Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Nokia is preparing to launch operations at its new research and development (R&D) center in Saudi Arabia within the next two months, focusing on artificial intelligence-powered telecommunications network automation and energy efficiency.

Ali Jitawi, Nokia’s head of the Saudi Arabia regional unit, told Asharq Bloomberg on the sidelines of LEAP 2026 that the company has already begun hiring for the Riyadh-based center and expects operations to start once recruitment is completed.

The center, established in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, will be Nokia’s first R&D facility in the Kingdom. It will develop AI-driven software designed to make telecom networks more autonomous, efficient and capable of optimizing their performance.

Saudi talent will play a key role, with employees receiving training at Nokia’s international facilities before working in Riyadh. The company plans to develop AI and automation solutions for both Saudi and international markets, with some technologies carrying a “Made in Saudi” label.

Nokia expects the solutions developed at the center to reduce network energy consumption costs by 10% to 15%. The company is also developing technologies for AI data center networks that could reduce the space and energy required by telecom facilities by around 30%.

Jitawi said Saudi Arabia is now among Nokia’s top five markets globally, underscoring the strategic importance of the Kingdom to the company’s expansion plans.

The fifth edition of LEAP 2026 runs from 31 August to 3 September at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh.

The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 global speakers and experts, 1,800 technology companies, 600 startups and 1,900 investors and venture capital representatives, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for technology and innovation.