Etihad Salam Telecom Company (Salam) signed a two new partnership with Huawei at LEAP 2026 to explore cutting-edge technologies in next-generation IP networks and quantum-safe communications, reinforcing Salam’s commitment to driving digital innovation in the Kingdom.
Abdullah Khorami, Chief Business Officer at Salam said: “Our partnerships with Huawei represent an important step in our journey to explore the technologies that will define the future of connectivity and security. As we evaluate AI-driven network capabilities and quantum-safe communications, we are positioning ourselves to deliver enhanced experiences for our customers while supporting the Kingdom’s digital ambitions. At Salam, we remain committed to exploring innovative solutions that drive efficiency, strengthen security, and power what’s next for Saudi Arabia.”
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 optimization, 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 partnership centers 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 organizations 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.