creating the groundwork for the quantum era

Dr. Ray O. Johnson, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), talks about the Middle East's prospective benefits from quantum computing.

In today's highly linked world, Niels Bohr's classic quote, "If quantum physics hasn't deeply shaken you, you haven't comprehended it yet," is more relevant than ever. Scientists first started to consider the prospect of building a quantum computer that was more potent than any conventional computer 30 years ago.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognized the need for a sustainable economy some twenty years ago, one that was supported by sources other than natural resources. The UAE now invests US$3 billion annually in technology and innovation as part of its national objective to transition to a varied, knowledge-based economy. The capital, Abu Dhabi, is currently concentrating on how important technology will be to the future growth and diversification of the UAE's economy. Activities like offering a pathway to citizenship for scientists and inventors and funding multimillion-dollar innovation accelerator programs underscore Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s intent to become a serious hub for R&D and advanced technology

Applications in quantum communications and quantum sensing are now being studied as part of these efforts by the Quantum Research Center (QRC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a division of the Advanced Technology Research Council of the Abu Dhabi Government. The QRC is also engaged in quantum computing research, with a particular emphasis on the creation of superior qubits and trustworthy measurement methods. A 300-part quantum computer that is chilled to -273.14 degrees Celsius is used to execute tests. For the Arab world, where funding for quantum research is still somewhat limited, this effort in quantum information sciences is a significant shift. The area is beginning to understand, nevertheless, that early investment fosters longer-term progress with the potential for even better results. Innovations in quantum research will present the region with prospects ranging from greater optimization of oil supply to improvements in medicine, and industry diversification.

The potential of quantum computing

What precisely is quantum computing, and why is there such a buzz about it in the global scientific community? The principles of quantum mechanics are applied to tackle issues that are too complex for conventional computers. The technology performs operations and calculations faster than contemporary digital computers by taking advantage of how energy and matter operate at the subatomic level. Yet, traditional computers will continue to play a significant role in how we live, study, and work for the foreseeable future. The development of computing has given rise to the internet, facilitated a digital transformation in every business and sector, spurred globalization, revolutionized communication, and accelerated the development of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other technologies. robotics. Still, these computers have capability and speed limitations that signify the likely end of Moore’s Law.

Quantum computing's enormous power and speed provide opportunities to address issues in optimization, materials science and chemistry, AI, and machine learning. Several sectors in the area would undergo a revolution as a result of these skills. The Middle East's economy has historically relied heavily on the oil and petrochemical sectors, and quantum computing's support for advanced and high-speed analytics at scale offers governments the chance to improve oil exploration, balance supply and demand, and lower supply chain costs. On the security front, quantum computing can be extremely useful in preventing cyberattacks and reinforcing software to protect sensitive data. By enabling quicker genetic analysis, it might improve approaches to individualized therapy in the healthcare industry. individualized therapies that are distinct to each patient are informed.

Quantum algorithms may be used by firms in the financial services and fintech sectors to run better forecasting models and more precisely address challenges like optimizing investment portfolios. One of the technology's most promising and immediate applications is possibly this. Major financial centers throughout the world, such as the US, the UAE, and Singapore, might be significantly impacted by these prospective changes. To improve customer experience, help banks make better decisions, and react more swiftly to market volatility, these centers might leverage quantum technology to effectively analyze and secure massive, unstructured databases.

Society will demand speedy remedies for some of its most pressing problems as the world becomes more digitalized and necessitates the analysis and quantification of enormous amounts of data, from

anything from cybersecurity to financial planning and climate change mitigation. As research moves towards actual application in significant industries, quantum computing is anticipated to become more and more common, serving as a coprocessor for actions like AI implementation, pattern recognition, and optimization.

A McKinsey & Company analysis predicts that by 2035, the market value of quantum technology will be $1 trillion. One of the countries aiming to advance quantum technology research and development is the United Arab Emirates. According to a Zapata Computing report titled "Enterprise Quantum Computing Adoption" (December 2021), the rate of adoption of this technology is exponentially growing, with 69% of global enterprises stating that they are either planning to adopt or have already implemented quantum computing into their operations.

To support research and development in quantum information science, governments, and private investors must make significant expenditures in technology and innovation. Finding and employing individuals who can use the equipment and knowledge that support improvements should be a top focus for the business. research related to quantum information. Students whose future work has the potential to have an impact on billions of people must receive degrees from universities. With a significant community investment, quantum information science may aid in developing the economies of the future in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the globe while resolving today's intractable issues.

who is the author

Dr. Ray O. Johnson is the director of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a global research center with a location in Abu Dhabi to develop science and cutting-edge technology. Dr. Johnson worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation in Maryland, USA, as Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, and at the US venture capital company Bessemer Venture as an Operating Partner before joining TII. Operations, technology, and engineering are under the control of Partners. With a Ph.D. and an MS in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Johnson left the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio, the United States. He is a Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the International Society for Optical Engineering, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in addition to being a Full Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics.