May 20, 2026 [Fast Company Middle East]- Aramco has officially inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer in partnership with Pasqal, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s push to advance emerging technologies and strengthen its innovation ecosystem.

The two companies also unveiled the Middle East’s first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) platform, designed to accelerate the development of quantum applications across sectors including energy, materials, logistics, and industrial operations.

Located at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, the quantum computer enables secure remote cloud access for users worldwide. The platform allows enterprises, research institutions, and universities to explore quantum-enhanced solutions for complex industrial challenges. The deployment follows the initial rollout of Pasqal’s Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) in November 2025.

Powered by neutral-atom technology, the system currently operates with 200 programmable qubits and has now entered active use across a growing range of industrial applications.

Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Aramco, said the development reflects the Kingdom’s growing capabilities in advanced technologies.

“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,” he said.

He added that the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting the creation of future-ready jobs and helping build an innovation-driven economy.

Wasiq Bokhari, Chief Executive Officer of Pasqal, said the partnership highlights how quantum computing is moving beyond experimentation toward practical industrial applications.

“Aramco is not just waiting for quantum computing, it is helping to shape it as a global leader. This inauguration is evidence that some of the world’s most demanding industrial challenges are now being tackled with Pasqal’s quantum processors, software, and specialized solutions,” he said.

Under the agreement, Aramco will serve as a foundational customer, advancing a roadmap of quantum-hybrid use cases focused on energy, materials, and industrial operations. Current workstreams include port logistics optimization, CO₂ storage optimization, well placement, and rig scheduling.

The initiative also aims to strengthen local quantum expertise and expand access to quantum computing technologies across the region.

The collaboration builds on Aramco’s earlier investment in Pasqal through its venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, which backed the company in January 2023 as part of broader efforts to localize advanced quantum technologies and accelerate the Kingdom’s quantum ecosystem.