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Quantum Innovation Summit Wraps Up 2025 Edition
The highlight event showcased key industry collaborations and groundbreaking research, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in quantum technology.
The 2025 Quantum Innovation Summit, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, has come to a close, after a wave of groundbreaking discussions, strategic partnerships, and ambitious plans for the future of quantum tech. The event solidified the UAE’s role as a global leader in quantum advancements, bringing together experts from government, academia, and industry.
Bridging Research And Industry
The summit featured heavyweights including Microsoft, IBM, D-Wave, Palo Alto Networks, IonQ, Quantlase, QuantumGate, PASQAL, ID Quantique, and Quantinuum. Over three days, attendees discussed important research and its real-world application, emphasizing quantum’s growing role in AI, computing, cryptography, and cybersecurity.
The event kicked off with the Quantum Futures Forum, a high-level gathering aligning quantum innovations with global security, economic resilience, and policymaking. The Quantum Debates provided a platform for industry leaders to address challenges in governance, investment, and commercial adoption, paving the way for a more collaborative quantum economy.
The official opening featured a keynote by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, who underscored the critical role of quantum technology in national security. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), followed with insights into TII’s advancements in quantum computing and cryptography, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to cutting-edge research and development.
Academic And Industry Collaborations Take Center Stage
The summit placed a strong emphasis on fostering quantum talent and innovation. The Academic Aisle provided a platform for researchers and students to showcase their work, while the Vernewell QInnovision World Challenge Finals spotlighted groundbreaking quantum solutions, strengthening the UAE’s reputation as a hub for quantum entrepreneurship.
Key announcements during the event included:
- VerneX Quantum Valley Launch – Vernewell Group unveiled this initiative at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS), aiming to drive quantum commercialization and deep-tech entrepreneurship.
- ID Quantique & Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy Partnership – A major step forward in enhancing quantum-secure communications for maritime trade and global logistics.
- Kipu Quantum & CQTS NYU Abu Dhabi Collaboration – Strengthening ties between academia and industry to advance quantum algorithm development and real-world applications.
- Quantum Marine Conference – A joint initiative by Vernewell Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy exploring how quantum technology can improve maritime cybersecurity and efficiency.
- Vernewell Group & REACH Group MoU – A strategic partnership to accelerate quantum adoption both in the UAE and globally, reinforcing the country’s leadership in deep-tech ecosystems.
Honoring Innovation And Leadership
The summit also took time to recognize individuals driving quantum advancements: H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, and H.E. Faisal Al Bannai were honored with National Achievement Leadership in Innovation Awards for their contributions to cybersecurity and digital transformation.
The FemTum Leap Awards also celebrated pioneering women shaping the future of quantum technology, reinforcing the need for diverse leadership in deep tech. Meanwhile, the QInnovision World Challenge highlighted innovative quantum-powered solutions poised to transform industries.
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Quantum
Reflecting on the summit’s success, Mrs. Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Founder of the Quantum Innovation Summit and CEO of Vernewell Group, shared:
“With the support of the UAE Cyber Security Council and our esteemed academic partner, the Center for Quantum and Topological Systems at NYU Abu Dhabi, alongside key industry and government leaders, [we have solidified our] position as a global platform for quantum advancement. The strategic partnerships and commitments made during this summit reinforce our mission at Vernewell Group to ensure quantum technology drives economic resilience, security, and sustainable progress on a global scale”.
As quantum technology continues to evolve, the Quantum Innovation Summit is set to return on April 7–9, 2026. With a broader global network and deeper industry collaborations, the event will remain a cornerstone for shaping the future of quantum computing, investment, and policy development.
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PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.
PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
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