Madinah Development Authority and Huawei join forces to combat spread of COVID-19 with technology

With the government of Saudi Arabia encouraging public and private sector collaboration in the use of advanced technologies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Madinah Development Authority and Huawei. The memorandum allows Huawei to use its technology for good in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in the Madinah Region as part of its CSR mandate to support Saudi society. 
The memorandum was signed between David Tao, GM of Enterprise Business Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia and Ibrahim Al-Jaroudi, Chief Support Services Officer of Madinah Development Authority. 
In line with the government’s ongoing efforts, the memorandum permits Huawei to donate solutions and products powered by artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and cloud technologies to Madinah Development Authority to help contain the spread of COVID-19. 
Thermal detection cameras allow temperatures to be measured without contact, thereby reducing the risk of infection and providing highly-accurate readings. These cameras have been installed in several important locations such as General Hospital, Ohud Hospital, AlFahad Company Campus, and Al-Baqi. 
Additionally, AI cameras are being used to help monitor crowds, prevent infection amongst personnel, and survey routes taken by visitors in the main building of Madinah Development Authority. 
Ibrahim Al-Jaroudi, Chief Support Services Officer of Madinah Development Authority, said: “Technology is proving a solid ally in the fight against COVID-19. The Kingdom’s forward-thinking approach has ensured that we have solid infrastructure to support technology, offered by companies such as Huawei, which is helping us to keep our citizens and city as safe as possible in these unprecedented circumstances.” 
He added: “We are lucky to have an advanced infrastructure and implementation of the most advanced technologies in Saud Arabia, thanks to Vision 2030 and national strategies empowering digital transformation. We are now taking advantage of advanced technologies that are focused on controlling the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our citizens as a priority. Huawei’s technology will hopefully be a valuable addition and provide us with new means to monitor and diagnose faster than before. While we are still learning about this disease, we already know that acting as quickly as possible is essential to gain control over its spread. Our ongoing investment in the development of Madinah’s ICT infrastructure will see us well-placed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The generous contributions being made by Huawei through this memorandum will greatly support that goal, as well as enabling the safety and health of our community.” 
David Tao, GM of Enterprise Business, Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, added: “Saudi Arabia has put in place one of the best measures and frameworks during the COVID-19 outbreak. Relying on Saudi Arabia’s strong infrastructure, it is our hope that these solutions will not only help to monitor and contain COVID-19 in Madinah, but will contribute towards increased security and efficiency of daily work..”