Saudi energy giant Aramco, in partnership with French quantum computing specialist Pasqal, has inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s push into advanced computing technologies.

The launch also introduced the Middle East’s first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) platform, enabling remote cloud access to quantum hardware for customers worldwide.

Located at Aramco’s data centre in Dhahran, the system provides secure, low latency access to a neutral atom quantum processing unit (QPU), allowing researchers, enterprises, and institutions to explore quantum powered solutions to complex industrial problems. 

The platform is designed to support hybrid quantum classical workflows, bridging current computing systems with next generation quantum capabilities.

Under the partnership, Aramco will act as a foundational customer, advancing a roadmap of production ready use cases. 

These efforts aim to accelerate the development of quantum hybrid applications across energy, materials science, and industrial operations.

 Early focus areas include port logistics optimisation, carbon dioxide storage optimisation, well placement strategies, rig scheduling, and broader operational efficiency improvements.

The initiative also opens access for external organisations, including universities and research institutions, to leverage Pasqal’s cloud infrastructure and participate in early-stage quantum application development. 

This positions the platform as one of the few operational quantum computing systems globally available for commercial and research use.