KAUST Introduces Shaheen III, Leading Supercomputer in the Middle East

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has officially launched “Shaheen III,” the most advanced supercomputer in the region, crafted by U.S.-based Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This launch marks a pivotal step for Saudi Arabia in advancing high-performance computing and scientific exploration.

The latest TOP500 list of the world’s top supercomputers, disclosed during the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis (SC25) held in St. Louis, Missouri, reveals that “Shaheen III” holds an impressive position. The supercomputer ranks first in the Middle East and eighteenth globally, showcasing its remarkable computational strength and the Kingdom’s evolving contribution to international scientific inquiry.

All components, including the supercomputer's hardware and graphics processing units (GPUs), were transferred to KAUST from HPE in October 2025, in adherence to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) export license conditions. With this accomplished transfer, KAUST has full operational control and ownership of Shaheen III.

Engineered for exceptional computational output, Shaheen III aims to boost research across a variety of scientific and engineering domains. The GPUs are anticipated to become operational in early 2026, empowering KAUST's staff and researchers to execute advanced simulations, artificial intelligence models, data analysis, and other forefront scientific inquiries, which will bolster the Kingdom’s R&D and innovation scene.

The creation of Shaheen III exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s dedication to promoting global scientific excellence. This supercomputer is poised to significantly enhance progress in fields including climate modeling, genomics, materials science, and computational engineering. By offering a robust high-performance computing platform, KAUST intends to catalyze innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between national and international researcher communities.

Shaheen III’s placement at SC25 underscores its pivotal role in the global high-performance computing framework. An eighteenth global ranking mirrors the Kingdom’s capacity to deploy and manage top-tier computational systems, positioning KAUST as a key node for scientific innovation and progress in the Middle East.

KAUST officials highlighted that Shaheen III's introduction will not only bolster research initiatives within the university but also foster partnerships with industries, government bodies, and international research organizations. The supercomputer is projected to play an essential role in tackling national and regional issues across energy, environment, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

In closing, the launch of Shaheen III reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a forerunner in scientific and technological advancement in the Middle East. By merging cutting-edge hardware with the talents of KAUST researchers, the Kingdom is on track to achieve extraordinary scientific excellence and contribute meaningfully to the global knowledge economy.