae Seon-ju, Head of Strategic Business at Naver
The expansion supports broader infrastructure initiatives connected to cloud computing, allowing municipal departments to analyze spatial information efficiently before undertaking physical construction.
Technical Framework for Urban Operations
The standard establishes a shared operational layer for local councils. Municipalities can simulate traffic flows, monitor utility networks, and coordinate emergency response efforts through virtual replicas of physical assets.
- Centralizes spatial planning tools for regional municipalities
- Provides interactive 3D mapping across multiple metropolitan areas
- Reduces municipal software duplication through standardized deployment
- Facilitates direct administrative data sharing between city authorities
Future Outlook and Regional Expansion
Naver plans to expand its engineering work to create software tailored to municipal requirements across the Middle East. With this official designation, the company continues developing localized smart city applications from its established base in Saudi Arabia.
