Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Hosts Strategic Event on the Future of Quantum Computing in the Middle East

• The event explored the role of quantum computing in achieving the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030.
• The event featured the launch of Qatar’s first international Quantum Computing Hackathon and showcased key initiatives in digital innovation.
• The event brought together global experts from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, QuantX, Boston Consulting Group, and IBM to exchange insights on the potential of quantum computing, skills development, and regional collaboration.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of emerging technologies and explore the potential in supporting Qatar’s digital transformation journey, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through TASMU Innovation Lab initiative, organized an event titled “The Future of Quantum Computing in the Middle East.” The event aimed to highlight the transformative potential of quantum computing in advancing the national digital transformation journey.

The event witnessed the attendance of a distinguished group of sector leaders, academic experts, and innovators, who discussed ways to integrate quantum technologies across vital sectors and reviewed key opportunities and challenges associated with their adoption.

The event began with an overview of key achievements of TASMU Innovation Lab, including the launch of AI and XR Sandboxes, a quantum technologies event in collaboration with Quantinuum, and the rollout of national training programs designed to enhance digital readiness and build future capabilities.

The event also marked the announcement of the first-ever international quantum computing hackathon to be held in Qatar—a pioneering step at the national level. Supported by MCIT, the hackathon will be hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University in partnership with QuantX, a leading provider of quantum solutions, and the Boston Consulting Group, one of the world’s foremost strategy consulting companies. MCIT will announce further details about the hackathon, and interested participants can pre-register via the available link.

Eman Al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing digital innovation and accelerating the adoption of advanced technological solutions. She stated: “Through the TASMU Innovation Lab, we are working to create an enabling environment that empowers government entities, private sector organizations, and innovators to collaborate in developing practical quantum computing solutions aligned with Qatar’s national strategies. Quantum computing is considered one of the most pioneering emerging technologies due to its diverse applications across key sectors such as healthcare, energy, and logistics.”

The hackathon aims to accelerate the development and discovery of practical quantum computing applications across key sectors, including healthcare, energy, and government services, by fostering innovation and encouraging the creation of transformative technological solutions. It also seeks to attract young talents, enhance local capabilities, and create an advanced competitive environment that adheres to international standards and offers real opportunities for research, development, and collaboration with leading global experts.

Dr. Elvira Shishenina, Co-Founder and CEO of QuantX, emphasized that quantum computing holds unparalleled potential. She stated “Through organizing this hackathon in Qatar, we’re uniting the full value chain – from industry to academia – to tackle real-world challenges using the most advanced quantum hardware and solutions. We’re proud to have brought these hackathons to life globally since 2021, building on success stories of collaborations, talent matchmaking, and new venture creation – now placing Qatar at the forefront of quantum innovation.”

The event also featured a presentation by Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Director of the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) and Associate Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), who provided an overview of the current state and future outlook of quantum research in Qatar. He stated: “Quantum computing presents an unprecedented opportunity for Qatar to enhance its leadership in frontier sciences and contribute to long-term economic diversification.”

The event concluded with a technical workshop on Qiskit, IBM’s open-source platform for quantum computing software development. Led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Qatatsheh, Quantum Lead for IBM EMEA,it provided participants with practical insights on developing and testing quantum algorithms across real-world applications, including machine learning, data optimization, and artificial intelligence.

MCIT continues to reinforce its pivotal role in driving digital innovation across Qatar through targeted initiatives that attract global expertise and foster collaboration in the fields of advanced technologies.

These efforts fall under the TASMU Smart Qatar Program, which serves as a key pillar in supporting the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 and actively contributing to the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030 — by enhancing the digital economy, promoting sustainable growth, and empowering individuals and organizations with future-ready digital solutions.