RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has marked a milestone in advanced computing after Aramco and Pasqal activated the Kingdom’s first quantum computer in Dhahran, underscoring the country’s push to strengthen its position in emerging technologies and digital innovation.
According to a press release, the ceremony at Aramco’s data center also saw the unveiling of the region’s first commercial Quantum Computing-as-a-Service platform, making the machine available to enterprises and research institutions worldwide via a secure cloud interface.
The Pasqal Quantum Processing Unit uses neutral-atom technology to control 200 programmable qubits.
The launch comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates investment in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing and quantum technologies under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and build a knowledge-based innovation ecosystem.
Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation Ahmad Al-Khowaiter framed the milestone in terms of national ambition, and said: “This quantum milestone belongs to our Saudi researchers, engineers and scientists.”
