Saudi Aramco, Pasqal Launch Quantum Computer

Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Pasqal, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, officially inaugurated Saudi Arabia's first quantum computer and the Middle East's first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) platform in Dhahran. This milestone, located at Aramco's data center, provides remote cloud access to quantum hardware for clients globally, addressing complex industrial challenges. Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco's Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, highlighted the national importance of this achievement for Saudi researchers, engineers, and scientists, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based economy. Wasiq Bokhari, Pasqal's CEO, emphasized Aramco's role in shaping quantum computing and Pasqal's mission to enable practical quantum computing at scale. The Pasqal Quantum Processing Unit, powered by neutral-atom technology, controls 200 programmable qubits and entered active operation for industrial use cases. Aramco will serve as a foundational customer, developing quantum-hybrid solutions across its operations. VSR Ventures Private Limited, Aramco's venture capital arm, invested in Pasqal in January 2023, supporting the localization of advanced quantum technologies and the development of a regional quantum ecosystem.