Saudi Arabia Inaugurates Its First Quantum Computer

Saudi oil giant Aramco has inaugurated the Kingdom’s first quantum computer in partnership with France-based quantum computing company Pasqal. 

The Pasqal Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), which was initially deployed in November 2025, is powered by neutral-atom technology and controls 200 programmable qubits. The inauguration formalizes the system’s transition into active operation across a growing portfolio of industrial applications, enabling enterprises to explore quantum-enhanced solutions for operational challenges. 

Located at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, the quantum computer provides customers with low-latency access to quantum hardware through a secure cloud platform designed to address industrial challenges. Besides the QPU, Aramco and Pasqal have also launched the Middle East’s first commercial quantum-computing-as-a-service (QCaaS) platform, which enables remote cloud access for clients globally.

In a statement, Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Aramco, 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, CEO, Pasqal, added, "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." 

Under the partnership, Aramco will serve as a foundational customer and advance a roadmap of use cases on a production-ready QPU. The collaboration will focus on developing quantum-hybrid solutions across the company’s energy, materials, and industrial operations. 

The structured quantum program developed by Aramco and Pasqal targets several operational workstreams where quantum-hybrid approaches could extend capabilities beyond classical computing. These include port logistics optimization, carboin dioxide storage optimization, well placement, rig scheduling, workforce development, and expanding access to quantum computing across the region. 

External organizations, including research institutions, universities, and enterprises, will also be able to access the platform through Pasqal's cloud infrastructure, providing access to one of the few quantum computers currently available globally. 

Pasqal has been developing quantum hardware and cloud-ready software since 2019, with a focus on optimization, simulation, and artificial intelligence applications. In January 2023, Aramco’s domestic venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, invested in Pasqal as part of efforts to localize quantum technologies and support the development of the regional quantum ecosystem. 

Pictured in the lead image are Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Aramco, and Wasiq Bokhari, CEO, Pasqal. Image courtesy Aramco.