Yesterday, Aramco, in partnership with neutral-atom quantum computing company Pasqal, officially inaugurated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer – a neutral atom computer with 200 programmable qubits. Located at Aramco’s data center in Dahran, the quantum computer will be made available through the first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) platform in the Middle East, which was also launched yesterday.
Under the terms of the partnership, Aramco will progress a roadmap of use cases on a production-ready QPU as a foundational customer of Pasqal, and aim to accelerate development of quantum-hybrid solutions for its programs across energy, materials and industrial operations. Other external organizations, including research institutions, universities, and enterprises, will also be able use Pasqal’s cloud platform.
In 2023, Aramco’s domestic venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, initially invested in Pasqal, with the goal of localizing advanced quantum technologies and accelerating the development of the regional quantum ecosystem. Since then, Aramco and Pasqal have built a structured quantum program targeting high-value operational challenges across multiple workstreams, where quantum-hybrid approaches unlock capabilities beyond classical computing. These Aramco workstreams include port logistics optimization, CO₂ storage optimization, well placement, rig scheduling, workforce development, and making quantum computing available throughout the region.
Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, said, ” “This quantum milestone belongs to our Saudi researchers, engineers and scientists. By investing in joint training and research, we are building world class quantum expertise right here in the Kingdom—an expertise that will power the next generation of energy solutions, accelerate lower carbon fuel development, and enhance reservoir and supply chain optimization. Let this achievement be the catalyst for an innovation driven economy, creating high impact, future ready jobs for our youth and advancing Saudi Vision 2030.”
Wasiq Bokhari, Pasqal CEO, said, “”Aramco is not just waiting for quantum computing, it is helping to shape it as a global leader. This inauguration is evidence that the most demanding industrial challenges in the world are now being tackled with Pasqal’s quantum processors, software and specific solutions. For Pasqal, deploying our system for use in Aramco’s business-critical operations, while also being available to the region’s enterprises and research community, is a part of our core mission: to enable practical and secure quantum computing at scale today.”
