ACES is excited to announce its collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s leading research organization, KACST, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster academic and private sector partnerships. This initiative includes a clear roadmap for developing and localizing private 5G networks, testing shareable 5G small cell subsystems in KACST’s state-of-the-art R&D labs, advancing O-RAN technologies, and developing xAPPs/rAPPs for the Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC) within the O-RAN ecosystem. This collaboration is further strengthened by funding secured from the Saudi Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) to support RIC development. ACES will contribute as a technology developer and enabler, while KACST will provide cutting-edge facilities and expertise. Together, this partnership aims to drive innovation and contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth.