RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – May 7, 2025 – Amid the grand blueprint driven by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, technological innovation and international collaboration are injecting robust momentum into the Middle East;s digital future. Recently, ZKTeco, a global leader in intelligent space evolution services, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi publicly listed company Advance International Company for Communication and Information Technology(AICTEC) in Riyadh. This milestone collaboration marks a groundbreaking leap in ZKTeco's global expansion strategy within the Middle East, heralding a transformative era for smart cities, commercial innovation, and digital transformation across Saudi Arabia and the surrounding regions, while sketching an ambitious roadmap for intelligent manufacturing advancement.
Technology Leadership Empowering Middle East Smart Manufacturing
As a leading publicly listed company in Saudi Arabia, AIC sets the benchmark for information technology and communication solutions in the Middle East, covering smart security, energy, and digital infrastructure while deeply participating in the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030. ZKTeco leverages its strengths in biometrics, IoT ( Intelligence of Things), and video perception technologies to provide innovative solutions for smart cities, critical infrastructure, and enterprise digital transformation.
The Middle East is rapidly embracing urbanization and digitalization. Anchored by Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and societal modernization, Saudi Arabia is accelerating smart city development, infrastructure intelligence, and high-end manufacturing, with digitalization emerging as the region's core economic growth driver. According to UBS Group research, the Middle East's digital economy is projected to surge from 180 billion in 2022 to 780 billion by 2030, boasting a 20% CAGR and positioning itself as one of the world's fastest-growing digital markets. This growth unlocks vast opportunities for global tech enterprises, attracting innovation resources to collectively shape the region's boundless digital potential.
Under the agreement, the partners will combine ZKTeco’s advanced technologies with AICTEC’s localized operational advantages to establish a smart manufacturing base in Saudi Arabia. The initial project will focus on the production of biometric access control systems,smart security equipment, and video perception solutionsto meet the urgent demands of smart cities, commerce, and infrastructure. The project is scheduled to commence construction in Q3 2025 with production expected to begin in 2026. The initial annual production capacity will reach 100,000 smart devices, creating over 100 local job opportunities. Moving forward, the partners plan to increase the investments based on market needs and expanding into the Middle East, North Africa, and East Africa, aiming to set a regional benchmark for smart manufacturing excellence.
Resonating Vision : Supporting Vision 2030
ZKTeco representative stated: “In the current wave of global digitalization, IoT and smart manufacturing has become a new engine for industrial upgrading and sustainable growth. The convergence of the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative offers significant opportunities for global technology companies. This collaboration with AICTEC is a crucial step in ZKTeco's globalization strategy. Through localized production and technological innovation, we aim to deliver high-performance, tailored solutions that elevate the Middle East’s digital transformation.”
Mr. Saud, CEO of AICTEC, added: “The combination of ZKTeco's innovative technology and AICTEC's local advantages will inject new vitality into Saudi Arabia's smart IoT industry. This collaboration not only combines technology and markets but also aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives of advancing domestic manufacturing and technological autonomy. Together, we will build a new smart manufacturing ecosystem to power the region’s digital ambitions.”
The joint venture factory will progressively integrate advanced IoT and intelligent sensing technologies to develop smarter, more efficient solutions, steering the Middle East’s smart industry toward heightened digitalization and green sustainability. This initiative will provide robust support for regional smart city development and economic diversification.
Global Vision: Technology for Good, Creating an Inclusive Digital Future
Since its establishment in 2007, ZKTeco has adhered to the principle of “Technology for Good, Global Inclusion,” building a worldwide service network spanning over 100 countries and regions across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa. From its R&D center in India and smart manufacturing base in Thailand to localized U.S. supply chains, ZKTeco empowers global clients through innovation.
Looking ahead, ZKTeco will continue to advance intelligent space evolution through multi-modal BioCV and AI cognitive technologies, partnering with global
stakeholders to create a more connected, secure, and sustainable digital world. The collaboration with AICTEC not only marks a strategic entry into the Middle East market but also underscores ZKTeco's steadfast commitment to Vision 2030 and the region's digital future. Together, the two companies will harness technology and innovation to usher in a new era of smart manufacturing and digital transformation across the Middle East.
