Nokia Opens First Research & Development Centre In Saudi Arabia

Nokia opened a research and development centre in Riyadh to develop AI-powered network automation software. The centre will create software that enables communications networks to self-configure, self-heal, optimise performance, reduce energy consumption and operate with greater autonomy.

Nokia said the centre will serve customers in Saudi Arabia and worldwide, contributing software developed in the Kingdom to global markets.

The Riyadh facility will specialise in Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organising Networks (SON), Autopilot and rApps to advance network automation and energy efficiency.

Teams will develop AI-driven capabilities for communications service providers and enterprises in Saudi Arabia, and will explore the development of AI-native 6G technologies.

“AI is reshaping every industry, and networks are the critical infrastructure that will make that transformation possible. Our new R&D centre 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. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s role in creating connectivity innovation for customers in Saudi Arabia and around the world,” said Mikko Lavanti, President of Middle East and Africa at Nokia.

The opening follows an agreement announced earlier this year between His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia and Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the centre will create high-value engineering and research roles and offer advanced training programmes, boot camps and AI and automation certifications for Saudi talent.