Saudi Arabia is set to launch its first tokenisation “centre of excellence” in a significant move to integrate blockchain technology into the national economy. Digital assets infrastructure company Open World has received approval to establish a physical base in Al Khobar, aiming to support the regulated tokenisation of major asset classes including energy infrastructure, real estate, and carbon credits.
A Sovereign Approach to Digital Assets
The initiative signals the Kingdom’s strategic and large-scale approach to digital assets, positioning it as a leader in leveraging this technology for national economic development. Unlike many global efforts focused on smaller, experimental pilots, Saudi Arabia’s strategy is geared towards building robust, regulated infrastructure for strategic asset classes.
“Saudi Arabia is leading the global conversation on how digital assets can be deployed in service of national economic priorities,” said Matt Shaw, Chief Executive of Open World. “The kingdom is building infrastructure intended to support large, strategic asset classes with clear governance, local oversight and long-term market integration in mind.”
Tokenising Strategic Real-World Assets
The centre will focus on transforming tangible, high-value Saudi assets into globally accessible and compliant digital instruments. This process, known as tokenisation, records ownership and transactions on shared digital ledgers, enhancing transparency and liquidity. The primary goal is to attract international investment while ensuring that value creation remains within the Kingdom.
“Our goal is to help transform Saudi Arabia’s real-world asset base into globally accessible, compliant digital instruments that attract international investment, while ensuring value creation remains within the kingdom,” Shaw added. Real estate and carbon credits have been identified as ideal initial assets due to their established regulatory frameworks and central role in the economy.
Phased Rollout and Governance
The project will be rolled out in carefully managed phases, with initial pilots targeted for the middle of the year and full operations expected by the end of 2026. These early transactions will occur in controlled environments to allow institutions and regulators to test compliance and governance protocols thoroughly before broader deployment.
“Tokenisation only works at scale when it is grounded in real economic activity and strong governance,” Shaw explained. “We are deliberately focused on institutional applications so blockchain becomes trusted financial infrastructure rather than a speculative market.”
Strategic Hub in the Eastern Province
The decision to base the centre in Al Khobar is strategic, placing it in the heart of the Kingdom’s energy and industrial hub. Its proximity to Aramco Digital, Saudi Aramco’s global headquarters, and Dhahran Techno Valley creates a powerful ecosystem for collaboration and innovation.
Dr Salman Salem Al Khaldi, a member of the industry and energy committee at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commented, “Welcoming Open World to Al Khobar represents a significant step in our region’s digital transformation journey.”
The centre will launch with an initial team of five Saudi nationals, with plans to expand and incorporate internationally experienced professionals.
About Open World
Open World is a digital assets infrastructure company that works with governments and large enterprises to develop and implement tokenisation infrastructure. Headquartered in the Cayman Islands, the company specialises in creating regulated and scalable solutions for transforming real-world assets into digital instruments.
Source: AGBI
