Nokia has launched its first research and development center in Saudi Arabia, strengthening the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global technology and innovation hub while advancing the future of AI-powered network automation.
The new facility in Riyadh will focus on developing software that enables communication networks to operate with greater autonomy through capabilities such as self-configuration, self-healing, performance optimization, and energy management. The move reflects a broader industry trend toward AI-native telecom networks that require less manual intervention and can respond to network conditions in real time.
The center will develop technologies spanning Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Autopilot, and rApps, which are increasingly becoming critical components of next-generation telecom infrastructure. These AI-driven platforms are designed to help service providers automate network operations, improve service quality, reduce operational costs, and enhance energy efficiency.
The investment aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the country’s economy through technology innovation, digital infrastructure development, and local talent creation. Beyond research activities, the center will create engineering and software development jobs while offering training programs, automation certifications, and AI-focused boot camps aimed at developing local expertise.
According to Mikko Lavanti, President of Middle East and Africa at Nokia, artificial intelligence is transforming every sector, and communication networks are becoming the foundation that will support this digital transformation. He said the new R&D center combines Nokia’s global expertise with Saudi talent to create AI-powered automation technologies for both regional and international markets.
Saudi authorities also view the facility as a strategic investment in local innovation. Abdulrahman AlMufadda, Deputy Minister for Telecom and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said the center will help localize advanced research and development capabilities while creating “Made in Saudi” technologies for global deployment.
The announcement highlights the increasing role of the Middle East in global technology research and reinforces the growing importance of AI-driven automation in the future of telecommunications networks.
