Driving Digital Transformation: Nokia’s Role in Shaping Saudi Arabia’s 5G Future and Vision 2030

1. How has the Saudi telecom market evolved during your time with Nokia, and what challenges and opportunities have you faced here?

The first time that I came to Saudi Arabia was in 2008 when I was leading Optical business. Then I had a few years not doing business in Saudi. Since I assumed this position in 2021, the Saudi telecom market has evolved significantly, driven by a combination of regulatory reforms, technological advancements, and Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia has become one of the leading countries globally in terms of 5G deployment with telecom operators like stc, Zain, and Mobily having aggressively expanded 5G coverage across major cities, industrial zones, and rural areas. Moreover, Neutral Host companies have been integral in efficiently organizing and managing infrastructure. The telecom sector has further supported the digital economy by catering to industries like healthcare, logistics, and entertainment, which rely heavily on 5G for advanced services. 

 Opening our RHQ in Saudi and my personal move to Riyadh is giving me a great view and impact of the changes.

 In terms of regulatory reforms, the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission’s policy of increasing the availability of IMT spectrum has accelerated the rollout of advanced telecom technologies, particularly in rural areas. This was done rapidly in a way that has positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in the adoption of IMT bands.

These advancements undoubtedly present both opportunities and challenges. From a workforce perspective, the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and 5G technologies requires a skilled workforce in areas like data science, AI engineering, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. From a customer perspective, 5G monetization remains a challenge, similar to global trends Moreover, operators face obstacles such as high investment costs, challenges in fulfilling regulatory obligations, and cybersecurity risks. However, the push for digital transformation under Vision 2030, coupled with the expansion of smart cities, IoT, and cloud services, positions the telecom sector to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s economic future. Embracing innovation, upskilling the workforce, and collaborating with the government and industry players will be key to navigating these dynamics successfully.

2. How will 5G-Advanced impact Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, especially in relation to Vision 2030?

While 5G monetization remains a challenge as mentioned in Q1 above, 5G-Advanced plays as a potential solution, by enabling various new services and use cases that benefit the below-mentioned sectors. In effect, we achieved a MEA first trial with STC on 5G-Advanced RedCap.

5G-Advanced is set to play a transformative role in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, driving the nation’s digital transformation across key sectors such as healthcare, education, industry, and smart cities. As the evolution of 5G, 5G-Advanced will provide enhanced capabilities that are essential for achieving the Vision 2030 goals, particularly in fostering economic diversification, technological innovation, and sustainability. 5G-Advanced brings ultra-low latency, higher speeds, and massive connectivity, enabling cutting-edge applications such as advanced robotics, automation, and AI-driven services. This will foster the growth of new industries and smart manufacturing, supporting Saudi Arabia's diversification to a knowledge-based economy. By unlocking opportunities in sectors like Industry 4.0, 5G-Advanced will drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation, aligning with the Vision 2030 mandate to diversify the economy.

Moreover, as Vision 2030 emphasizes the development of smart cities, 5G-Advanced will serve as the backbone for connected urban environments. Through massive IoT and enhanced mobile broadband, cities can become more efficient in managing resources like energy and water while improving transportation systems. Technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart grids, and connected public services will thrive, enhancing quality of life and supporting Saudi Arabia’s sustainability and modernization goals.

3. Can you explain how Nokia’s partnerships, like those with the Ministry of Communications and UN Women, support Saudi Arabia’s future talent development?

We work closely with local partners to develop future talent and close the digital divide. For instance, we are partnering with Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and UN Women for an internship program. In this program, we provided selected pre-graduate female engineering students with an extensive 8-week technology training program called "from student to Engineer." 

4. What role does digitalization play in Saudi Arabia’s industries like oil & gas and manufacturing, and how is Nokia supporting this?

Digitalization plays a crucial role in transforming Saudi Arabia's oil & gas and manufacturing industries by increasing efficiency, enhancing safety, and driving innovation.In support of these industries, Nokia provides critical digital infrastructure through its private wireless networks, Industrial IoT solutions, and edge computing technologies. These innovations help Saudi businesses improve operational resilience, boost productivity, and accelerate their digital transformation in line with the Vision 2030 agenda.

5. How is AI shaping Nokia’s operations in the Middle East, and what does it mean for the workforce and industry?

AI is revolutionizing industries across the globe, reshaping our operations, enhancing customer experience, and transforming the way we design, build, and manage telecommunications networks, contributing significantly to the region’s digital transformation. Firstly, Nokia is utilizing AI to automate and optimize network management across the Middle East, enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. AI also plays a key role in optimizing energy consumption, reducing the environmental footprint of telecommunications networks—aligning with the sustainability goals of many Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

As AI becomes more integrated into Nokia’s operations, the role of the workforce is evolving. By investing in AI-related skills, we are ensuring that our teams remain at the cutting edge of technological advancements, empowering them to lead the region's digital transformation.

In terms of the impact on the industry, AI is fundamentally transforming the telecommunications industry in the Middle East by driving smarter, more resilient networks. It is important to note that AI is a core component of Nokia’s strategy in the Middle East, driving operational efficiency, improving customer experience, and fostering workforce development. By embracing AI, we are not only enhancing our operations but also empowering our employees and partners to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As AI continues to shape the industry, Nokia will remain at the forefront of technological advancements, supporting the region’s ambitions for a smart, connected future. In effect, we accomplished a live deployment during last Hajj season with stc where the deployment of AI-powered MantaRay Cognitive SON, which helped optimize the network during the year’s most loaded event globally.