As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the pioneering women driving innovation, security, and technological progress on a global scale. Among them is Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a distinguished leader specializing in cybersecurity, autonomous systems, post-quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies. She has been instrumental in advancing the UAE’s global leadership in critical technologies, shaping secure, scalable solutions that address modern and future challenges.

In this exclusive interview, Vernewell Group’s Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Founder of the Quantum Innovation Summit, speaks with Dr. Aaraj about her expertise, contributions to the quantum and cybersecurity ecosystem, and her vision for the future of these transformative fields. They discuss the intersection of quantum technology, cybersecurity, and AI, as well as the importance of fostering global collaboration, securing digital infrastructure for the quantum era, and paving the way for the next generation of women in STEM.

Dr. Aaraj’s leadership is a testament to the power of expertise, resilience, and innovation in breaking barriers. Her contributions are shaping the future of advanced technologies while inspiring women worldwide to lead in cutting-edge research and technological development.

As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that navigating the intersection of cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and AI requires both technical expertise and strategic foresight. Dr. Aaraj reflects on what drew her to this field and how her journey has shaped her leadership at TII.

Leadership & Vision: The Inspiration Behind A Career At The Intersection Of Cybersecurity, AI, And Quantum Technology

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: Cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and AI are at the core of today’s digital transformation. What inspired you to pursue a career at this intersection?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: My background in applied cryptography and embedded security naturally led me to explore emerging challenges in cybersecurity, particularly as quantum computing advances. The ability of quantum technology to break classical cryptographic systems presents a paradigm shift, one that demands proactive solutions today. The potential of quantum computing, both as a revolutionary tool and a security risk, fascinated me early in my career. It became evident that cybersecurity and cryptography needed to evolve in parallel with quantum advancements to ensure long-term digital resilience. At TII, we are not only anticipating this transformation but actively shaping it. Our research in post-quantum cryptography, quantum-secure communication, and AI-driven security frameworks is ensuring that organizations and governments are prepared for the quantum era. The convergence of these fields is not just about security – it is about enabling a future where technology remains trusted, scalable, and resilient.

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: How has your leadership journey shaped your role as CEO of TII? What challenges have you overcome as a leader in these advanced fields?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: Leading a research institute that spans multiple disciplines – ranging from artificial intelligence and advanced materials to cybersecurity and autonomous systems – requires a balance between scientific discovery and real-world impact. One of the biggest challenges in deep technology research is ensuring that groundbreaking innovations move beyond the lab and into practical applications that benefit industries, economies, and societies.

Scientific advancements often require significant infrastructure, long-term investment, and specialized expertise to reach a stage where they can be widely adopted. Unlike incremental technological improvements, breakthroughs in fields such as quantum computing, AI, biotechnology, and advanced energy solutions demand close collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.

As CEO of TII, my focus has been on bridging this gap by fostering global partnerships, building sovereign capabilities, and developing talent that can drive research toward implementation. Whether in secure communication, next-generation materials, or intelligent systems, our work is aimed at translating fundamental research into scalable solutions. This approach ensures that the UAE continues to play an active role in shaping the future of advanced technology and innovation.

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: How is the UAE leveraging quantum research to establish itself as a global leader in innovation?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: The UAE has identified quantum computing, quantum communication, and post-quantum cryptography as important focus areas, recognizing their potential to transform industries such as finance, healthcare, and national security. With a long-term vision, the country is investing in quantum research, infrastructure, and talent development, ensuring it can both contribute to and benefit from the global advancements in this field.

These investments are helping to build local expertise and capabilities, from funding research and establishing specialized facilities to creating opportunities for scientists and engineers to explore new frontiers in quantum science. By bringing together academia, industry, and government, the UAE is working to accelerate innovation and develop real-world applications for quantum technology.

At TII, our researchers at the Quantum Research Center (QRC) are playing their part in this journey, exploring ways to advance quantum computing, cryptography, and secure communication. Whether it is developing new quantum algorithms or collaborating with global experts, QRC is focused on contributing to the broader goal of making quantum technology accessible and impactful in the years ahead.

Cybersecurity And Post-Quantum Cryptography

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: With the rapid advancement of quantum computing, how do you see the cybersecurity landscape evolving over the next decade?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: Quantum computing represents one of the most significant shifts in cybersecurity history. The cryptographic protocols that protect banking transactions, government communications, and digital identities today will become vulnerable once quantum computers reach a certain level of computational power.

In response, global initiatives such as NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography standardization project are accelerating the development of quantum-resistant encryption. At TII, we have actively contributed to this effort by developing and testing cryptographic solutions that are resistant to quantum-based attacks. Our work includes hybrid cryptographic frameworks that integrate classical and post-quantum encryption, Quantum Key Distribution for ultra-secure communication, and new cryptographic algorithms designed to ensure long-term data protection against quantum adversaries.

Over the next decade, businesses and governments must prepare for a complete transition to quantum-safe security standards. The challenge is not only in developing these solutions but also ensuring that organizations migrate their infrastructure before quantum computers reach the threshold of breaking classical encryption​.

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: How is TII contributing to post-quantum cryptography and secure quantum communication?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: TII is actively advancing quantum-safe cybersecurity by developing post-quantum cryptographic solutions and quantum-resistant communication technologies. As mentioned, our work in post-quantum cryptographic algorithms has contributed to multiple NIST PQC proposals, supporting the development of practical implementations for industries preparing for quantum threats.

Additionally, we have implemented the first domestic Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution in the MENA region, providing a stronger security framework for sensitive communications. As quantum computing evolves, ensuring that digital infrastructure remains secure is a priority. By integrating AI-driven threat detection and hybrid encryption methods, we are working to help enterprises and government agencies transition to quantum-secure systems while maintaining operational resilience.

Interdisciplinary Innovation

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: How does quantum computing intersect with AI and cybersecurity to create breakthrough innovations?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: Quantum computing is poised to enhance AI models, revolutionize cybersecurity, and unlock solutions to complex problems that classical computing struggles with. At TII, we see the intersection of quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity as a key driver of future innovation. Quantum algorithms accelerate AI model training and optimization, particularly for complex datasets such as medical diagnostics or climate simulations. AI-powered quantum cryptanalysis is being used to develop encryption methods that can withstand quantum threats. Meanwhile, quantum-inspired AI models are helping optimize industrial processes, from logistics to drug discovery. By integrating these fields, we are creating more efficient, secure, and intelligent computing systems that can handle the scale and complexity of tomorrow’s digital landscape.

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: Can you highlight a recent quantum research initiative at TII that showcases collaboration across multiple disciplines?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: One of our most exciting initiatives is our quantum-inspired fluid dynamics simulation framework, developed in collaboration with our Propulsion and Space Research Center. This project applies quantum algorithms to simulate airflow and fluid behavior, reducing computational resource requirements and accelerating design cycles for aircraft and automotive design, nuclear energy systems, and climate modeling. This innovation was recognized in the Airbus-BMW Quantum Mobility Challenge, underscoring its potential to transform multiple industries.

Vision For The UAE And Global Impact

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: What strategic quantum research initiatives at TII are positioning the UAE as a key player in the quantum ecosystem?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: TII has launched several strategic initiatives that are advancing the UAE’s role in quantum technology. A major milestone has been the development of the first superconducting qubit in the MENA region, laying the groundwork for regional quantum computing capabilities. We have also introduced Qibo, a global open-source quantum programming platform that empowers researchers worldwide to explore and develop quantum applications. In January, we hosted the first Quantum Technology Symposium in Abu Dhabi, bringing together leading experts to exchange knowledge and drive collaboration at the start of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology – an event whose opening ceremony I was honored to attend in Paris earlier this month.

Malak Trabelsi Loeb: How critical are global partnerships in accelerating quantum technology development and adoption?

Dr. Najwa Aaraj: Quantum research – like every other technology – thrives on global collaboration. At TII, we actively partner with leading institutions such as Google AI Quantum, the University of Maryland, and Freie Universität Berlin to push quantum advancements forward. These collaborations accelerate innovation, expand research capabilities, and drive real-world quantum applications. As quantum computing progresses, fostering strong global partnerships will be essential to unlocking its full potential and ensuring that these technologies benefit society on a larger scale.

Conclusion

As our conversation comes to a close, it is evident that Dr. Najwa Aaraj’s leadership and expertise are playing a critical role in shaping the future of cybersecurity, quantum technology, and AI. Her work at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is not only advancing cutting-edge research but also ensuring that these innovations translate into practical, secure, and scalable solutions that benefit industries and societies.

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the contributions of women in STEM who are breaking barriers, driving technological advancements, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Dr. Aaraj stands as a testament to the power of expertise, resilience, and strategic vision in navigating complex challenges and redefining the digital landscape.

As highlighted in this discussion with Malak Trabelsi Loeb, the intersection of quantum computing, cybersecurity, and AI presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring collaborative efforts, strategic investments, and a commitment to global innovation. The UAE, through initiatives led by TII, is positioning itself as a leader in quantum security and next-generation technologies, ensuring that the digital future remains secure and forward-thinking.

This interview serves as a reminder of the essential role women play in shaping the future of technology. Their leadership, expertise, and contributions continue to drive progress, innovation, and security in a rapidly evolving world. As we honor these achievements, let this be a call to action to support, mentor, and empower more women in STEM, ensuring a future where diversity fuels technological breakthroughs and sustainable innovation.