Saudi Arabia's Aramco Partners With France's Pasqal To Launch The Kingdom's First Quantum Computer

Saudi oil giant Aramco has deployed the Kingdom’s first quantum computer through a partnership with Pasqal, the neutral-atom quantum computing company based in France, establishing the region’s first quantum system dedicated to industrial use.

The machine was installed at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, with the deployment supporting efforts to build local expertise in quantum technologies and advance their applications across energy, materials, and industrial sectors.

It also aligns with Aramco’s strategy to integrate advanced digital tools to improve efficiency, support innovation, and create long-term value. For Pasqal, the project reflects its focus on delivering practical, industry-ready quantum solutions to key markets. 

In a statement, Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Aramco, said, “Aramco is an established technology leader, which continues to innovate through the development and deployment of advanced digital solutions that have tangible benefits. We are deploying AI and other technologies at scale to further enhance our operations, maximize efficiency and unlock value across our business. Our partnership with Pasqal is a natural progression and we are thrilled to pioneer next-generation quantum capabilities, harnessing significant opportunities presented by this new frontier in computing.” 

Loïc Henriet, CEO, Pasqal, added, "This is a historic milestone with Aramco. The deployment of our most powerful quantum computer yet is a piece of history and a landmark for the Middle East’s quantum future. Pasqal continues its expansion, delivering practical quantum power to industry."    

The collaboration follows the Saudi venture capital fund Wa’ed Ventures’ investment in Pasqal in January 2023. Since then, the venture capital arm has supported Pasqal in localizing its technology and operations in Saudi Arabia, helping the company establish a presence in the Kingdom and contribute to the development of a regional quantum ecosystem. 

The system at Aramco’s facility can control 200 qubits in programmable two-dimensional arrays, providing a platform for testing advanced quantum algorithms and exploring potential real-world industrial applications. Pasqal will also offer training programs and joint research opportunities for Saudi engineers and scientists, strengthening local talent development in quantum technologies.