Zain KSA, Huawei Roll Out Riyadh Antenna to Redefine Saudi Arabia’s Mobile Infrastructure

In collaboration with Huawei , Zain KSA  is proud to announce the launch of the Riyadh Antenna Platform, a groundbreaking innovation tailored to meet the unique needs of the Saudi telecommunications market.

The platform reflects Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital transformation and aligns with the country’s Vision 2030.

The Riyadh Antenna is named in honor of Saudi Arabia’s capital, symbolizing the customization of the platform to adapt to the Kingdom’s market changes, stringent requirements, and cutting-edge technologies. This innovation comes in the wake of the recent landmark Spectrum Auction by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), where Zain KSA secured 30 MHz in the 600 MHz frequency band. This spectrum acquisition bolsters Zain’s capability to deliver high-performance mobile telecommunication networks.

The auction itself is a significant milestone, increasing total licensed frequencies for mobile networks by 27% to 1,400 MHz and positioning Saudi Arabia as the leading G20 country in spectrum allocation below 6 GHz. These developments have paved the way for Huawei to introduce the Riyadh Antenna, a technology poised to accelerate the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure while promoting competitiveness and innovation in telecommunications.

Why the Riyadh Antenna Stands Out from Legacy Panel Antennas

The Riyadh Antenna Platform represents a significant departure from traditional panel antennas through its adoption of a cylindrical design, aimed at addressing several critical challenges faced by network operators.

• Innovative Cylindrical Design Reducing EPA and Wind Load: Unlike the legacy panel antennas that are flat and large, the Riyadh Antenna leverages a compact cylindrical structure, dramatically decreasing the Effective Projected Area (EPA) by 30% to 60%. This design minimizes wind resistance, reducing the physical stress on sites and allowing deployment in areas previously restricted by high wind load concerns. Lower EPA directly translates to reduced structural reinforcement costs and faster, more flexible deployments.
• Multiple Antenna Arrays in a Compact Form Factor: The Riyadh Antenna integrates multiple antenna arrays within a single, sleek design. This innovative approach enhances network coverage without increasing the antenna footprint, providing higher capacity and coverage with fewer installation points. This is crucial for urban environments where site space is limited, helping operators maximize site utility without compromising performance.
• Compact and Space-Efficient Deployment: Traditional antennas typically require larger installation areas and often contribute to site congestion. By adopting a smaller, 2.0-meter form factor (compared to the traditional 2.6-meter panel antennas), the Riyadh Antenna not only reduces site rental costs but also simplifies deployment in space-constrained locations. This enhances Zain KSA’s ability to expand its network rapidly while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Maintenance: With integrated Antenna Information Sensor Unit (AISU) and Remote Azimuth Steering (RAS) capabilities, operators can remotely monitor antenna performance and adjust the azimuth in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. This two-dimensional beam adjustment is a breakthrough compared to traditional antennas, which typically allow only vertical tilting. Remote calibration reduces the need for on-site visits, lowering OPEX and improving maintenance efficiency.

“We are proud to launch the Riyadh Antenna Platform, an innovation that not only reflects our beloved capital’s name but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s pioneering position globally and regionally. This collaboration with Huawei is a testament to our dedication to leading digital transformation in line with Vision 2030 and continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers.”

-Eng. Mohammed Al Nujaidi, CTO, Zain KSA.

“Antenna is the critical infrastructure in wireless communication systems. It must be energy efficient, digital capabilities, and simplified deployment to support intelligent network evolution. Huawei is willing to work with Zain KSA to innovate solutions, ensure that Zain KSA continuously provides optimal user experience, and support the vision 2030 of digital transformation.”

-Andy Sun, President, Huawei Antenna Business Unit.

The Riyadh Antenna exemplifies Zain KSA and Huawei’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for sustainable, efficient, and cutting-edge telecommunications solutions that benefit the Kingdom and its people.