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Team Naver in Saudi Arabia. (Photo = Naver) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Eun-mi] Naver is resuming momentum in its Middle East business, moving forward with its Saudi Arabia-based “super app” project despite earlier disruptions caused by regional conflict.
According to the company on April 15, its local subsidiary, Naver Arabia, has recently shifted back to in-office operations after temporarily adopting remote work amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The change comes about a month after implementing a remote work system and emergency communication channels between its Saudi office and headquarters in Korea.
A Naver official said the Middle East situation has not materially affected its key projects, adding that the company is proceeding with its original plans and timelines.
The project centers on developing a map-based super app that integrates residential, mobility, and transportation services tailored to the Saudi market. If completed as scheduled within the year, the platform is expected to serve as a comprehensive lifestyle application powered by Naver’s spatial technology.
Chae Sun-joo, head of Naver’s strategic business division overseeing global expansion in the Middle East, is currently in Saudi Arabia to discuss digital transformation (DX) and AI transformation (AX) initiatives with government officials. She also serves as chair of Naver Arabia’s regional headquarters and Naver Innovation, a joint venture established by Naver Cloud and Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company’s digital arm.
The joint venture is leading the development and operation of the super app, which was designated as a core project at the time of its establishment. The platform is expected to deliver integrated, map-based services for everyday needs such as housing, mobility, and transportation across Saudi Arabia.
Alphabiz 김은미 인턴기자(kfootle@alphabiz.co.kr)
