Aramco, the Saudi energy and chemicals giant, has launched the Kingdom’s first quantum computer in partnership with French quantum computing firm Pasqal, marking a significant step in the region’s push into advanced computing technologies.
The development also introduces the Middle East’s first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) platform, designed to expand access to quantum hardware for industrial, academic and enterprise users working on complex computational problems across energy, materials science and industrial optimisation.
Housed at Aramco’s data centre in Dhahran, the system enables secure remote access to quantum processing capabilities with low-latency performance for global users. The infrastructure is intended to support real-world applications requiring high-performance computation, particularly in energy systems and large-scale industrial operations.
Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Aramco, described the launch as a milestone driven by Saudi talent and long-term capability building.
“This quantum milestone belongs to our Saudi researchers, engineers and scientists,” he said, adding that ongoing investment in training and research is aimed at developing world-class expertise within the Kingdom. He noted that quantum technologies could play a role in advancing lower-carbon energy solutions, improving reservoir modelling, and optimising supply chains, while also supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic transformation under Vision 2030.
Pasqal CEO Wasiq Bokhari said the partnership demonstrates how industrial-scale quantum computing is moving from theory into practical deployment.
“Aramco is not just waiting for quantum computing, it is helping to shape it as a global leader,” he said, highlighting the use of Pasqal’s hardware and software stack to address complex industrial challenges.
He added that making the system available both for Aramco’s internal operations and external users reflects a broader mission to scale secure, practical quantum computing across the region.
Founded in 2019, Pasqal develops neutral-atom quantum processors and cloud-ready software focused on optimisation, simulation and artificial intelligence applications.
The deployed Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) uses neutral-atom technology and operates with 200 programmable qubits. Its inauguration marks the transition of the system into active operation for industrial workloads and research use cases.
Under the collaboration, Aramco will serve as a foundational customer, developing quantum and hybrid quantum-classical applications across energy, materials and industrial domains. External institutions, including universities, research centres and enterprises, will also gain access through Pasqal’s cloud platform.
Aramco’s venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, first invested in Pasqal in 2023, supporting efforts to localise quantum technologies and strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem.
Since then, both organisations have been working on structured use cases targeting logistics optimisation, carbon storage modelling, drilling efficiency, rig scheduling, and broader workforce development in quantum technologies—laying the groundwork for a regional quantum computing ecosystem aligned with industrial needs.
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