Aramco Digital, Intel to Establish 1st Center to Develop Open Radio Access Networks in Saudi Arabia

Aramco Digital and Intel plan to establish Saudi Arabia’s first open radio access networks (Open RAN) center. (SPA)
Aramco Digital and Intel plan to establish Saudi Arabia’s first open radio access networks (Open RAN) center. (SPA)
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Aramco Digital, Intel to Establish 1st Center to Develop Open Radio Access Networks in Saudi Arabia

Aramco Digital and Intel plan to establish Saudi Arabia’s first open radio access networks (Open RAN) center. (SPA)
Aramco Digital and Intel plan to establish Saudi Arabia’s first open radio access networks (Open RAN) center. (SPA)

Aramco Digital and Intel announced on Monday their intention to establish Saudi Arabia’s first open radio access networks (Open RAN) center, which is expected to contribute to driving innovation, promoting technological progress and contributing to the Saudi digital transformation process.

Their cooperation is bound to accelerate the development and application of Open RAN technologies, which will boost the Kingdom's endeavor to establish a robust and flexible telecommunications infrastructure focused on accelerating digital transformation across various industries and fulfilling the Saudi Vision 2030, which envisages technological progress and economic diversification.

Open RAN, a sophisticated model of radio network structure, allows for greater flexibility, interoperability and innovation.

Aramco Digital will provide deep knowledge of the Kingdom's development needs and aspirations, and opportunities for the application of Open RAN technology, along with a unique perspective on the Kingdom's economic landscape, while Intel, a leader in computing and communications technologies, will offer its expertise in Open RAN technologies.

The top areas of collaboration between the two companies include the innovation center, which aims to develop an Open RAN to be the focus of innovation, and promote collaboration between engineers of Aramco Digital and Intel, and researchers and industry experts.

The center also seeks to contribute to the development of local competencies by providing training and practical expertise in Open RAN technology and in rapidly evolving edge computing technology through which data is collected and processed.



Austria’s Blackshark to Draw Dynamic Map of Saudi Arabia’s Space Industry

Michael Putz, co-founder and CEO of the global Austrian company Blackshark. (Photo by: Yazid Al-Samrani)
Michael Putz, co-founder and CEO of the global Austrian company Blackshark. (Photo by: Yazid Al-Samrani)
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Austria’s Blackshark to Draw Dynamic Map of Saudi Arabia’s Space Industry

Michael Putz, co-founder and CEO of the global Austrian company Blackshark. (Photo by: Yazid Al-Samrani)
Michael Putz, co-founder and CEO of the global Austrian company Blackshark. (Photo by: Yazid Al-Samrani)

Co-founder and CEO of the international Austrian company Blackshark Michael Putz said the company has contributed to maximizing the space industry and strengthening the space economy in Saudi Arabia, by drawing a complete dynamic map of the Kingdom on an area estimated at more than one million square kilometers.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Putz said the programs proposed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Vision 2030 constituted an incentive for his company to explore cooperation opportunities in the field of the space industry.

He explained that the programs of the Saudi vision, which aim to position the Kingdom as a leading global player in the advanced space economy, were a major stimulator for international companies.

Putz noted that Blackshark was ready to provide its services to support the portal that is dedicated for international companies looking for projects in the space sector in the Kingdom, and to facilitate the identification of the appropriate opportunities through the Saudi Technical Development and Investment Company Taqnia, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

“In just 90 days of completion, we supported the Saudi Taqnia company, by building a solution to draw a dynamic map of the entire Kingdom, on an area estimated at more than one million square kilometers, in a few hours,” he said.

“This first achievement in the world became possible, thanks to the technological solution we provide, which enabled Taqnia to create its own artificial intelligence models, with the support of young Saudi GIS engineers,” he added.

The achievement ensures that intellectual property in the Kingdom remains on the safe list, generates local jobs, and positions Saudi Arabia as a leading center for dynamic space mapping, he stressed.

Putz stated that the company is developing programs that allow drawing dynamic maps of the Earth’s surface, indicating that Blackshark’s directions coincide with the Vision 2030 strategy regarding the space industry.

“Our journey began with video games, and in 2016, Microsoft contacted us to help create the new Microsoft Flight Simulator,” he remarked.

Putz pointed out that the success of Microsoft Flight Simulator presented a great opportunity to market the technology in industries far beyond the traditional gaming sphere.