On May 18, 2026, Saudi Aramco and French quantum computing firm Pasqal officially inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer at a ceremony in Dhahran. The partners simultaneously unveiled the first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) platform in the Middle East, aimed at building regional expertise and accelerating the development of quantum applications across the energy, materials, and industrial sectors.
The Pasqal Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), initially deployed in November 2025, is powered by neutral-atom technology and controls 200 programmable qubits. Located at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, the computer provides customers with immediate, low-latency access to quantum hardware through a secure cloud platform to address complex industrial challenges. Other external organizations, including research institutions, universities, and enterprises, can use Pasqal’s cloud platform to access the system.
Aramco’s domestic venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, initially invested in Pasqal in January 2023, reinforcing efforts to localize advanced quantum technologies and accelerate the development of the regional quantum ecosystem. Since then, the companies have built a structured quantum program targeting high-value operational challenges across multiple workstreams, including port logistics optimization, CO₂ storage optimization, well placement, rig scheduling, building the Kingdom’s quantum workforce, and making quantum computing available throughout the region.
Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation, said the milestone “belongs to our Saudi researchers, engineers and scientists,” adding that joint training and research efforts are “building world-class quantum expertise right here in the Kingdom.” According to Al Khowaiter, the achievement should serve as a catalyst for an innovation-driven economy, creating future-ready jobs and advancing Saudi Vision 2030.
Under the terms of the partnership, Aramco will progress a roadmap of use cases on a production-ready QPU as a foundational customer, accelerating development of quantum-hybrid solutions for its programs across energy, materials, and industrial operations. Pasqal, headquartered in France, employs over 275 people and serves over 25 clients and partners globally.
Source: Aramco press release on QCaaS platform launch with Pasqal