Riyadh: Nokia announced on September 1, 2026 that it has opened its first research and development centre in Saudi Arabia. Located in Riyadh, the centre will focus primarily on developing AI-powered network automation and orchestration software for customers in Saudi Arabia and international markets.
According to Nokia’s official announcement, the centre will work on Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Autopilot and rApps. The aim is to develop communication networks that can self-configure, self-heal, improve performance, reduce energy consumption and operate with greater autonomy.
Nokia also confirmed that teams at the Riyadh centre will explore AI-native 6G technologies. However, the facility is not described by Nokia as a dedicated “6G centre”; 6G research is one part of its broader AI and telecom R&D mandate.
The company said the centre will create engineering and research roles and provide training, boot camps and certifications to help develop Saudi talent in AI, software and network automation. Nokia also plans to develop exportable “Made in Saudi” software technologies for customers worldwide.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) separately confirmed the opening during LEAP 2026, saying the centre is intended to accelerate AI-powered network automation, strengthen local R&D capabilities and support advanced telecommunications development from Saudi Arabia.
