The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia published its inaugural report, Quantum Economy Landscape in Saudi Arabia, in December 2024. The report analyzed the Kingdom’s current quantum capabilities, identified key stakeholders and initiatives, and mapped a path toward quantum technology leadership aligned with Vision 2030.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia became the first nation to pilot the World Economic Forum’s Quantum Economy Blueprint. C4IR Managing Director Dr. Basma AlBuhairan described it as “a significant milestone in our journey towards embracing and integrating quantum technologies into our national fabric.”
Key recommendations in the report included developing a national quantum agenda, establishing a Quantum Foundry for hardware innovation, and expanding STEM education initiatives. It identified talent shortages, limited infrastructure, and global competition as principal challenges, while noting existing research programs at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.