RIYADH: Saudi real estate developer ROSHN Group has signed a deal with Cisco to explore the use of the Internet of Things in the company’s sustainable smart buildings. According to a press statement, this collaboration framework will also see technologies developed by the US-based firm being employed in the giga-project’s innovation hub which will be opened next year. A smart building converges various building-wide systems — such as air conditioning, lighting, alarms, and security — into a single IT-managed network infrastructure, according to Cisco’s website. Using IoT, physical objects are being embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging information, allowing smoother living conditions in smart buildings. Jayesh Maganlal, chief information and digital officer at ROSHN, said that this partnership will make use of IoT to ensure energy efficiency and smart building management. “Technology underpins everything we do at ROSHN, and this agreement with Cisco will help us leverage exciting concepts such as IoT for new innovations in areas such as energy efficiency and smart building management. The goal is to use technology for the benefit of our residents and communities throughout the Kingdom,” said Maganlal. Salman Faqeeh, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, noted that the deal with ROSHN will help accelerate the growth of the real estate sector in the Kingdom. “Our collaboration with ROSHN underscores Cisco’s dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices for smart and connected communities in the Kingdom,” said Faqeeh. He added: “The initiative aims to explore the use of state-of-the art technologies to digitally empower ROSHN and support the company to continue playing a major role in the growth of the kingdom’s real estate market.” Earlier this month, ROSHN also signed a sale and purchase agreement with Dar Al Arkan to acquire and develop residential villas in SEDRA 1A, which is in northern Riyadh. In January, the developer – backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – signed another deal with Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Co. to accelerate EV adoption in the Kingdom. Under the deal, ROSHN and EVIQ will work to assess and create infrastructure solutions for EVs in the developer’s residential communities and commercial properties. In the same month, the giga-project signed a deal with Saudi Postal Corp. to roll out a custom short address system. Moving away from the long, traditional form of labeling letters and packagers, the SPL’s Short National Address uses a four-character code and four digits for enhanced accuracy.