Prime Highlights
- Aramco and Pasqal launch Middle East’s first QCaaS platform.
- Quantum computer to drive Saudi Vision 2030 innovation goals.
Key Facts
- Pasqal specialises in neutral-atom quantum computing since 2019.
- Wa’ed Ventures invested in Pasqal in early 2023.
Background
The quantum computer in Saudi Arabia was unveiled by Aramco and Pasqal in the third week of May. This is an important event in the region. It reflects the technological developments that are taking place in the region. The unveiling of the quantum computer in Saudi Arabia by Aramco and Pasqal is an important step. The two companies also unveiled the Middle East’s first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service platform, known as QCaaS, opening cloud-based quantum access to clients across the globe.
Located at Aramco’s data centre in Dhahran, the system gives customers secure, low-latency access to quantum hardware through a cloud platform. The setup targets complex industrial challenges across energy, materials, and supply chain sectors.
Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Ahmad O Al Khowaiter, stated that the milestone belongs to Saudi researchers, engineers, and scientists. He said the investment in joint training and research is building world-class quantum expertise within the Kingdom, which will support next-generation energy solutions, lower-carbon fuel development, and reservoir and supply chain optimisation. He described the achievement as a catalyst for an innovation-driven economy that creates future-ready jobs for Saudi youth and advances Vision 2030.
Pasqal CEO Wasiq Bokhari said Aramco is actively helping shape quantum computing globally, and that deploying its systems for business-critical operations while making them available to regional enterprises and researchers forms the core of Pasqal’s mission.
The Pasqal Quantum Processing Unit controls 200 programmable qubits using neutral-atom technology. Following its initial deployment in the fourth week of November 2025, this inauguration formalises its entry into active industrial operations.
Aramco’s venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, first invested in Pasqal in early 2023. Some key use cases currently under development are about port logistics optimization, CO₂ storage well placement and rig scheduling.
