The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are leading quantum computing development in the Middle East, according to research from Frost & Sullivan. Quantum computing, which could revolutionise fields such as cybersecurity, scientific research, and finance, will be a key topic at the Cyber Security Conference at Intersec 2024 in Dubai. The event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 16 – 18 January 2024.
Quantum Computing Development in the Middle East
The Middle East, led by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, is making significant strides in the field of quantum computing. This technology, which promises to revolutionize various sectors including scientific research, cryptography, finance, supply chains, logistics, and drug discovery, will be a key topic of discussion at the Cyber Security Conference at Intersec 2024.
Rajarshi Dhar, Principal Consultant at Frost & Sullivan, highlighted the technology’s potential to solve complex problems more efficiently than traditional computers. The quantum cryptography market is expected to surge in the next five years, driven by the need for security systems that can withstand quantum and sophisticated attacks.
Quantum Computing’s Impact on Cybersecurity
Quantum computing has the potential to significantly enhance secure communication through advanced encryption. However, it also poses challenges to current encryption methods, necessitating preparations for the quantum era to protect data from new risks. Rajarshi Dhar, Principal Consultant, Security, Frost & Sullivan, emphasized the revolutionary nature of quantum computing and its potential to solve complex problems more efficiently than classical computers.
Market Predictions for Quantum Cryptography
Frost & Sullivan’s analysis predicts a significant surge in the quantum cryptography market over the next five years. More than half of the revenue is expected to come from businesses, followed by the government and defence sectors. This growth is driven by the threat posed by the commercialisation of quantum computers, which could render current security and cryptography outdated. Upgrading security systems with future-proof cryptography capable of withstanding both quantum and sophisticated attacks is crucial.
Quantum Computing Development in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are making substantial strides in quantum computing and cryptography development. The UAE’s Quantum Research Centre and other institutes are working towards productisation. In September 2023, the Technology Innovation Institute developed cryptography estimators to evaluate the security of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) schemes. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also investing heavily in this field, with the Qatari government investing US$ 10 million towards the Qatar Centre for Quantum Computing and Saudi Arabia establishing the Quantum Computing Council.
Intersec 2024 Cyber Security Conference
The implications of quantum computing will be discussed in detail at the two-day Intersec 2024 Cyber Security Conference. The event will gather experts, thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators to chart the course for cyber security excellence in the coming years. Notable speakers include His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government; Fadhel Al Marri, Security Systems Officer, Dubai Electronic Security Center; Craig Jones, Director – Cybercrime, Interpol, Singapore; and Sergi Marcen, Secretary of Telecommunications & Digital Transformation, Government of Catalonia, Spain.
Intersec’s 25th Edition
Intersec’s 25th edition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks a quarter-century of innovation in security tech. With 1,000 exhibitors from 60 nations and 45,000 trade visitors, the event is a global hub for the security, safety, and fire protection industries.
“Quantum computing represents a revolutionary leap in computational power, promising to transform industries. While still nascent, this technology holds immense potential for solving complex problems faster and more efficiently than classical computers. As we continue to advance our understanding and capabilities in quantum computing, it is clear that this field will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of science, technology, and society at large.”
Rajarshi Dhar, Principal Consultant, Security, Frost & Sullivan
“This growth is propelled by the imminent threat posed by the commercialisation of quantum computers, making current security and cryptography outdated. Upgrading security systems is crucial, requiring future-proof cryptography capable of withstanding both quantum and sophisticated attacks.”
Rajarshi Dhar, Principal Consultant, Security, Frost & Sullivan
Summary
Quantum computing, which has the potential to revolutionise fields such as scientific research, cryptography, finance, and logistics, is seeing rapid advancement globally, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar emerging as key players in the Middle East. As this technology poses both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity, the development of robust post-quantum cryptography is crucial to protect data from new risks.
“The Cyber Security Conference allows the industry to deepen its understanding of cyber security risks and enhance cooperation among stakeholders to counter these risks effectively. Intersec will also host world-leading cyber security exhibitors within the in{:cyber} Pavilion, including Fortinet, Moro Hub, Alpha Data, and ManageEngine.”
Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East
- Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, with potential significant impacts across various fields including scientific research, cryptography, finance, supply chains, logistics, and drug discovery.
- The United States and China currently lead in quantum computing and cryptography development, but the Middle East, particularly UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, is also making substantial progress.
- The Cyber Security Conference at Intersec 2024, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16 – 18 January, will discuss the role of quantum technology in revolutionising science and innovation.
- Quantum computing could revolutionise cybersecurity by improving secure communication with advanced encryption. However, it also poses challenges to current encryption methods, necessitating preparation for this quantum era to protect data from new risks.
- Frost & Sullivan’s analysis predicts a significant surge in the quantum cryptography market over the next five years, with more than half of the revenue expected to come from businesses, followed by the government and defence sectors.
- Notable speakers at the conference include Rajarshi Dhar from Frost & Sullivan, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti from the UAE Government, and Craig Jones from Interpol, among others.
- The conference will also feature the Hack Arena, a three-day challenge for Middle East cybersecurity experts, and the Intersec Innovators Arena, offering startups a platform to showcase products to potential investors.
