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Aramco Digital and Intel Aim to Forge Collaboration to Establish Saudi Arabia's First Open RAN Development Center

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Aramco Digital and Intel plan to establish Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Open RAN Development Center, aiming to drive innovation and contribute to the digital transformation landscape in the Kingdom. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and deployment of Open RAN technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Center will serve as an innovation hub, contribute to local talent development, have a positive economic impact, and extend global collaboration. The facility is expected to commence operations in 2024.
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The establishment of Saudi Arabia's first Open RAN Development Center by Aramco Digital and Intel signifies a strategic move towards enhancing telecommunication infrastructure. Open RAN technology represents a shift from traditional RAN systems, which are typically hardware-centric and provided by a single vendor, towards a more open and interoperable framework. This allows operators to mix and match components from different suppliers, potentially leading to cost reductions, improved network performance and faster deployment of new services.

From a telecommunications perspective, the center is poised to be an innovation hub that could catalyze the adoption of 5G and future 6G technologies. This not only aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the Kingdom's dependence on oil and diversify its economy, but also positions the country as a leader in the Middle East's digital transformation. The local talent development component is particularly noteworthy as it implies a long-term investment in human capital, which is essential for sustaining technological growth.

The collaboration between Aramco Digital and Intel has the potential to make a significant economic impact. By fostering a vibrant technology ecosystem, the Open RAN Development Center could attract further investments in the region, spur job creation and stimulate the growth of ancillary industries. The focus on local talent development is likely to enhance the skillset of the workforce, which is critical for the diversification of the economy.

Moreover, the global collaboration element suggests that Saudi Arabia is seeking to position itself as a key player in the international telecommunications landscape. This could lead to increased foreign direct investment and technological partnerships, further bolstering the Kingdom's economic objectives under Vision 2030. The economic implications of such a development are multifold, including potential boosts to the stock market as investor confidence grows in the Kingdom's tech sector.

The Open RAN Development Center initiative could have far-reaching implications for the telecommunications equipment market. By promoting the adoption of Open RAN, which encourages a more competitive and diverse supplier ecosystem, traditional equipment vendors may face increased competition. This could lead to a reshaping of market dynamics, with potential benefits for operators in the form of lower costs and increased innovation.

Intel's involvement brings considerable credibility to the project, given its expertise in network and edge computing. This partnership could accelerate the development of edge-native Open RAN solutions, potentially influencing stock market valuations of companies involved in the Open RAN supply chain. Stakeholders in the telecommunications industry should monitor this development closely as it may signal broader shifts towards open networking standards.

DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aramco Digital and Intel announced their intent to establish Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Development Center. The facility is expected to drive innovation, foster technological advancements and contribute to the digital transformation landscape in the Kingdom.

The collaborative effort aims to accelerate the development and deployment of Open RAN technologies, helping to enable the Kingdom to build robust and agile telecommunication infrastructure focused on accelerating digitization across industries. This collaboration aims to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which focuses on technological advancements and economic diversification.

Open RAN, an evolving paradigm in wireless network architecture, allows for greater flexibility, interoperability and innovation. Aramco Digital brings a deep understanding of the development needs and ambitions of the Kingdom and the opportunities for Open RAN technology deployment, along with a unique perspective of the Kingdom's economic landscape. Intel, a pioneer in computing and communication technologies, brings its expertise in Open RAN technologies to the collaboration.

Highlights of the collaboration:

1. **Innovation Hub:** The Open RAN Development Center aims to serve as an innovation hub, fostering collaboration between Aramco Digital and Intel engineers, researchers and industry experts.

2. **Local Talent Development:** The Center aims to contribute to the development of local talent by providing training and hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of Open RAN and Edge computing technology.

3. **Economic Impact:** The collaboration aims to contribute to the local economy through technology-driven initiatives, aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.

4. **Global Collaboration:** The collaboration on Open RAN between Aramco Digital and Intel is expected to extend beyond borders, connecting Saudi Arabia to the global landscape of Open RAN and Edge development and deployment.

Aramco Digital's CEO Tareq Amin said: "This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping drive innovation in the Kingdom. The Open RAN Development Center is expected to be a catalyst for digital evolution, providing a platform for collaboration, skill development and the creation of a vibrant technology ecosystem. At the heart of this collaboration is the creation of a vibrant pool of local capabilities for advanced 5G and future 6G technologies.”

"We are pleased to collaborate on Open RAN with Aramco Digital and to combine Intel's technological prowess in network and edge computing and software with the local insights and industry leadership of Aramco Digital. Together, we aim to accelerate the deployment of edge-native Open RAN solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond," said [Sachin Katti, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Network and Edge Group].

The Open RAN Development Center is planned to commence operations in 2024, marking a milestone in Saudi Arabia's journey towards a technology-driven future.

About Aramco Digital:

Aramco Digital is the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, a global integrated energy and chemicals company. Aramco Digital aims to help drive digital transformation and technological innovation across various sectors.

About Intel:

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices.

*Source: AETOSWire

Hosam M. Al-Gharib

media.inquires@aramcodigital.com

Source: Aramco Digital

FAQ

What is the purpose of the collaboration between Aramco Digital and Intel?

The purpose is to establish Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Open RAN Development Center, aiming to drive innovation and contribute to the digital transformation landscape in the Kingdom.

What is the expected impact of the Open RAN Development Center on local talent development?

The Center aims to contribute to the development of local talent by providing training and hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of Open RAN and Edge computing technology.

When is the Open RAN Development Center planned to commence operations?

The Center is planned to commence operations in 2024.

What is the significance of the collaboration in relation to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030?

The collaboration aims to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which focuses on technological advancements and economic diversification.

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