{"id":7365,"date":"2026-09-08T12:32:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:32:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/nokia-opens-riyadh-rd-centre-to-advance-ai-powered-network-automation-and-support-saudi-vision-2030-computer-weekly\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T12:32:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:32:52","slug":"nokia-opens-riyadh-rd-centre-to-advance-ai-powered-network-automation-and-support-saudi-vision-2030-computer-weekly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/fr\/nokia-opens-riyadh-rd-centre-to-advance-ai-powered-network-automation-and-support-saudi-vision-2030-computer-weekly\/","title":{"rendered":"Nokia opens Riyadh R&D centre to advance AI-powered network automation and support Saudi Vision 2030 | Computer Weekly"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Nokia<\/p>\n

Nokia has expanded its investment in Saudi Arabia by opening a new research and development (R&D) centre in Riyadh dedicated to developing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered network automation technologies, marking another milestone in the Kingdom\u2019s ambitions to become a global hub for digital innovation and advanced technology development<\/p>\n

The facility, Nokia\u2019s first R&D centre in Saudi Arabia, will focus on creating software that enables communications networks to operate with greater autonomy through artificial intelligence and automation. The centre will develop technologies designed to help networks self-configure, self-heal, optimise performance, reduce energy consumption and improve operational efficiency<\/p>\n

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation agenda under Vision 2030, the national strategy launched to diversify the economy beyond oil, foster innovation, develop local talent and position the Kingdom as a leading technology and investment destination<\/p>\n

AI takes centre stage in network operations<\/h2>\n

As communications service providers face growing pressure to support AI applications, cloud<\/a> services, industrial digitisation and increasingly complex network environments, automation is becoming a critical requirement rather than a future aspiration<\/p>\n

Nokia\u2019s Riyadh-based teams will specialise in developing service management and orchestration (SMO), self-organising networks (SON), autopilot capabilities and rApps, and software applications designed to automate network operations in open and intelligent network architectures<\/p>\n

These technologies aim to reduce the need for manual intervention in network management while improving service quality and energy efficiency. By applying AI to network operations, operators can automate routine processes, detect and resolve faults faster, optimise network performance in real time and reduce operational costs<\/p>\n

The centre will also explore AI-native technologies that could form part of future 6G networks, helping prepare communications infrastructure for the next generation of connectivity<\/p>\n

Mikko Lavanti, president of Middle East and Africa at Nokia, said AI is transforming industries and increasing the importance of advanced communications infrastructure: \u201cAI is reshaping every industry, and networks are the critical infrastructure that will make that transformation possible<\/p>\n

\u201cOur new R&D centre in Riyadh will bring Nokia\u2019s global expertise together with Saudi talent to develop AI-powered automation that makes networks more autonomous, efficient and responsive. It also strengthens the Kingdom\u2019s role in creating connectivity innovation for customers in Saudi Arabia and around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Supporting Saudi Arabia\u2019s digital ambitions<\/h2>\n

The launch follows an agreement announced earlier this year between Saudi Arabia\u2019s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and Nokia president and CEO Justin Hotard, highlighting the growing collaboration between global technology providers and the Kingdom\u2019s digital ecosystem<\/p>\n

The investment aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which identifies digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and knowledge-based industries as key pillars of future economic growth. The Kingdom has invested heavily in emerging technologies over the past decade, launching initiatives focused on AI, cloud computing, smart cities, cyber security and advanced telecommunications<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia has also established dedicated organisations and programmes to accelerate AI adoption and digital skills development, while attracting international technology companies to set up regional headquarters, innovation centres and research facilities within the Kingdom<\/p>\n

The opening of Nokia\u2019s R&D centre reflects a broader shift in Saudi Arabia\u2019s technology strategy, from being primarily a consumer of technology to becoming a producer and exporter of innovation<\/p>\n

In addition to developing software for local communications service providers and enterprise customers, the centre is expected to contribute technologies that can be deployed across Nokia\u2019s global customer base, creating exportable intellectual property and software developed in Saudi Arabia<\/p>\n

Building local talent and research capabilities<\/h2>\n

A central objective of the initiative is talent development. Nokia said the centre will create high-value engineering and research positions while supporting advanced training programmes, boot camps and certifications focused on AI, software engineering and network automation<\/p>\n

The emphasis on skills development reflects a wider national effort to equip Saudi citizens with expertise in high-growth technology fields and strengthen local research and development capabilities<\/p>\n

According to the company, the facility will help to cultivate a new generation of Saudi engineers and researcher<\/a>s who can contribute to global innovation while supporting domestic digital transformation projects<\/p>\n

Eng. Abdulrahman AlMufadda, deputy minister for telecom and infrastructure at MCIT, said the centre represents an important step in strengthening Saudi Arabia\u2019s position in the global technology landscape: \u201cThe opening of Nokia\u2019s new research and development centre represents a strategic step toward strengthening the Kingdom\u2019s position as a global hub for intelligent network technology innovation and reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge and innovation-driven digital economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe centre will contribute to localising advanced research and development capabilities, developing national talent in AI and software, and creating technologies made in Saudi Arabia that can serve global markets,\u201d he added<\/p>\n