Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a global financial powerhouse are taking a significant technological leap forward with the establishment of the Kingdom’s first dedicated centre for real-world asset tokenization. The facility, set to launch in Al Khobar, represents a concrete step towards achieving the digital economy objectives outlined in Vision 2030.
Open World, a blockchain infrastructure company with a track record in large-scale digital asset projects, revealed plans to operate the RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence as a fully licensed in-Kingdom entity. The centre is designed to accelerate compliant digital asset innovation for sovereign, enterprise and institutional clients throughout Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region.
The Eastern Province location holds strategic significance. Dr. Salman Salem Al Khaldi, member of the Industry and Energy Committee at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the natural fit: “Welcoming Open World to Al Khobar represents a significant step in our region’s digital transformation journey. The Eastern Province is home to Saudi Aramco, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran Techno Valley and the Kingdom’s largest concentration of energy assets, making it the ideal location to pioneer real-world asset tokenization. This initiative aligns perfectly with Vision 2030’s goal to develop our financial sector and diversify our economy beyond traditional energy exports.”
The initiative arrives as Open World positions itself for expansion in public markets. The company announced on 5th January 2026 its intention to merge with VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME), a move expected to strengthen the combined entity’s standing as a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset and tokenization sector.
At its core, the centre will facilitate the compliant tokenization of various real-world assets, creating new pathways for Saudi enterprises and government entities to access global capital markets. The scope encompasses energy infrastructure, tokenized carbon reduction credits, real estate holdings, sovereign bonds and, as regulatory frameworks evolve, regulated stablecoins. These initiatives will be developed on Open World’s sovereign and national-scale tokenization infrastructure, which was introduced through a partnership with Abstract in December 2025.
Compliance with Saudi regulatory bodies remains central to the project’s design. The centre has been structured to meet requirements set by both the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA), ensuring all operations align with the Kingdom’s regulatory frameworks as they continue to mature.
Matt Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Open World, emphasised the long-term nature of the commitment: “Saudi Arabia is leading the global conversation on how digital assets can be deployed in service of national economic priorities. By establishing our Center of Excellence in Al Khobar, we are making a long-term commitment to build alongside Saudi partners, under Saudi regulations, with infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s sovereign data and security requirements. Our goal is to help transform Saudi Arabia’s tremendous real-world asset base into globally accessible, compliant digital instruments that attract international investment while ensuring value creation remains within the Kingdom.”
The centre’s initial priorities will focus on three key areas: specific types of energy asset tokenization, real estate development financing, and the on-chain verification and storage of carbon reduction credits. These focus areas directly leverage the Eastern Province’s existing strengths in the energy sector whilst expanding into complementary domains.
Sovereign-grade delivery standards underpin the entire operation. The centre has been designed with particular attention to data residency requirements, local security controls and national economic considerations that align with the Kingdom’s localization objectives. This approach ensures that technological innovation proceeds in harmony with Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities.
The Financial Sector Development Program, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive financial and investment hub. The RWA Center of Excellence directly supports this ambition by providing the technological infrastructure necessary for the Kingdom to participate in the emerging digital asset economy whilst maintaining full regulatory oversight.
Open World has confirmed it has established the necessary legal, licensing, commercial and technological infrastructure required to operate directly within Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment. Full operations are expected to commence in 2026, with initial pilot projects targeted for launch around mid-year.
Looking ahead, the company plans to collaborate with financial institutions, government entities and regulators to develop comprehensive frameworks for investor protection, regulatory clarity and standardized tokenization practices. Strategic partnership announcements are anticipated throughout 2026 as the centre expands its capabilities and client base.
The establishment of this centre reflects broader trends in the Gulf region, where several nations are exploring how blockchain technology and digital assets can support economic diversification efforts. By moving early and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, Saudi Arabia aims to capture a leadership position in this emerging sector.
For international investors and institutions, the centre promises to provide compliant access to Saudi Arabia’s substantial real-world asset base. The tokenization of these assets could unlock new liquidity and investment opportunities whilst ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance throughout the transaction lifecycle.
As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, the centre’s flexible infrastructure is designed to adapt to changing requirements. This adaptability will be crucial as the digital asset sector matures and standardized practices emerge across jurisdictions.
The initiative represents a convergence of Saudi Arabia’s traditional strengths in energy and real estate with cutting-edge financial technology. By bridging these domains, the Kingdom aims to create new economic opportunities whilst supporting the diversification goals that sit at the heart of Vision 2030.
With the Eastern Province’s concentration of energy assets, academic institutions and technological infrastructure, Al Khobar emerges as a natural hub for this pioneering initiative. The location provides access to both the expertise and the real-world assets that will form the foundation of the tokenization activities.
As 2026 unfolds, the centre’s development will be closely watched by both regional and international observers. Its success could provide a blueprint for how nations can harness digital asset technology in service of strategic economic objectives whilst maintaining robust regulatory oversight and sovereign control.