ADGM Academy Partners with Leading Institutions to Launch UAE’s First Quantum-Secure Communications Testbed
Abu Dhabi, 21 August 2025
ADGM Academy (ADGMA), in collaboration with ADGM, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Hub71, and ASPIRE, has announced the launch of the UAE’s first Quantum-Secure Communications Testbed, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen the resilience of digital infrastructure and explore the future of ultra-secure data transfer using quantum technology.
At the heart of the initiative, TII, the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), deployed its proprietary Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution within ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre. This marks the first deployment of its kind in a live commercial setting, transforming the financial centre into a “living lab” for highly secure, tamper-proof communications. Facilitated by ASPIRE, the innovation accelerator of ATRC, the initiative bridges advanced research with real-world applications while encouraging collaboration across sectors.
For ADGM, the testbed represents a proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity risks and building trust in the technological foundations that underpin global financial systems, particularly for digital asset businesses. The network consists of a three-node QKD deployment that connects multiple ADGM locations, enabling secure data transmission that is completely immune to retroactive attacks — a critical safeguard as the world prepares for the advent of large-scale quantum computing.
“This milestone marks a pivotal chapter in ADGM Academy’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering cross-sector expertise, and addressing real-world challenges through comprehensive research and thought leadership. The launch of the UAE’s first Quantum-Secure Communications Testbed is not merely a technological step forward—it is a strategic enabler that underscores our dedication to developing secure, future-ready financial systems. By bringing together industry experts, academic minds, and innovation leaders, we are creating a platform to explore the frontier of quantum security and translate that exploration into practical, scalable solutions.”
– Mansoor Jaffar, CEO of ADGM Academy and Research Centre
Leaders echoed the significance of the launch:
- Salem Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, emphasised ADGM’s commitment to digital security and innovation, noting that QKD is “a foundation for building trust in tomorrow’s digital communications.”
- Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, highlighted how this initiative demonstrates the maturity of quantum technology and prepares the UAE for a quantum-secure future.
- Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, described the testbed as a critical opportunity for industry to experience quantum-secure communications first-hand.
- Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, reiterated Hub71’s role in supporting frontier technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global innovation hub.
The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to future-proof its digital economy, positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation cybersecurity and innovation.