Nokia opens new research and development center in Saudi Arabia to accelerate AI-powered network automation
Rhea-AI Summary
Nokia (NYSE:NOK) has opened its first research and development center in Saudi Arabia, located in Riyadh and focused on AI-powered network automation and orchestration software. The center will work on Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Autopilot and rApps to help communications networks self-configure, self-heal, optimize performance, cut energy use and operate more autonomously.
According to Nokia, the R&D hub supports Saudi Vision 2030 by creating high-value engineering roles, training and certifications for Saudi talent, exploring AI-native 6G technologies, and exporting “Made in Saudi” software innovations to customers worldwide.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | Treasury share transfer | Neutral | +1.6% | Treasury shares transferred to equity-plan participants; NOK gained 1.63% |
| Aug 19 | Portfolio competitiveness ranking | Positive | -2.5% | Omdia ranked Nokia first in mobile core portfolio competitiveness; NOK fell 2.55% |
| Aug 14 | Manager share acquisition | Positive | +2.0% | Louise Fisk acquired 262 Nokia shares; NOK gained 1.99% |
| Aug 14 | Manager share acquisition | Positive | +2.0% | Victoria Hanrahan acquired six Nokia shares; NOK gained 1.99% |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Nokia's recent news reactions were mixed, with positive developments producing both gains and declines.
Key Terms
service management and orchestration technical
self-organizing networks technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Nokia opens new research and development center in Saudi Arabia to accelerate AI-powered network automation
- Nokia's first research and development center in Saudi Arabia will develop AI-powered network automation and orchestration software for customers in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
- The center will advance AI-powered service management and orchestration (SMO), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Autopilot and rApps to help communications networks operate more autonomously, efficiently and sustainably.
- The investment supports Saudi Vision 2030 by developing local AI and software talent while creating exportable “Made in Saudi” technology.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Nokia today announced the opening of its new research and development center in Riyadh, focused on developing AI-powered network automation software. The center will create software that enables communications networks to self-configure, self-heal, optimize performance, reduce energy consumption and operate with greater autonomy.
The center will specialize in Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Autopilot and rApps for automation and energy efficiency. Its teams will develop AI-driven capabilities for communications service providers and enterprises in Saudi Arabia, while exploring the development of AI-native 6G technologies, and contributing “Made in Saudi” software innovations for Nokia customers worldwide.
The launch 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. The collaboration reflects the Kingdom's ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030 to build a leading economy powered by innovation, local talent and advanced research capabilities.
Aligned with the Kingdom's digital transformation agenda, the center will create high-value engineering and research roles while offering advanced training programs, boot camps, and AI and automation certifications for Saudi talent. The initiative supports national objectives to build local expertise, strengthen innovation capacity and increase the country's contribution to the global technology ecosystem.
“The opening of Nokia’s new research and development center represents a strategic step toward strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for intelligent network technology innovation and reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge and innovation-driven digital economy. The center will contribute to 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,” said Eng. Abdulrahman AlMufadda, Deputy Minister for Telecom and Digital Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in Saudi Arabia.
“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. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s role in creating connectivity innovation for customers in Saudi Arabia and around the world,” commented Mikko Lavanti, President of Nokia’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Nokia.
Multimedia, technical information, and related news
Webpage: Autonomous networks
Webpage: AI-RAN
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity infrastructure powering the AI supercycle. We create the networks that connect intelligence, combining a complete connectivity view across fixed, mobile, IP, optical, core and data center networks. Through secure-by-design, AI-native innovation, Nokia delivers the trusted infrastructure that makes AI work at scale and advances connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Media Inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube
