Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ADGM Academy (ADGMA), Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Hub71, and ASPIRE have jointly launched the UAE’s first Testbed for quantum-secure communications, marking a key milestone in future-proofing digital infrastructure. The initiative aims to explore ultra-secure data transfer using quantum technology.
As part of the collaboration, TII, the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), deployed its proprietary Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution within ADGM, the capital’s international financial centre, creating the nation’s first commercial test network. The network serves as a “living lab” for highly secure, tamper-proof communications, allowing stakeholders to interact with an operational QKD system, trial use cases in a commercial environment, and understand the technology’s next-generation applications.
ASPIRE, ATRC’s innovation acceleration arm, facilitates the project, bridging advanced research with real-world application and encouraging cross-sector collaboration.
For ADGM, the testbed demonstrates a proactive approach to cybersecurity and digital infrastructure resilience. By testing quantum-safe communications, the financial centre is helping develop the technological foundations required for digital asset businesses and other market players.
The network consists of a three-node QKD deployment linking multiple sites within ADGM’s jurisdiction, with quantum devices at each location. These devices provide encryption keys to a secured network layer, ensuring data is fully protected from retroactive attacks, a critical safeguard in preparation for the arrival of large-scale quantum computers that could threaten current cryptographic methods.
Commenting on the launch, Salem Al Darei, Chief Executive Officer, ADGM Authority, said, “Abu Dhabi and ADGM are committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to digital security and innovation. Our collaboration with TII, along with other strategic partners, stands as a testament to this commitment. QKD is more than just a technical advancement; it is a foundation for building trust in tomorrow’s digital communications, including the infrastructure that underpins financial systems. These initiatives position Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE to harness emerging technologies and develop unique business capabilities exclusive to our market.”
“This initiative marks a major step forward in our mission to translate advanced research into real-world impact. By bringing quantum-secure communications into a live commercial environment, we are not only demonstrating the maturity of this technology but also empowering the UAE’s innovation ecosystem to prepare for a quantum future. We are proud to collaborate with progressive partners to help position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global quantum advancements,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer, Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
“This testbed offers industry a critical opportunity to experience the benefits of quantum-secure communications first-hand. We commend ADGM for taking the lead in adopting this transformative technology and TII for developing a world-class solution. ASPIRE is proud to have facilitated this collaboration and to help translate advanced research into practical impact,” said Stephane Timpano, Chief Executive Officer, ASPIRE.
Mansoor Jaffar, CEO of ADGM Academy and Research Centre, stated: “This milestone marks a pivotal chapter in ADGM Academy’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering cross-sector expertise, and addressing real-world challenges through comprehensive research and thought leadership. The launch of the UAE’s first Quantum-Secure Communications Test Lab is not merely a technological step forwards—it is a strategic enabler that underscores our dedication to developing secure, future-ready financial systems. By bringing together industry experts, academic minds, and innovation leaders, we are creating a platform to explore the frontier of quantum security and translate that exploration into practical, scalable solutions.”
Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer, Hub71, said, “Hub71 is committed to enabling frontier technologies that elevate Abu Dhabi’s position as a global platform for innovation. Supporting the development of quantum-secure communications aligns with Hub71’s mission to accelerate startup growth by promoting and providing access to advanced enabling technologies. This collaboration reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem and a shared ambition to transform digital infrastructure.”
(Inputs from WAM)
