Ericsson Launches Regional HQ in Riyadh to Drive Innovation and 6G Readiness in MEA

يوليو 9, 2025 ENGLISH اضف تعليق

A Strategic Leap: Ericsson Expands Regional Presence in Saudi Arabia

Ericsson has officially inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), underscoring its deep-rooted commitment to the Kingdom and its strategic significance in leading the company’s operations across the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

High-Level Inauguration Ceremony Draws Industry and Government Leaders

The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of key dignitaries and industry stakeholders, including His Excellency Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; His Excellency Dr. Abdullah A. Aldubaikhi, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Investment; Her Excellency Petra Menander, Ambassador of Sweden to Saudi Arabia; Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson Group; and Patrick Johansson, President of Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Also in attendance were Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid, CEO of stc Group, and Eng. Nezar H. Banabeela, CEO of Mobily, along with members of Ericsson’s global and regional leadership teams.

6G Roadmap and Vision 2030 Take Center Stage

The event spotlighted critical discussions on next-generation network evolution, the path to 6G, and the integral role of Saudi Vision 2030 in shaping long-term innovation strategies. Ericsson emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration, talent development, and 5G leadership to build an inclusive digital infrastructure both in Saudi Arabia and across the wider region.

Investment Momentum: Saudi Arabia as a Global Tech Hub

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Abdullah A. Aldubaikhi noted:

“The establishment of Ericsson’s regional headquarters in Riyadh reinforces Saudi Arabia’s global positioning as a premier destination for advanced technology investments. It reflects our ambitions to create a vibrant digital economy driven by innovation. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry leaders like Ericsson to unlock regional opportunities and achieve sustainable, tech-enabled growth.”

Trust in the Kingdom’s Digital Transformation Vision

H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman AlMufadda, Deputy Minister for Telecom and Digital Infrastructure, highlighted:

“This milestone is a testament to the confidence global companies place in the Kingdom. Ericsson’s strategic choice of Riyadh enhances our position as a regional innovation and technology hub and supports Vision 2030 objectives through talent empowerment, AI innovation, and knowledge-based economic development.”

stc CEO: Strengthening the Region’s Digital Infrastructure

Eng. Olayan Alwetaid, CEO of stc Group, welcomed the move as a vital step in bolstering the region’s technological backbone.

“Ericsson’s new regional HQ is a key enabler for us at stc as we continue to lead the digital transformation across the region. This reinforces our longstanding partnership with Ericsson and aligns with our shared vision to deliver world-class connectivity and pioneer new frontiers in technology.”

Mobily CEO: Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s Digital Leadership

Eng. Nezar Banabeela, CEO of Mobily, emphasized the Kingdom’s leadership role in digital transformation:

“Ericsson’s decision to establish its MEA HQ in Riyadh affirms Saudi Arabia’s global standing in digital innovation. At Mobily, we value our enduring partnership with Ericsson and remain committed to advancing the Kingdom’s role as a regional digital hub.”

KACST Collaboration: Accelerating Innovation Through Blink Lab

Dr. Talal Al-Sudairy, Senior VP for R&D at KACST, reaffirmed the strength of their partnership with Ericsson:

“The opening of Ericsson’s regional HQ will deepen our joint initiatives, including the Blink Lab, which supports future connectivity innovation. This facility is vital for testing ultra-reliable communication use cases such as immersive tech and next-gen gaming, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Ericsson’s Vision: A More Connected, Collaborative Future

Patrick Johansson, President of Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, described the HQ as a pivotal step:

“Our presence in Riyadh is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. It enables us to accelerate technology adoption, enhance regional partnerships, and lead the way toward a more connected, digital future across the Middle East and Africa.”

Ericsson’s Longstanding Impact on Saudi Telecom Sector

Ericsson has played a transformative role in Saudi Arabia’s telecom industry by expanding mobile network infrastructure, driving 5G adoption, and enabling national digital transformation efforts. Over the years, the company has collaborated with major telecom operators such as stc, Mobily, Zain KSA, as well as leading academic and R&D institutions including KAUST and KACST.

Gen-E Program: Shaping the Next Generation of Saudi Tech Talent

Since 2018, Ericsson’s Gen-E Graduate Program has been running at the 5G Innovation Hub in Riyadh, developing over 190 Saudi graduates, with 50% female participation. The program delivers hands-on training on Ericsson’s tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies such as IoT, robotics, 5G edge computing, and mixed reality applications, in direct support of the Kingdom’s innovation agenda.

Blink Lab: Building the Future of Immersive and Gaming Tech

In 2024, Ericsson and KACST launched Blink Lab—a joint advanced connectivity laboratory for gaming, immersive media, and future communication use cases. Featuring a private 5G network, the lab serves as a dynamic testbed for training, research, product development, and commercialization, bridging global ecosystems with local innovation.

Pioneering 6G R&D with KAUST

Ericsson is also partnering with KAUST to push the boundaries of 5G and 6G research within Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to deliver scientific breakthroughs and cultivate local talent, ensuring continued growth of the Kingdom’s ICT sector and aligning with Vision 2030’s technological aspirations.

Championing Digital Innovation in Line with Vision 2030

All these initiatives align with the strategic goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to build a resilient digital economy, strengthen the national tech ecosystem, and accelerate innovation across every sector through cross-border collaboration and advanced technology enablement.