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.

Conference participants included esteemed figures and thought leaders in the field of quantum computing, as well as multinational companies including BT Group, Citi Global, Microsoft, Rolls Royce, and more.

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 witnessed the launch of the conference alongside industry leaders and stakeholders.

Dr. Saif Al Kuwari, Director, Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), HBKU, opened the event with a keynote address, giving an overview of the quantum research and innovation landscape in Qatar and beyond.

Noting the success of the event, Dr. Al Kuwari said: "HBKU and Quantum.Tech recognize that the Middle East is well-positioned to unlock the potential of quantum technologies and drive transformative impact to our economies and societies. As this field is becoming exceedingly critical for national and global progression, CSE and QC2 are committed to forging robust partnerships that prioritize collaborative education, training, research, and capacity-building to help sustain this revolution."

During the event, Dr. Al Kuwari and Dr. Nasser Barghouty, formerly Chief Scientist, NASA Space Communications and Navigation, held a discussion on HBKU and NASAs recent memorandum of understanding on quantum research and education. They outlined the progress made in a feasibility study exploring the joint development of quantum communications and networking technologies.

Quantum technology leverages the science behind quantum mechanics to underpin innovations that promise unprecedented capabilities across a number of sectors, including computing, communications, and sensing. The field has recently gained prominence with the UN proclaiming 2025 the year of Quantum Science and Technology
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