Aramco and Pasqal inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer and launched the Middle East’s first commercial Quantum Computing as a Service platform, hosted at Aramco’s Dhahran data center to provide remote, low-latency cloud access to quantum hardware for global clients.

The collaboration centers on production-ready quantum processing unit use cases to accelerate practical applications in energy, materials science, and industrial optimization.

Pasqal’s QPU uses neutral-atom technology and controls 200 programmable qubits, with the project including training and research to build regional quantum expertise aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Initial use cases focus on port logistics optimization, CO2 storage optimization, well placement, and rig scheduling, with plans to broaden access to universities, researchers, and regional enterprises.

Aramco is the foundational customer for these inaugural capabilities, aiming to demonstrate substantial cost savings and efficiency gains through quantum-hybrid solutions.

Workstreams also include optimization of vessel and cargo scheduling at ports and carbon capture modeling, signaling a broader push into energy and industrial applications.

The initiative seeks to position the region to explore quantum-enhanced optimization, simulation, and AI solutions, with emphasis on practical deployment and regional development.

Aramco frames the milestone as a national achievement to cultivate local quantum expertise that powers energy solutions, reduces carbon intensity, and optimizes reservoirs and supply chains.

Aramco serves as the foundational customer and is outlining a roadmap for quantum-hybrid solutions where classical computing falls short.

Initial workstreams include port logistics, carbon capture, and improved well placement, with quantum-hybrid approaches expected to outperform traditional methods.

Key entities include Aramco, Pasqal, Wa’ed Ventures, with partners and clients such as CMA CGM, OVHcloud, Thales, IBM Quantum Network, and Sumitomo involved.

ARBOR Technology’s COMPUTEX 2026 coverage highlights Edge AI and industrial computing solutions that complement the broader move toward AI at the edge.