Dhahran, Saudi Arabia is poised to become home to the nation’s first Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Development Center, a result of a strategic partnership between Aramco Digital and Intel. The center is set to be a driver of innovation and a key player in the digital transformation efforts within the country. The announcement reflects a shared dedication to advancing Open RAN technology, which is anticipated to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure and boost digitization across various sectors.
The initiative is in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes technological progress and economic diversification. Open RAN represents a shift in wireless network design, offering enhanced flexibility, interoperability, and opportunities for innovation. Aramco Digital contributes its in-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabia’s developmental needs and economic horizon, while Intel brings its pioneering experience in computing and communication technologies to the table.
Key aspects of the collaboration include:
1. Innovation Incubator: The center is designed to be a nexus for innovation, uniting the expertise of engineers, researchers, and industry authorities from both Aramco Digital and Intel.
2. Nurturing Local Expertise: With a focus on cultivating local talent, the center will offer educational programs and practical experience in the burgeoning realms of Open RAN and Edge computing technologies.
3. Economic Advantages: The partnership is poised to deliver economic benefits through tech-driven projects, supporting the broader goals of Vision 2030.
4. International Ties: The Open RAN initiative is expected to foster global links, positioning Saudi Arabia as a player in the international Open RAN and Edge technology sphere.
Aramco Digital’s CEO, Tareq Amin, remarked on the significance of the partnership as a milestone for fostering innovation within the Kingdom. He highlighted the center’s role in developing local expertise for cutting-edge 5G and future 6G technologies. An executive from Intel echoed these sentiments, expressing enthusiasm over the collaboration that aims to advance edge-native Open RAN solutions in Saudi Arabia and potentially on a worldwide scale.
Slated to begin operations in 2024, the Open RAN Development Center marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s path towards a tech-oriented future.
About Aramco Digital: Aramco Digital, a subsidiary of Aramco, specializes in driving digital transformation and tech innovation across various industries, leveraging Aramco’s global presence in the integrated energy and chemicals sector.
About Intel: As a global computing innovation leader, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) develops and manufactures foundational technologies essential to the world’s computing devices.