Nokia Unveils AI Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nokia has unveiled its newest research and development center in Riyadh, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to accelerate the development of AI-powered network automation solutions. This is Nokia’s first R&D center in Saudi Arabia, focusing on creating advanced software that will enable communications networks to operate more autonomously, efficiently, and sustainably.
The center will concentrate on developing AI-driven technologies such as Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Autopilot, and rApps, which are designed to enhance the self-configuration, self-healing, and energy efficiency of networks. These innovations are expected to benefit both local and international communications service providers and enterprises.
Eng. Abdulrahman AlMufadda, Deputy Minister for Telecom and Digital Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the strategic importance of this move. "The opening of Nokia’s new research and development center represents a significant step toward establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for intelligent network technology innovation," he said. "This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge and innovation-driven digital economy."
Nokia’s President and CEO, Justin Hotard, echoed these sentiments, stating, "AI is reshaping every industry, and networks are the critical infrastructure that will make that transformation possible. Our new R&D center in Riyadh will bring Nokia’s global expertise together with Saudi talent to develop AI-powered automation that makes networks more autonomous, efficient, and responsive."
The center’s establishment also reflects a commitment to nurturing local talent and expertise. It will offer advanced training programs, boot camps, and AI and automation certifications to support the development of skilled professionals. This initiative is part of broader national efforts to build local expertise, strengthen innovation capacity, and increase Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the global technology ecosystem.
Mikko Lavanti, President of Nokia’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, highlighted the center’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s digital transformation agenda. "This center will create high-value engineering and research roles while offering advanced training programs and certifications for Saudi talent," he said. "It is a key step in localizing advanced research and development capabilities, developing national talent in AI and software, and creating technologies made in Saudi Arabia that can serve global markets."
The center’s opening comes as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Saudi government and Nokia. Earlier this year, His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia and Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard announced an agreement aimed at fostering innovation and local talent. This partnership is seen as a crucial element in Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a leading economy powered by innovation, local talent, and advanced research capabilities.
Nokia’s new R&D center in Riyadh will contribute to the development of AI-native 6G technologies, further positioning the company as a leader in cutting-edge network automation solutions. By combining global expertise with local talent, the center is poised to drive advancements in AI-powered network automation that will benefit customers not only in Saudi Arabia but also around the world.