In a major advancement for Qatar’s digital infrastructure, Ooredoo, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and the country’s Ministry of Defense have established Qatar’s first quantum-safe communications link. The project positions the nation as a regional frontrunner in adopting next-generation cybersecurity measures to protect critical data against future threats.
Quick Facts
- Qatar’s first operational quantum-safe link.
- Uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology.
- Partnership across telecom, academia, and defense.
Securing Data Against Tomorrow’s Threats
The initiative directly addresses the growing risk of “harvest-now, decrypt-later” attacks, where encrypted data is collected today with the intent of being decrypted by future quantum computers. By using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the new link generates and shares encryption keys based on the principles of quantum mechanics. This creates a highly secure communication channel where any attempt to intercept the key is immediately detected, a level of security not possible with traditional encryption methods.
This move marks a meaningful step in bolstering Qatar’s digital resilience and safeguarding its strategic national infrastructure long-term.
A National Collaboration in Action
The project’s success is built on a tight collaboration between Qatar’s telecommunications, research, and defense sectors. Ooredoo provided the live telecom environment, proving the practical integration of quantum tech within existing networks. HBKU’s Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) led the scientific development and system integration, while the Ministry of Defense served as a key strategic stakeholder.
“This milestone reflects the power of collaboration in advancing secure, future-ready connectivity for Qatar,” commented Thani Ali Al-Malki, Chief Strategy and Digital Transformation Officer at Ooredoo Qatar. “By enabling the deployment of quantum-safe technologies within operational networks, we are supporting the evolution of cybersecurity capabilities that will underpin the next generation of digital infrastructure.”
Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Director of HBKU’s QC2, added, “Our commitment to collaboration across government, academia, and industry made QC2 a natural partner for this initiative. Together with Ooredoo and the MOD, we have accelerated Qatar’s already-sophisticated quantum capabilities, co-creating technology with both national and global applications.”
Maj. Gen. Zayed Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Commander of Qatar Emiri Signal Corps, noted that the achievement is the result of a joint vision to build an advanced and secure digital infrastructure, enhancing Qatar’s digital resilience against modern and future challenges.
Integrating Quantum Tech into Existing Networks
The fully operational, end-to-end quantum link was deployed within Ooredoo’s existing network. The project builds on advanced research conducted by HBKU in collaboration with ID Quantique (IDQ), a global leader in quantum-safe security.
Mohammed Al-Zaidan, Senior Director Active & Core Network at Ooredoo Qatar, explained, “Built on Ooredoo’s commercial-grade, state-of-the-art dark fiber infrastructure, the project validated secure key generation and distribution over multiple fiber-link distances, marking an important step toward metropolitan networks protected by information-theoretic security.”
The successful deployment establishes a scalable foundation for expanding quantum-safe connectivity to other critical sectors, including government and financial services.
About Ooredoo
Ooredoo is Qatar’s leading communications company, delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential.
About Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, is a leading, innovation-centric university committed to advancing education and research to address critical challenges facing Qatar and beyond. HBKU develops multidisciplinary academic programs and national research capabilities that drive collaboration with leading global institutions.
About Qatar Ministry of Defense
The Qatari Ministry of Defense continues its efforts to support digital transformation and innovation in the State of Qatar. The Ministry is committed to adopting the latest digital solutions and advanced technologies to enhance the readiness of the armed forces and to build a modern, knowledge-based defense system driven by innovation.
Source: Zawya
