Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Middle East’s first quantum computer dedicated to industrial use, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s push to become a global leader in next-generation computing. The system, developed by French company Pasqal, is housed at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran and is designed to accelerate innovation across the energy, materials, and industrial sectors.
The deployment introduces neutral-atom quantum computing into Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape, supporting national efforts to scale advanced technologies and expand technical expertise. Aramco says the machine will help enhance operational efficiency and unlock new value across its business.
“We are deploying AI and other technologies at scale to further enhance our operations and unlock value,” said Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco’s executive vice president for technology and innovation. “Our partnership with Pasqal is a natural progression, and we are thrilled to pioneer next-generation quantum capabilities.”
Pasqal described the installation as its most powerful commercial deployment to date. The system can control 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays, providing a platform to test quantum algorithms and explore solutions for complex industrial challenges.
“This is a historic milestone with Aramco,” said Pasqal CEO Loic Henriet. “It marks a defining moment for the Middle East’s quantum future.”
The initiative is supported by Wa’ed Ventures—Aramco’s venture capital arm—which became one of Pasqal’s early strategic investors in 2023. As part of the partnership, Pasqal will offer training and research opportunities to Saudi engineers and scientists, aiming to develop local talent and build a competitive regional quantum ecosystem.
