Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has signed 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 deployment of the 200-qubit quantum computer is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Under this agreement, Pasqal will install, maintain, and operate the quantum computer. Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco’s EVP of Technology & Innovation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Aramco is delighted to partner with Pasqal to bring cutting-edge, high-performance quantum computing capabilities to the Kingdom. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, we believe it is crucial to seize opportunities presented by new, impactful technologies. We aim to pioneer the use of quantum computing in the energy sector. 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. This is further evidence of our contribution to the growth of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia.”
Georges-Olivier Reymond, Pasqal’s CEO & Co-founder, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “The era of quantum computing is here. No longer confined to theory, it’s transitioning to real-world applications, empowering organizations to solve previously intractable problems at scale. Since launching Pasqal in 2019, we have focused on developing concrete quantum computing algorithms immediately applicable to customer use cases. Through this agreement, we’ll be at the forefront of accelerating the commercial adoption of this transformative technology in Saudi Arabia. This isn’t just any quantum computer; it will be the most powerful tool deployed for industrial usages, unlocking a new era of innovation for businesses and society.”
Initially, the quantum computer will operate in analog mode. Within the following year, it will be upgraded to a more advanced hybrid analog-digital mode, capable of solving even more complex problems. Pasqal and Aramco plan to leverage the quantum computer to identify new use cases, with a vision to establish a powerhouse for quantum research within Saudi Arabia. This initiative involves collaboration with leading academic institutions to foster breakthroughs in quantum algorithm development, a crucial step for unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.
The agreement also accelerates Pasqal’s activities in Saudi Arabia, where it established an office in 2023. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 between the companies to collaborate on quantum computing capabilities and applications in the energy sector. In 2023, Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures also participated in Pasqal’s Series B fundraising round.
