Huawei has launched a new Joint Innovation Centre in Saudi Arabia together with Saudi Aramco and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
Located in Dhahran Techno Valley’s science park, the Center will focus on developing “innovative ICT solutions for complex problems in the oil and gas sector that will help in optimising production, improve operational efficiency, and enhance HSSE (health, safety, security and environment).”
The centre will also host a number of knowledge-exchange programmes being planned.
The announcement comes at a time when analysts at IDC believe spending on ICT solutions in the Kingdom will rise to approximately $36.95bn this year alone—up 4.6% from 2014.
According to Huawei, part of this expansion is due to the desire of organisations to use new tools in next-generation wireless communication, mobility, cloud computing, collaboration technologies and analytics to achieve operational excellence and more agile service innovation.
“Today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia upholds an ambitious national development vision that touches all corners of the country’s social and economic fabric,” said Yan Lida, president of Huawei’s Enterprise Business Group.
“By bringing together leading talent from across the industry, the new Joint Innovation Centre is an iconic achievement adding to the Kingdom’s great strengths in the oil and gas field.
“Our partners at KFUPM are well regarded as one of the most advanced educational institutions in the region. We are also thrilled to be partnering once again with Saudi Aramco who are not only one of the world’s largest energy companies, but also leaders in research and talent development.”
