The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a cloud service providing access to its in-house Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), which range from 5 to 25 qubits. Initially available to TII partners, the service allows users to run quantum workloads on TII’s quantum hardware via the cloud, using the open-source Qibo framework as the software layer. These QPUs feature in-house fabricated chips and demonstrate quantum coherence times up to ten times longer than TII's first-generation prototypes. Why it matters: This launch provides a platform for experimentation and development of hybrid quantum-classical workflows on locally developed infrastructure, accelerating quantum research in the region.
QRC has developed Qibo, a Python library enabling classical simulation of quantum algorithms with double precision. Qibo leverages hardware accelerators like GPUs and CPUs with multi-threading. It incorporates a multi-GPU distributed approach for circuit simulation. Why it matters: This framework allows researchers and developers in the region to explore and prototype quantum algorithms using existing classical computing infrastructure, fostering innovation in quantum computing research and applications.
KAUST has established the KAUST Quantum Foundry to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to fabricate commercial quantum hardware. It will provide shared access to KAUST quantum cleanrooms, supporting device prototyping and process development. The Foundry will focus on process standardization and the development of Process Design Kits (PDKs) to enable researchers to design and fabricate devices. Why it matters: This initiative reinforces KAUST's role as a national hub for advanced research infrastructure and supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term innovation priorities in quantum technologies.
Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched Manarat, a custom-developed control electronics platform for quantum computing. Manarat can control 10 qubits with high accuracy and synchronizes multiple electronic boards with accuracy exceeding 100 picoseconds. TII claims Manarat is five times more cost-efficient than commercial alternatives. Why it matters: This development marks a step toward large-scale quantum computing in the UAE and establishes sovereign capabilities in quantum technologies.
This article summarizes presentations from an internal Quantum Research Center (QRC) workshop at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Topics covered included superconducting quantum computers, quantum coherent networks, quantum simulation, and quantum machine learning. Several presentations also discussed experimental quantum technologies. Why it matters: The workshop highlights TII's ongoing research activities in quantum computing and related technologies, signaling its commitment to advancing the field in the UAE.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi announced its Quantum Research Center (QRC) will build the UAE’s first quantum computer in collaboration with Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. The computer will use superconducting qubits, the same technology used by Google and IBM. The first quantum chips are expected by the end of summer. Why it matters: This project positions the UAE as a leader in quantum computing research and development in the Middle East, potentially enabling breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, and AI.