News

Aramco Installs Middle East’s First Industrial Quantum Computer

Saudi Arabia brings quantum hardware into day-to-day energy work, pushing the tech from theory to field use.

Published

11 months ago

November 24, 2025

Nour Nasir

aramco installs middle east's first industrial quantum computer

Pasqal

Aramco has switched on the Middle East’s first industrial quantum computer at its Dhahran data center, a direct move to fold advanced computing into upstream and downstream operations. The machine — built with French firm Pasqal — is the startup’s most powerful system yet and the first in the region intended for real industrial workloads rather than lab trials.

The rollout sits inside Aramco’s wider digital shift. Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, said quantum fits the company’s push to modernize core operations. “We are deploying AI and other technologies at scale to further enhance our operations, maximize efficiency and unlock value across our business,” he said.

Pasqal’s unit uses 200 neutral-atom qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. That opens room for optimization and simulation work that stretches classical hardware. Aramco is targeting subsurface modelling, materials research and logistics planning — areas where marginal improvements can reshape high-volume industrial processes.

For Pasqal, the installation signals a foothold in a market aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. CEO Loïc Henriet called it “a historic milestone,” adding, “The deployment of our most powerful quantum computer yet is a piece of history and a landmark for the Middle East’s quantum future”.

Also Read: IBM Unveils Nighthawk And Loon Quantum Chips

The companies have been working together for several years. Wa’ed Ventures, Aramco’s VC arm, backed Pasqal early in 2023 and helped the firm build a presence in the Kingdom. Training programs and joint research tracks are planned, giving Saudi engineers access to live quantum hardware — a rarity even in mature tech markets.

Unlike many quantum setups still locked in academic roles, the Dhahran machine is meant for immediate testing and decision-making in industrial and high-end environments. Aramco aims to probe quantum-driven optimization, computational chemistry and predictive models, hoping to spot practical gains long before fault-tolerant systems arrive. The move places the Kingdom among a small set of countries exploring quantum tools on strategic industrial workloads.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

17 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.