Ericsson, the leading Swedish multinational telecommunications and networking company, has officially inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The launch underscores Ericsson’s strategic commitment to the Kingdom and highlights Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in the company’s operations across the Middle East and Africa.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Dr. Abdullah A. Aldubaikhi, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA); Petra Menander, Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson Group; Patrick Johansson, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ericsson; and other senior Ericsson executives. Also present were Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid, CEO of stc Group, and Eng. Nezar H. Banabeela, CEO of Mobily.
The event featured key discussions on the evolution of network technologies, the roadmap toward 6G, and the influence of Saudi Vision 2030 in shaping long-term innovation strategies. Ericsson emphasized the importance of collaboration, talent development, and leadership in 5G as essential pillars for building inclusive digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Dr. Abdullah A. Aldubaikhi highlighted the significance of Ericsson’s new headquarters, stating, “The establishment of Ericsson’s regional headquarters in Riyadh reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading destination for global investment in advanced technologies.” He added, “It aligns with our national ambition to build a dynamic digital economy and foster innovation-led growth. We look forward to continued collaboration with global partners like Ericsson to unlock new opportunities and enable sustainable, technology-driven development across the region.”
Ericsson’s long-standing partnerships with major Saudi telecom operators such as stc, Mobily, and Zain KSA, as well as with research institutions including King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), have been pivotal in advancing research, innovation, and the deployment of advanced connectivity solutions.
Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid expressed stc’s support, saying, “Ericsson’s new regional headquarters in Riyadh represents an important step for us at stc, the region’s digital enabler, in strengthening digital infrastructure, innovation, and digitization across the region.” He further noted, “We highly value Ericsson’s contributions to emerging technologies and look forward to continuing our collaboration to deliver world-class connectivity and unlock new horizons for growth and innovation.”
Eng. Nezar H. Banabeela of Mobily added, “This inauguration highlights the kingdom’s global leadership in digital transformation. Our partnership with Ericsson, built on a shared vision, continues to enhance the efficiency of digital infrastructure and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional digital hub for technology and innovation.”
Last year, Ericsson partnered with KACST to establish the “Blink Lab,” a joint advanced connectivity laboratory focused on gaming and related technologies, located at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
