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iot squared Acquires Machinestalk to Reinforce IoT Technologies

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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iot squared Acquires Machinestalk to Reinforce IoT Technologies

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

iot squared, a joint venture between Saudi Telecom Company and the Public Investment Fund, has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100 percent of technology company Machinestalk, which focuses on the Internet of Things.

This coincides with meeting the growing demand for IoT technologies in the Middle East and achieving the Kingdom’s vision to pioneer in digital transformation.

The acquisition will accelerate iot squared's growth and solidify its position as the leading provider of IoT solutions in the Kingdom.

iot squared aims to champion IoT adoption in the region by being a technology-neutral service provider with solutions elevating the smart industrial manufacturing sector, smart logistics transportation industry, and smart cities.

In a quest to expand its services and products, iot squared has signed 13 agreements since its establishment with the aim of accelerating the adoption of the latest IoT technologies in the Kingdom and region.

This acquisition is an expansion to reinforce the role of PIF in backing the accelerating growth of the digital economy in the Kingdom and that of stc in adopting advanced digital technologies and leading digital transformation in the region.

Commenting on the acquisition, Othman Al-Dahash, CEO of iot squared, said: “As we continue to strengthen our position as the national IoT champion, in line with our bold strategy, we are eager to play a pivotal role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to lead the region’s digital transformation and adoption of emerging technologies.”

The acquisition will augment iot squared’s capabilities across the IoT value chain. Machinestalk’s applications complement iot squared’s three key verticals: smart cities, Industry 4.0, and smart mobility and logistics, through which the Company supports governments, enterprises, and SMEs across the MENA region, he added.

The acquisition represents an important milestone in the collaboration between PIF and stc as this reflects the major investment strategy in the products and services in ICT industry, including investments in digital clouds, cybersecurity, FinTech, and digital entertainment.

Machinestalk is one of the largest Saudi companies in the IoT domain, founded in 2015 as a subsidiary of NOMD Holding.

In April, the PIF and stc signed a partnership agreement to establish iot squared.

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New Chapter for Saudi Real Estate Market as Foreign Ownership Allowed

Residential and commercial properties in Riyadh – Asharq Al-Awsat
Residential and commercial properties in Riyadh – Asharq Al-Awsat
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New Chapter for Saudi Real Estate Market as Foreign Ownership Allowed

Residential and commercial properties in Riyadh – Asharq Al-Awsat
Residential and commercial properties in Riyadh – Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia has approved a new law allowing non-Saudis to own real estate across the Kingdom, a move officials say will stimulate foreign investment, increase the quality and availability of housing stock, and help bring balance to the property market.

The decision, announced by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, marks a shift in the structure of the real estate sector and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify investment and improve urban development under its Vision 2030 reform agenda.

Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Minister Majid Al-Hogail said the new framework is expected to attract foreign developers and investors, increase competition in the domestic market, and ultimately help stabilize prices while improving housing options for Saudi citizens.

“A Strategic Restructuring”

“This step will encourage real estate supply and raise the quality of developments,” Al-Hogail said in a statement. “It supports the economic momentum and investment movement we are witnessing under Vision 2030.”

Khalid Al-Jasser, head of Amaken Group and a real estate specialist, said the updated system prioritizes Saudi citizens’ interests and will include mechanisms to regulate the market and achieve planned targets—chief among them, property market balance.

He added that the move would introduce global real estate standards to the Kingdom and draw capital to improve housing infrastructure, while creating jobs and lowering property prices.

“This is more than just an investment measure—it’s a structural shift,” Al-Jasser said.

Focus on Mega Projects and New Cities

Khaled Almobid, CEO of Menassat Realty Co., said the measure would allow foreign investors to buy properties in major development zones such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project—areas central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic diversification efforts.

Almobid said the law is intended to protect Saudi homebuyers from being priced out of the market, while enabling high-value foreign investment that brings hard currency and supports large-scale development.

“The focus will be on strategic areas,” he said. “We expect foreign ownership will be restricted in districts designated for Saudi housing, with safeguards against speculation.”

He noted that details would become clearer once executive regulations are released.

Riyadh Housing Reforms

The foreign ownership law follows a series of housing reforms launched in March by Crown Prince Mohammed, aimed at curbing soaring land and rental prices in Riyadh.

As part of the measures, the government lifted bans on land sales, divisions, and permits, and instructed the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to develop 10,000 to 40,000 new residential plots annually over the next five years - priced at no more than 1,500 riyals ($400) per square meter - for eligible citizens.

Eligibility is limited to married Saudis or individuals over 25 years old with no prior property ownership.

The government also pledged to amend regulations governing undeveloped land fees and tenant-landlord relations within 60 to 90 days to boost supply and protect all parties’ rights.

The Real Estate General Authority and the Royal Commission were also tasked with monitoring Riyadh property prices and submitting regular reports.