Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) partnered with Quantum.Tech to bring its premier event to the Arab World for the first time, convening more than 200 internationally renowned experts from January 13 - 15 in Doha to discuss how Qatar and the Gulf region can sustain its emerging quantum technology sector.
According to Qatar News Agency, conference participants included esteemed figures and thought leaders in the field of quantum computing, as well as multinational companies such as BT Group, Citi Global, Microsoft, and Rolls Royce. Notable attendees included HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, and HE Governor of Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Saif Al Kuwari, Director of the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) at HBKU, who delivered a keynote address. He provided an overview of the quantum research and innovation landscape in Qatar and beyond. Dr. Al Kuwari emphasized the potential of quantum technologies to drive transformative impact on economies and societies in the Middle East and globally. He reiterated HBKU and Quantum.Tech's commitment to fostering partnerships focused on education, training, research, and capacity-building.
During the conference, discussions were held between Dr. Al Kuwari and Dr. Nasser Barghouty, formerly Chief Scientist at NASA Space Communications and Navigation. They explored HBKU and NASA's recent memorandum of understanding on quantum research and education, and outlined progress made in a feasibility study for developing quantum communications and networking technologies.
Quantum technology utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to drive innovations with potential applications in computing, communications, and sensing. The field's significance has been highlighted by the UN's proclamation of 2025 as the year of Quantum Science and Technology.