Aramco has marked a major technological breakthrough with the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first industrial-grade quantum computer, developed in partnership with French quantum specialist Pasqal. Installed at the company’s data centre in Dhahran, the system is the first of its kind in the Middle East dedicated to real-world industrial operations.
The achievement strengthens Aramco’s long-term strategy to integrate next-generation digital systems across its business. Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation, said quantum computing aligns with the company’s broader digital transformation efforts. He noted that Aramco continues to deploy AI and advanced technologies at scale to improve efficiency and boost value across its operations.
A Leap Forward for the Region’s Quantum Future
The Pasqal-built system is the company’s most powerful to date, operating with 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. The milestone, Pasqal’s CEO Loïc Henriet said, represents an important moment for the region’s growing interest in quantum technologies. He described the project with Aramco as “a landmark for the Middle East’s quantum future.”
Quantum computers of this scale open the door to advanced optimisation, simulation and modelling techniques that are difficult—or in some cases impossible—to perform on classical machines. For the energy and industrial sectors, this could support innovations ranging from subsurface modelling to complex materials research and supply-chain optimisation.
Strengthening a Regional Quantum Ecosystem
The deployment follows a multi-year collaboration between Aramco and Pasqal. Wa’ed Ventures, Aramco’s venture capital arm, was an early investor in Pasqal after joining the company’s funding round in early 2023. The investment helped Pasqal establish a presence in the Kingdom and tailor its technology to Saudi Arabia’s industrial needs.
Both companies plan to expand this ecosystem further. Pasqal will offer training programmes and joint research opportunities for Saudi engineers and scientists, providing hands-on access to quantum hardware and applied research environments. The goal is to build local expertise and support the development of a homegrown quantum industry.
Unlike academic installations that focus mainly on experimentation, the Dhahran system is designed for high-impact industrial decision-making. Aramco plans to explore applications in optimisation, computational chemistry and predictive modelling, areas where quantum computing may eventually deliver meaningful performance advantages.
