Aramco, in partnership with Pasqal, has achieved a technological milestone with the deployment of Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer—and the region’s first dedicated to industrial applications. This deployment at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran utilizes Pasqal’s neutral-atom technology, featuring a system capable of controlling 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. This advancement builds on Aramco’s digital capabilities and aligns with its strategy to enhance operational efficiency and innovation, while also establishing Pasqal as a global leader in delivering practical quantum solutions to strategic sectors worldwide.
Aramco and Pasqal’s Quantum Computing Partnership
Aramco and Pasqal have established a partnership resulting in Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer, and the first in the Middle East dedicated to industrial applications. Deployed at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, this marks a pivotal step in building regional quantum expertise. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of quantum applications across the energy, materials, and industrial sectors, aligning with Aramco’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency and innovation.
This deployment features Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum computer, capable of controlling 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. This system offers a platform for exploring advanced quantum algorithms and addressing real-world industrial challenges. Pasqal will also provide training programs and research opportunities for Saudi engineers and scientists, bolstering the Kingdom’s quantum ecosystem and cultivating local talent in this emerging field.
Wa’ed Ventures, part of Aramco’s venture capital program, initially invested in Pasqal in January 2023. This early investment supported Pasqal’s efforts to localize technologies and operations within Saudi Arabia, contributing to a growing regional quantum ecosystem. Pasqal, founded in 2019, has secured over €140 million in financing to date and focuses on delivering practical quantum solutions to industry.
First Quantum Computer in the Middle East
Aramco and Pasqal have jointly deployed Saudi Arabia’s—and the Middle East’s—first quantum computer, dedicated to industrial applications. This milestone was achieved through the installation of Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum computer at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran. The system is capable of controlling 200 qubits arranged in a programmable two-dimensional array, positioning it for exploration of advanced algorithms and relevant industrial use cases. This deployment signifies a pivotal step in building regional expertise in quantum technology.
This partnership extends beyond hardware installation, with Pasqal providing training programs and joint research opportunities for Saudi engineers and scientists. Wa’ed Ventures, part of Aramco’s venture capital program, initially invested in Pasqal in January 2023, supporting the localization of Pasqal’s technologies within Saudi Arabia. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s quantum ecosystem and foster the development of a skilled, high-tech workforce.
Pasqal’s system utilizes neutral-atom technology, a quantum computing approach the company has been developing since its founding in 2019. The company has secured over €140 million in financing to date. Aramco views this deployment as a natural progression of its technology leadership, complementing its existing deployments of AI and other advanced digital solutions to enhance operations and unlock value across its business.
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.
Loïc Henriet
Neutral-Atom Technology and System Specs
Aramco and Pasqal have deployed Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer—and the first in the Middle East dedicated to industrial applications—at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran. This system utilizes neutral-atom technology and can control 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. The deployment aims to accelerate the development of quantum applications within the energy, materials, and industrial sectors, bolstering regional expertise and innovation.
This quantum computer represents a significant step for Pasqal, delivering its most powerful system to date. The partnership builds on a prior investment by Wa’ed Ventures in Pasqal, supporting the localization of technologies and operations within Saudi Arabia. Pasqal will also provide training programs and research opportunities for Saudi engineers and scientists, aiming to strengthen the Kingdom’s quantum ecosystem and develop local talent.
Founded in 2019, Pasqal builds quantum processors from ordered neutral atoms. The company has secured over €140 million in financing to date. This latest deployment with Aramco demonstrates Pasqal’s commitment to delivering practical, industry-ready quantum solutions and expanding its presence globally, while Aramco continues to leverage advanced digital technologies to enhance efficiency and unlock value.
Investment in and Development of Quantum Ecosystem
Aramco and Pasqal have deployed Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer, a pivotal step in building regional expertise. This neutral-atom quantum computer, installed at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, is dedicated to industrial applications within the energy, materials, and industrial sectors. The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and unlock long-term value through leveraging advanced digital technologies, furthering Aramco’s strategy for innovation and creating a strong base for quantum development in the Kingdom.
This deployment features a Pasqal system capable of controlling 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. This provides a platform for exploring advanced quantum algorithms and addressing real-world challenges relevant to industrial operations. Wa’ed Ventures, part of Aramco’s venture capital program, initially invested in Pasqal in January 2023, actively supporting the localization of technologies and building a strong presence within Saudi Arabia’s emerging quantum ecosystem.
The collaboration extends beyond hardware, with Pasqal providing training programs and joint research opportunities for Saudi engineers and scientists. This initiative is designed to strengthen the Kingdom’s quantum ecosystem and foster the development of high-tech talent. Pasqal has secured over €140 million in financing to date, demonstrating its commitment to delivering practical quantum solutions to strategic industries and expanding its global reach.
