Dhahran, Saudi Arabia: Aramco Digital and Intel have joined hands with their intent to set up the first Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Development Centre in Saudi Arabia.

This collaboration between Aramco Digital, the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, a global integrated energy and chemicals company and Intel aims to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on technological advancements and economic diversification.

The joint effort aims to speed up the development and deployment of Open RAN technologies, helping to enable the Kingdom to build robust and agile telecommunication infrastructure focused on accelerating digitisation across industries.

First Open RAN Development Centre in Saudi

The centre is expected to drive technology innovation and contribute to Saudi’s digital transformation landscape. It is planned to be operational in 2024. Open RAN is an evolving wireless network architecture that allows greater flexibility, interoperability and innovation.

Aramco Digital brings a deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s developmental needs and the opportunities for Open RAN technology deployment, along the country’s economic landscape. Intel brings its expertise in Open RAN technologies to the collaboration.

Highlights of the collaboration:

Innovation Hub: The Open RAN Development Centre aims to act as an innovation hub, fostering collaboration between Aramco Digital and Intel engineers, researchers and industry experts.

Local Talent Development: The centre aims to contribute to the development of local talent by providing training and hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of Open RAN and Edge computing technology.

Economic Impact: The collaboration aims to contribute to the local economy through technology-driven initiatives, aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.

Global Collaboration: The collaboration between Aramco and Intel on Open RAN is expected to go beyond borders, connecting Saudi Arabia to the global landscape of Open RAN and Edge development and deployment.

“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping drive innovation in the Kingdom. The Open RAN Development Centre is expected to be a catalyst for digital evolution, providing a platform for collaboration, skill development and the creation of a vibrant technology ecosystem,” said Armaco Digital CEO Tareq Amin.

“At the heart of this collaboration is the creation of a vibrant pool of local capabilities for advanced 5G and future 6G technologies,” added Amin.

“We are pleased to collaborate on Open RAN with Aramco Digital and to combine Intel’s technological prowess in network and edge computing and software with the local insights and industry leadership of Aramco Digital,” Sachin Katti, Intel’s SVP and GM of Network and Edge Group.

“Together, we aim to accelerate the deployment of edge-native Open RAN solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond,” added Katti.

The Open RAN Development Center is planned to commence operations in 2024, marking a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey towards a technology-driven future.