Etihad Salam Telecom Company (Salam), a leading provider of telecommunications services and digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, announced two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei at LEAP 2026, where the company is participating as a strategic sponsor under the theme, “Powering what’s next.”
The partnerships will explore cutting-edge technologies in next-generation IP networks and quantum-safe communications, reinforcing Salam’s commitment to driving digital innovation in the Kingdom.
Abdullatif Alsaeed, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Salam said: “At Salam, we are building networks that are ready for what comes next. Our collaboration with Huawei allows us to evaluate AI-driven operations, intelligent automation, and quantum-safe security as we advance our next-generation IP infrastructure. These Proofs of Concept are about delivering stronger performance, greater efficiency, and more resilient connectivity for our customers, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital ambitions.”
The first agreement focuses on the evolution of next-generation IP networks through a series of Proof-of-Concept initiatives. Salam and Huawei will collaborate to evaluate AI-driven network operations, energy-efficient network optimisation, and advanced SLA-driven connectivity services enabled by SRv6 technology. Through these joint efforts, the partners aim to assess the potential of intelligent automation, autonomous network capabilities, and power-saving technologies to support future network innovation and operational excellence.
The second MoU centres on quantum-safe network technologies, with a specific focus on Quantum Key Distribution. This initiative will assess the feasibility of quantum-secure communications and support the development of future-ready security capabilities for government, enterprise, and other organisations handling critical data. The collaboration will evaluate secure key distribution, end-to-end secure communications, operational feasibility, scalability, and potential applications across various sectors.
Steven Shen, Chief Technology Officer at Huawei, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Salam on these forward-looking initiatives that address two critical areas of telecommunications evolution. Our joint exploration of next-generation IP networks and Quantum Key Distribution technology demonstrates our shared vision for building intelligent, sustainable, and secure network infrastructure. Together, we look forward to assessing these emerging technologies and uncovering new possibilities that can benefit enterprises, government entities, and citizens across the Kingdom”.
Both partnerships aim to explore emerging technologies that enhance customer experience, improve network efficiency, and address future cybersecurity challenges in the quantum era. The parties will jointly evaluate the outcomes of these initiatives and identify opportunities for further innovation based on the results, supporting the continued development of digital services across the Kingdom.
Image Credit: Huawei & Salam
Source: Tahawul Tech