RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – June 2025 — Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson has officially opened its new Middle East and Africa regional headquarters in Riyadh, further cementing its long-standing commitment to Saudi Arabia and the broader region. The move reflects the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation, digital transformation, and investment in advanced technologies.
A Strategic Base for Regional Innovation
The newly inaugurated headquarters positions Riyadh at the heart of Ericsson’s strategic operations across the Middle East and Africa. The launch ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including His Excellency Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Abdullah A. Aldubaikhi, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Investment (MISA), Petra Menander, the Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ericsson Group CEO Börje Ekholm, and other senior executives.
Also present were leaders from Ericsson’s major Saudi partners: Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid, CEO of stc Group, and Eng. Nezar H. Banabeela, CEO of Mobily, highlighting the company’s integral role in the Kingdom’s evolving telecommunications landscape.
Vision 2030 and the Road to 6G
The event featured in-depth discussions on the evolution of telecom networks, including the roadmap toward 6G, and the alignment of these efforts with Saudi Vision 2030. Ericsson emphasized the importance of collaboration, cross-sector innovation, and talent development in shaping an inclusive digital future.
Patrick Johansson, President of Ericsson for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, stated:
“This is a pivotal step in our journey to support digital growth, innovation, and collaboration. The new headquarters allows us to strengthen partnerships, accelerate advanced technology adoption, and build a more connected future.”
Reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s Digital Economy
The establishment of the regional HQ is a direct contribution to the Kingdom’s ambition to become a regional digital leader. According to Dr. Abdullah A. Aldubaikhi, Assistant Minister at MISA:
“This move aligns with our national vision to build a dynamic digital economy. We look forward to continued collaboration with global partners like Ericsson to unlock opportunities and drive sustainable, tech-led development.”
Ericsson’s deepening presence in Saudi Arabia supports the Kingdom’s broader strategy to attract high-tech investments and foster innovation across sectors.
Deepening Long-Term Local Partnerships
Ericsson has a rich history of collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s leading telecom and research institutions, including stc, Mobily, Zain KSA, KAUST, and KACST. Leaders from these organizations praised the company’s contributions to expanding 5G, enhancing network efficiency, and supporting national digitization.
Eng. Olayan Alwetaid of stc said:
“Ericsson’s new headquarters reinforces our shared mission to strengthen digital infrastructure and unlock growth through innovation.”
Mobily CEO Eng. Nezar Banabeela added:
“Our partnership with Ericsson supports the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for technology and digital excellence.”
Driving R&D and Talent Development
Ericsson’s commitment to local talent is best illustrated by its Gen-E Graduate Program, which has operated from Riyadh’s 5G Innovation Hub since 2018. More than 190 Saudi graduates—with women comprising 50%—have undergone specialized training in Ericsson’s tools, technologies, and methodologies. The program has produced real-world applications in 5G edge computing, IoT, robotics, and mixed reality.
Furthering this mission, Ericsson and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched Blink Lab in 2024, an advanced 5G gaming lab featuring private networks to support R&D, training, and commercialization. Another significant collaboration with KAUST is focused on advancing 5G and 6G research, reinforcing the Kingdom’s push to lead in next-generation telecom.
Dr. Talal Al-Sudairy, Senior Vice President at KACST, noted:
“These joint efforts accelerate the development of future connectivity technologies and foster local innovation ecosystems, fully aligned with Vision 2030.”
A Digital Future Built on Trust and Innovation
From expanding telecom infrastructure to powering the future of 6G, Ericsson’s growing presence in Saudi Arabia underscores its role in shaping a more connected and innovative region. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge research, and investments in local talent, the company continues to support Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global digital economy leader.
As the Kingdom charts its Vision 2030 path, Ericsson’s Riyadh headquarters stands as a symbol of cross-border cooperation, technological ambition, and shared progress in the digital age.
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