Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is working to establish the UAE’s first quantum-secured satellite link by the end of this year, marking a step towards space-based protection for sensitive data.
The project is led by Dr Sana Amairi-Pyka, TII’s lead scientist for quantum communications, through the Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station. Her team is exploring how satellites can extend secure communications beyond the limits of terrestrial fibre networks.
TII’s approach uses quantum key distribution (QKD), which generates encryption keys from the behaviour of light particles. Any attempt to intercept a photon can disturb it and create detectable errors, according to the company.
The institute has already developed QKD devices and tested them in a proof-of-concept network connecting Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 technology ecosystem with ADGM Academy. The system is designed to secure uses including video calls, file transfers and stored data.
TII has also signed an agreement with Space42 to develop and deploy the UAE’s first space-to-ground quantum communications network, combining satellite and ground infrastructure.
The initiative comes as the UAE plans a broader transition towards post-quantum security across critical public and private-sector organisations. QKD is being developed alongside post-quantum cryptography, which uses mathematical algorithms designed to withstand attacks from future quantum computers.
Source: AGBI
