HP launches a state-of-the-art PC factory in Riyadh and an AI R&D CoE in Dhahran, investing in local talent and supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a landmark move for the Kingdom’s technology sector, HP Inc. has officially inaugurated a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Riyadh and confirmed the official opening of an AI Research & Development Center of Excellence (CoE) in Dhahran. These strategic investments are designed to foster local talent, create citizen employment, and establish Saudi Arabia as a technological leader in the region.
The initiatives represent a significant step in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, focusing on local manufacturing, innovation, and youth skills development.
A Regional First: Local Manufacturing in Riyadh
The new facility in Riyadh is notable for being the first global tech company manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia. First announced at the LEAP 2025 tech conference, the factory is now formally open for business.
Operations have commenced with the production of the HP EliteDesk AI PC. The facility will initially focus on desktop computers with plans to expand across HP’s product portfolio. This local manufacturing brings production closer to demand across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, improving supply chain resilience, reducing lead times, and enabling greater customization for local markets.
Powering Innovation at the AI R&D Center of Excellence
Simultaneously, the AI R&D Center of Excellence in Dhahran is now operational. This hub is tasked with strengthening HP’s local innovation capacity and accelerating the development of practical AI solutions for key sectors in the region.
Early projects include developing Arabic large language models (LLMs) and other AI applications that can be integrated into HP’s AI PCs and workstations. The center is equipped with advanced HP AI workstations and will deliver solutions for sectors like energy, healthcare, logistics, and smart cities.
A key mandate of the CoE is local talent development through collaborations with Saudi educational institutions, offering hands-on projects, workshops, and student exchanges with other global HP AI labs.
Educating the Next Generation Through Gaming
Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, HP is also expanding its innovative skills programs that use gaming as a pathway to tech careers.
Key updates include:
- Tuwaiq Academy: The first cohort of a blended HP Gaming Garage curriculum has graduated, with more scheduled before year-end, building practical skills in game design and programming.
- Savvy Games Group: HP partnered with Savvy for the “GameOn Game Jam,” a competition focused on climate and sustainability. The top teams won a place in a three-month incubator program, with the collaboration set to continue in 2026.
These programs are building an end-to-end value chain—from learning and incubation to job creation—to position Saudi Arabia at the center of the global gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What has HP announced in Saudi Arabia?
HP has officially opened two major facilities: a new PC manufacturing plant in Riyadh (the first of its kind by a global tech company in KSA) and an AI Research & Development Center of Excellence in Dhahran.
2. What will be manufactured at the new Riyadh facility?
The factory has begun operations by producing the HP EliteDesk AI PC. It will start with desktop computers and later expand to other HP products.
3. What is the goal of the AI R&D Center in Dhahran?
The center aims to drive local innovation, develop AI solutions for regional sectors (like energy and healthcare), and create Arabic-language AI models. A major focus is on training and hiring local Saudi talent.
4. How does this support Saudi Vision 2030?
These investments directly support key Vision 2030 goals by creating high-quality jobs for Saudi citizens, transferring knowledge and technology, developing local talent, and diversifying the economy away from oil.
5. What is HP’s involvement in Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector?
HP is running skills development programs, like the HP Gaming Garage with Tuwaiq Academy and game jams with Savvy Games Group, to use gaming as a fun, engaging pathway for Saudi youth to build careers in technology, coding, and design.
