In the city of Dhahran, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape as Aramco Digital and Intel have declared their joint plan to establish the first Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Development Center in Saudi Arabia. This center is poised to become a hub for technological innovation and a driving force in the digital transformation efforts within the Kingdom.
The partnership between these two industry giants aims to expedite the development and implementation of Open RAN technologies. By doing so, they are striving to construct a telecommunications infrastructure that is both resilient and adaptable, laying the groundwork for rapid digitization across various sectors. This endeavor is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes technological progress and diversification of the economy.
Open RAN represents a significant shift in wireless network architectures, promoting enhanced flexibility, interoperability, and room for innovation. Aramco Digital contributes in-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabia’s development objectives and opportunities for the deployment of Open RAN technology, as well as a nuanced understanding of the country’s economic context.
This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping drive innovation in the Kingdom,
stated Tareq Amin, CEO of Aramco Digital. He underscored the critical role the Open RAN Development Center will play in spurring digital advancement, offering a venue for joint efforts, skill enhancement, and fostering a dynamic tech community.
Intel’s Sachin Katti, senior vice president and general manager of the Network and Edge Group, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Aramco Digital. He highlighted the goal of leveraging Intel’s expertise in network, edge computing, and software technology, in combination with Aramco Digital’s local insight and industry leadership, to hasten the adoption of edge-native Open RAN solutions in Saudi Arabia and potentially on a global scale.
The launch of the Open RAN Development Center, scheduled for 2024, is anticipated to be a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s progression towards a technologically advanced future.