Naver is accelerating efforts to build a map-based super app ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, bringing global Big Tech companies, local government agencies and private-sector partners into its expanding network.
The company is linking geospatial data, real-estate administration, infrastructure, reservations and payments to lay the groundwork for a Saudi super app planned for launch later this year. Its latest partnerships also extend the scope of joint development into space technology.
According to industry sources on Sep. 3, Naver Innovation—a joint venture between Naver Cloud and Saudi Arabia's National Housing Company, or NHC—has exchanged memorandums of understanding with eight organizations, including Meta, the operator of Instagram, as well as Saudi government agencies and companies.
All eight agreements were formalized at LEAP 2026, a global technology exhibition held in Riyadh from Aug. 31 to Sep. 3 local time.
Naver Innovation signed an MOU with Neo Space Group, or NSG, a space company established by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. The agreement expands their potential collaboration beyond geospatial technology into the development of space-related solutions.
The company also agreed to work with Alisteshaar, a Saudi geospatial and surveying firm, on geospatial solutions, surveying, digital twins and applications powered by spatial intelligence.
Its agreement with Meta has drawn particular attention. The two companies are considering ways to connect Balady+, Saudi Arabia's next-generation digital map and navigation service, with Meta's platforms.
The goal is to improve movement between services and connect relevant data to enhance the user experience of digital maps and navigation. The partnership could eventually broaden access for global users through integration with Meta-operated services such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Naver is also expanding into local lifestyle services. With Saudi restaurant platform Wddk, it plans to build an integrated digital experience covering reservations, payments, ticketing and promotions.
Through a partnership with Saudi Arabia's Real Estate Registry, or RER, Naver Innovation will explore the use of artificial intelligence, smart maps and geospatial technology in real-estate and local-government administration.
It is also considering a link between Saudi national map services and Naeem, a beauty and salon booking platform.
On infrastructure, Naver Innovation signed an MOU with NHC Innovation, an NHC subsidiary, to identify additional opportunities in technology and digital infrastructure.
It also entered into a three-way agreement with Masdr, a Saudi data-solutions company, and SuperMap, a Chinese geographic information system company, to develop infrastructure and road-safety technologies.
Naver has invested aggressively in Saudi Arabia since last year. It launched its local headquarters, Naver Arabia, and established Naver Innovation as a strategic joint venture under the entity.
The company is pooling capabilities from Naver, Naver Cloud and Naver Labs to expand across the Middle East. It is pursuing partnerships for AI data-center construction and cloud services, while aiming to launch a map-based super app that supports everyday needs such as housing and mobility in Saudi Arabia later this year.
“If Naver can establish a service in Saudi Arabia that covers everyday life as comprehensively as it does in Korea, it could become a key platform player across the Middle East and North Africa,” an industry source said.
