Aramco hits the switch on Saudi’s first quantum computer, Google Cloud to power Qiddiya City

Aramco just plugged into the quantum era

Aramco and Pasqal officially launched the Kingdom’s first quantum computer, according to a press release. Under the partnership, the energy giant will act as a foundational customer, utilizing the system to build quantum-hybrid applications for port logistics, CO2 storage, well placement, and rig scheduling.

REFRESHER- The project was supposed to launch last year to provide Aramco with a 200-qubit computer, following two agreements signed by both parties. Beyond the hardware, the companies also planned to set up a quantitative research center to promote breakthroughs in quantum algorithm development. Their ties run deep; Aramco’s VC arm, Wa’ed Ventures, invested in Pasqal’s USD 108 mn Series B funding round in 2023.

What will it do exactly? The computer will operate as the Middle East’s first commercial quantum computing as a service platform. Housed at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, it allows global users to remotely access quantum hardware through a secure cloud platform. It aims to solve complex industrial problems across the energy, materials, and logistics sectors.

Why it matters: For Aramco, it’s a tool to optimize upstream assets — meaning more precise well placement and faster R&D for cleaner fuels. For the Kingdom, it's a tangible step toward tech localization. Combined with ongoing data center expansions, the goal is to establish a high-tech revenue stream and make the region a more attractive hub for foreign and local tech investment.

Qiddiya taps Google Cloud and Master Works for AI-enabled city operations

Qiddiya Investment expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to develop the digital backbone of Qiddiya City, according to a press release. Under the agreement, local systems integrator Master Works will roll out Google Cloud’s AI and data technologies to support city operations, including construction monitoring, visitor demand analysis, and operational management — with the goal of cutting time-to-insight from weeks to minutes.

AI and data stack rollout: The collaboration includes the development of an AI Factory powered by Gemini models, the expansion of Qiddiya’s proprietary Q-Brain AI platform, and a unified data platform built on BigQuery to consolidate data across Qiddiya’s entertainment assets.

Why it matters: As Qiddiya shifts from building to running live assets — like Six Flags QiddiyaCity and Aquarabia — real-time data processing is becoming more important for crowd management, asset utilization, and costs across a 360 sq km entertainment project. Meanwhile, the appointment of Master Works signals growing windows for local systems integrators in Saudi Arabia’s giga-project ecosystem.

Gov’t launches tender to upgrade 50 public parks

Bidding opens for PPP parks project: The Municipalities and Housing Ministry and the National Center for Privatization & PPP are on the hunt for private players to take on the rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of 50 public parks, Zawya reports. The two sides launched the initial phases of the project, which will be awarded under a public-private partnership model and cover parks across the Eastern Province, Jeddah, and Madinah. Interested parties have until 2 July to submit their statements of qualification.