Network vendor Nokia has opened a new research and development (R&D) center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which will focus heavily on the development of AI-powered network automation software.

According to Nokia, the center will "create software that enables communications networks to self-configure, self-heal, optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and operate with greater autonomy."

The R&D center will become Nokia's first in the country and will also focus on Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), self-organizing networks (SON), autopilot, and rApps for automation and energy efficiency.

The company's teams will create AI-driven capabilities for CSPs and enterprises in Saudi Arabia, while the center itself is part of the Kingdom's 'Saudi Vision 2030.'

Nokia's R&D center in Riyadh will also support the development of AI-native 6G technologies, and contribute “Made in Saudi” software innovations for Nokia customers worldwide.

"Our new R&D center in Riyadh will bring Nokia’s global expertise together with Saudi talent to develop AI-powered automation that makes networks more autonomous, efficient and responsive. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s role in creating connectivity innovation for customers in Saudi Arabia and around the world," said Mikko Lavanti, president of Middle East and Africa at Nokia.

Nokia notes that the center will create high-value engineering and research roles while offering advanced training programs, boot camps, and AI and automation certifications for local talent.

Eng. Abdulrahman AlMufadda, deputy minister for telecom and infrastructure at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in Saudi Arabia, added: "The center will contribute to localizing advanced research and development capabilities, developing national talent in AI and software, and creating technologies made in Saudi Arabia that can serve global markets."