Nokia recently opened its first research and development centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to customer focused AI network automation and orchestration software.
The facility will focus on advancing AI-driven service management and orchestration (SMO), self-organising networks (SON), Autopilot and rApps, technologies designed to help communications networks self-configure, self-heal, optimise performance and cut energy consumption.
Engineers at the centre will develop automation and efficiency capabilities for telecoms operators and enterprises in Saudi Arabia. They are also set to explore AI-native 6G technologies.
Nokia said the work will generate “Made in Saudi” software innovations for deployment across its global customer base.
The centre follows an agreement signed earlier this year by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Amer Alswaha and Nokia president and CEO Justin Hotard.
It is part of a broader push to align the vendor’s investment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, which focuses on local innovation, talent development and advanced research.
Mikko Lavanti, President of MEA at Nokia, said AI is reshaping every industry and networks form the critical infrastructure underpinning that shift. He added the Riyadh centre will combine Nokia’s global expertise with the country’s talent to develop automation software to make networks more autonomous, efficient and responsive.
Beyond software development, the centre is expected to create high-value engineering and research jobs. It will also offer training schemes, boot camps and certifications in AI and automation aimed at building a domestic talent pipeline.
Deputy Minister for Telecom and Infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Abdulrahman AlMufadda, described the centre as a strategic step toward positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for intelligent network technology. He stated it will help localise advanced R&D capabilities and grow national expertise in AI and software.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Nokia & ShutterStock
Source: Tahawul Tech
