Aramco partners with Pasqual to deploy the first quantum computer in Saudi Arabia

Aramco signed today an agreement with Pasqal, a global leader in neutral atom quantum computing, to install the first quantum computer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The agreement involves the installation, maintenance, and operation of a 200-qubit quantum computer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The quantum computer will deploy in the second half of 2025.

“Aramco is delighted to partner with Pasqal to bring innovative, high-performance quantum computing capabilities to the Kingdom. Our agreement with Pasqal allows us to harness the expertise of a leading player in this field, as we continue to build state-of-the-art solutions into our business. It is also further evidence of our contribution to the growth of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia,” Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP of Technology & Innovation, said in the press statement.

Furthering the Kingdom’s digital economy

Through this partnership, the companies will be at the forefront of accelerating the commercial adoption of this transformative technology in Saudi Arabia.

“The era of quantum computing is here. No longer confined to theory, it is transitioning to real-world applications, empowering organisations to solve previously intractable problems at scale. Since launching Pasqal in 2019, we have directed our efforts towards concrete quantum computing algorithms immediately applicable to customer use cases” Georges-Olivier Reymond, Pasqal CEO & Co-founder, added.

The quantum computer will initially operate in analog mode. Within the next year, it will upgrade to a more advanced hybrid analog-digital mode, allowing it to solve even more complex problems.

Pasqal and Aramco plan to utilize quantum computing to discover new use cases. They aim to establish a leading quantum research centre in Saudi Arabia, involving top academic institutions to drive breakthroughs in quantum algorithm development. This is a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.

The agreement also accelerates Pasqal's operations in Saudi Arabia. The company established an office in the Kingdom in 2023, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the companies in 2022 to collaborate on quantum computing capabilities and applications in the energy sector. Additionally, in 2023, Aramco's Wa'ed Ventures participated in Pasqal's Series B fundraising round.