Abu Dhabi

Source: Mufakiru Alemarat

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri

As the world stands on the brink of a new industrial revolution, quantum computing technology seems to be positioning itself to become its main driving force. In contrast to traditional technology that operates according to the rules of classical physics, quantum technology deals with particles at the atomic and subatomic level, a property that gives it unparalleled computing capabilities to bring about revolutionary changes in sectors such as communications, health, finance, energy and defense, as well as developing pharmaceutical and aerospace applications; This explains the rush of international powers, such as the United States of America, China and the European Union, to allocate billions of budgets to support the quantum computing sector in the midst of intense competition in the global technological race arena.

Quantum technology and its impact on communications

Generations of communication technologies have always been associated with the development of civilization, science and technology. Quantum communication, which is a branch of quantum technology, offers unique characteristics and benefits to the business and cybersecurity sectors. Due to their superior capabilities in encoding, transmitting, and protecting information derived from quantum physics phenomena. In terms of the power provided by quantum communication, it would be like imagining a digital world in which communications, business environments, infrastructures and facilities are theoretically impenetrable and virtually secure from hostile attacks.

Quantum Computing: The Powerful Lever for Pushing Frontiers in Science

Quantum computing is characterized by its ability to exploit quantum phenomena in the analytical processing of data, and to perform many complex computations “thousands of times” faster than classical computers. It is this power of augmented computing that makes quantum computers revolutionary tools that can tackle complex problems, such as understanding climate changes, the mechanics of geology, developing effective strategies to mitigate environmental challenges, or understanding diseases and developing new treatments and drugs. The size of the computational power of quantum computers will turn these devices into revolutionary tools that can push scientific and societal progress to new horizons whose sky may be the ceiling of human imagination.

Quantum computing and its impact on artificial intelligence applications

In today’s data-driven world, the ability to process large amounts of information and perform complex analytics is one of the most significant challenges facing AI. Quantum computing comes to provide enormous computational power with multiple and parallel processing, and to enable deep learning techniques and industrial networks to deal with huge problems and provide solutions in record time. What we are witnessing today in terms of the revolution in artificial intelligence will be an early stage of growth compared to if quantum computing technologies were introduced, which will take artificial intelligence to levels that are currently unimaginable at the level of society, industries and the global economy.

Public policies to facilitate the quantum jump

In order to understand and develop the revolutionary capabilities of quantum technology, we need a set of far-reaching frameworks and policies that require policy makers to consider initiatives that promote investment in scientific research, especially the education of capabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and to enhance cooperation with global quantum research institutions. Favorable national policies can also stimulate technical cooperation, research and development of quantum technology in the region.

Initiatives to sponsor partnerships between Arab and foreign universities, and the public and private sectors, in research and development, can contribute to accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies through regulatory support, especially since technology companies have advanced operational and technical capabilities and are bolder in offering products that are efficiently aligned with market and development requirements.

National plans and agendas

Many countries, such as the United States of America, the European Union, China, Russia and India, have developed national plans and targets to advance their progress in the field of quantum computing. In 2018, an act passed to develop a federal strategy for quantum computing in the United States authorized $1.2 billion in funding for quantum research and development and included provisions for public-private partnerships. This encouraged technology companies, such as IBM and Google, to invest in quantum computing research, and opened the way for collaboration with academic and government research institutions.

Despite the relative superiority of the United States in developing quantum computing capabilities; China is gaining momentum in pioneering the development of quantum communication, as shown by the increase in the total quantum technology patents filed by Chinese companies from 137 in 2020 to more than 800 in 2022. It is reported that China is in the process of starting the operation of the world’s longest quantum network at a distance of thousands of kilometers. between Shanghai and Beijing, as well as its projects in quantum satellite communications.

In this context, and for the same goals, several governments in various countries of the world have launched various initiatives with annual budgets estimated at billions of dollars. To drive efforts to engineer precise quantum features, use them to develop competitive advantages in areas such as finance, logistics and advanced manufacturing, and leverage the impact of their applications in national economies and the labor market.

Quantum technology in the Arab world

Some Arab countries are finally starting to get interested in the transformative potential of quantum technology. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are at the forefront of creating and adopting research groups dedicated to quantum computing. But despite some promising beginnings; The development of quantum technology in the Arab world faces a number of challenges, such as a shortage of skilled labor, limited investments in research and development, and the lack of material and institutional resources and infrastructure necessary to support the development and application of quantum technologies.

National Security

The threat to national security may be the first source of concern, and the motive for investing in and exploring quantum technologies, whether quantum computing or communication networks. Policy makers should broadly understand the challenges this technology poses to national security, especially the potential danger of using it as an effective tool in cybercrime, threatening sectors such as electricity, aviation, defense, energy and critical infrastructure. The level of intervention required here is no less than what is taking place in the arena of nuclear technology. What concerns the United States – for example – is China’s ability to develop a quantum computer that can break encryption algorithms that protect confidential information and secure communications, which shows that quantum technology will be a pivotal factor in future wars.

Naturally, all of this necessitates the need to modernize government industry systems on the one hand, and on the other hand, the existence of national and international frameworks and agreements to monitor the local and global use of quantum communication technology, whether in civil or military applications, and to ensure that it does not become a tool for criminal or terrorist activities.

The ethical and societal implications of quantum technology

In the aftermath of this nascent revolution, it is necessary to consider the ethical and societal implications of these revolutionary technologies as well. For example, privacy issues in quantum communications, the question of how jobs will be affected as tasks continue to automate and speed up, and the digital divide must be proactively addressed. This requires policymakers to develop regulations that protect individual privacy, strategize workforce transition plans, and ensure fair access to quantum technologies.

Clearly, quantum technology stands as a beacon for an industrial revolution that may reshape our current societies and practices. While various countries of the world, including the Arab countries, face challenges in the quantitative field and harnessing its potential; The possibilities promised will be revolutionary, from faster and more powerful computing capabilities to near-completely secure communications. The scenarios for the development of commercial, financial and military applications will remain astonishing and exciting.

We can expect quantum technology – in the next few years – to have a significant and increasing impact on various industries and on developing economic growth in an unprecedented manner. But as the world prepares to embrace an unprecedented technological revolution; The task ahead for policymakers is not just to prepare for this transition; Rather, it also includes effectively shaping it by adopting a proactive and collaborative approach in formulating regulations to confront potential risks, and directing societies towards the beneficial uses of these technologies in a way that supports the growth of the business sector, providing job opportunities, and strengthening the pillars of economic growth and national security.