Naver Cloud and Hanmi Global, a specialized project management (PM) firm, will cooperate to win global data center projects.
Naver Cloud and Hanmi Global announced Tuesday that they signed a strategic memorandum of understanding for joint participation in large-scale global data center projects, including in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was pursued to jointly respond to data center projects in the Middle East and overseas, including Saudi Arabia, by combining the two companies' core capabilities.
Based on its full-stack capabilities spanning from data center construction to cloud and AI services, Naver Cloud will take charge of establishing infrastructure technology directions and strategies, as well as designing business structures and service models that meet global standards. Hanmi Global will handle advisory services for data center design and construction, practical review of project management related to schedule and cost, and provide services related to local permits and project execution in Saudi Arabia.
Naver Cloud has built a foundation for cooperation centered on digital and AI services, including digital twin construction projects and map-based super app development, through Naver Innovation, a joint venture established with Saudi Arabia's National Housing Company (NHC). The latest data center business agreement is expected to serve as a foundation for Naver Cloud to expand its business scope to the infrastructure sector and establish itself as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's mid-to-long-term digital transformation.
Hanmi Global has proven its local business capabilities by successfully executing more than 50 projects since entering the Middle Eastern market in 2007. The company has performed construction management services on major projects, including an 87-story ultra-high-rise residence in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the "Green Riyadh" urban regeneration project in Riyadh, and the infrastructure development project for Abdullah New City, a smart city project in Kuwait.
"Naver Cloud has established an execution base through the establishment of local subsidiaries and cooperation with major institutions, and Hanmi Global is also a proven partner that has completed numerous projects in the Middle East," said Kim You-won, CEO of Naver Cloud. "Based on this agreement, we will actively respond to the demand for digital infrastructure development in the Middle East and emerging markets."
