solutions by stc, a Saudi Arabian digital infrastructure player that is part of the wider stc Group, has signed a SAR 1.4 billion (~ US$ 372 million) agreement with Saudi Aramco, a Saudi-owned integrated energy and chemicals company, to provide advanced high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure to support operations in the energy exploration and production sector.
In a press release, solutions by stc revealed that will deliver an integrated model encompassing infrastructure, software, and managed services, supported by high-performance computing capabilities to support exploration and development activities in the energy sector.
Eng. Omer Alnomani, CEO of solutions by stc, said, “High-performance computing is a key enabler of innovation in data-intensive sectors. Our collaboration with Saudi Aramco reflects our commitment to building digital platforms that accelerate access to insights and enhance operational efficiency, while continuing to expand our capabilities in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.”
This announcement is significant for two main reasons. Firstly, it shows how Aramco is doubling down on AI shortly after its fourth quarter results reported Technology Realized Value (TRV) of US$ 5.3 billion in 2025 from AI, digital and other technology solutions, bringing cumulative TRV to US$ 11.3 billion since 2023. Previously, in October 2025,Aramco and PIF, which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, had announced the signing of a non-binding term sheet outlining the key terms for Aramco to acquire a significant minority stake in HUMAIN, a PIF company, advancing a full range of AI capabilities globally. Thus, Aramco has clear AI ambitions, and is taking steady steps towards realising its AI goals.
Secondly, this step aligns with stc Group’s strategy to enable digital transformation and develop advanced digital infrastructure that contributes to empowering various sectors across the Kingdom. This in turn is in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which is an ambitious plan for economic diversification, attracting foreign investment, developing high tech modern infrastructure in exclusive business and leisure zones, as well as building futuristic cities such as NEOM.
Ken Research estimates Saudi Arabia’s AI-enhanced HPC market to be around US$ 1.1 billion based on a five year historical analysis. “Growth is primarily driven by the adoption of AI-powered analytics, digital transformation initiatives, and the increasing need for scalable compute resources to support national ambitions in research and innovation,” it says, adding, “Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their advanced digital infrastructure, the presence of major technology firms, and government-backed initiatives designed to foster innovation and digital transformation. These urban centers act as primary hubs for research, development, and talent acquisition in the AI and HPC sectors, attracting both domestic and international investments.”