RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is poised to become a key player in the global quantum research landscape, according to experts who gathered in Riyadh on Monday for the Kingdom’s second annual World Quantum Day celebration.
Organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the event marked 100 years since the development of quantum mechanics and featured speakers from 65 countries.
Industry leaders, academics, and researchers gathered to explore the latest developments in quantum science, including its real-world applications, global strategies, and the intersection of quantum technologies with AI and cybersecurity.
Among the attendees was Ahmed Abdul Majeed, a recent physics graduate from Nigeria, who credited the conference for deepening his interest in quantum research. “Since my third year as an undergraduate, everything about me revolves around quantum,” he said.
Abdul Majeed is a member of the Quantum Computing Reading Group at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), led by David E. Keyes, senior associate to the president for strategic projects at KAUST.
The group promotes quantum literacy across university curricula in the Kingdom and collaborates with international firms on research discussions.
“I know Saudi is working toward quantum research, and I believe they will achieve more than any other country,” said Abdul Majeed, who has recently been accepted to the University of Sussex for graduate studies in quantum technology.
Also speaking at the event was Richard Schoebel, regional director of Swiss firm ID Quantique, who highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in the field.
“It was very slow a few years ago, but now it’s gaining pace and attention,” he said, noting the important role of quantum-safe cybersecurity as the technology evolves.
He emphasized the importance of preparing for the cybersecurity challenges posed by quantum computing, which could render current encryption methods obsolete.
The event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s young talent pool in STEM and the Kingdom’s growing investment in emerging technologies, reinforcing its ambition to be a regional hub for quantum innovation.
World Quantum Day featured discussions on bridging academia and industry, quantum AI, and pathways for global collaboration reflecting the transformative potential of quantum science in reshaping future technologies.
[Reported by Arab News]
