Nokia opens a network automation research centre in Riyadh targeting development of sixth generation software
Listen to this article
Read by Anchor
Nokia opened a new research and development centre in the Saudi capital Riyadh, expanding its presence in network automation and management software using artificial intelligence technologies. The new facility focuses on innovating and developing advanced software solutions aimed at telecommunications service providers and enterprises in local and global markets, with the goal of turning digital infrastructure into self-operating autonomous networks.
The centre’s work revolves around a suite of specialised technologies including Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Self-Organising Networks (SON), Autopilot platforms and rApps applications. These systems aim to enable telecommunications networks to self-configure, automatically resolve faults and improve real-time operational performance, while also reducing energy consumption, a pressing priority for network operators amid rising tower and data-centre operating costs.
Research at the Riyadh centre extends to exploring sixth-generation (6G) technologies that are fundamentally designed on artificial-intelligence foundations.Through this investment, the company seeks to produce and export software solutions bearing a ‘Made in Saudi Arabia’ label for operating its customers’ networks worldwide, alongside launching training programmes, bootcamps and professional certifications in automation and artificial intelligence to build the capabilities of local engineering talent.
The move comes amid an accelerating race for intelligent control layers in networks; its rival Ericsson is developing AI-enabled radio access network solutions to manage data flow and improve energy efficiency in 5G and 6G networks, while Cisco continues to roll out AI-agent tools for automating IT and cybersecurity operations and to expand its Secure AI Factory architecture in partnership with Nvidia to meet computing and data-centre requirements.
Financially, Nokia’s shares rose 126.7 % over the past year, outpacing its sector’s average growth of 25.1 %, while the stock trades at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 2.27, and earnings per share are projected at 39 cents for 2026 and 50 cents for 2027 according to Zacks Investment Research.
This expansion reshapes the operating priorities of telecommunications operators and infrastructure managers in the region.The shift of network maintenance from manual intervention to self-healing software systems reduces operating expenses for expanding 5G networks in the Gulf, and compels technical teams to acquire software-engineering skills and open-automation frameworks rather than focusing solely on hardware management. It also places regional engineers at the centre of early engineering standards for 6G networks before global regulatory frameworks are finalised.