Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), a Saudi Arabia-based Economic Offset Program company has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with technology supplier Honeywell for collaborating on business development activities for smart and connected buildings, smart cities and critical infrastructure protection (CIP) in the Kingdom.

According to a statement from the company, AEC and Honeywell will be working to develop long-term, strategic co-operation plans to jointly develop new business opportunities that will enable smart buildings and cities in Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on the MoA, Engineer Majed Al Refae, vice president of energy at AEC, said: “This agreement reaffirms and demonstrates yet another example of the high quality of work performed by our employees, the majority of whom are Saudis.”

“By working with technology leaders like Honeywell, AEC can expand its manufacturing and technology base and provide more meaningful employment opportunities to qualified Saudis,” he said.

Meziane Ghaoui, regional general manager at Honeywell Building Solutions, Saudi Arabia, said: “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with AEC, which is an important step forward in supporting the development of smart buildings and cities in Saudi Arabia.”

He also added that the MoA will support the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision of creating greater energy efficiency and sustainability.

These business opportunities will be in line with the goals and objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes on sustainable development and economic diversification. The MoA was signed during the latest edition of the Saudi Arabian Smart Grid Conference held at The Ritz Carlton, Jeddah.