King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and Pasqal signed a research collaboration agreement on August 31, 2026, to develop quantum-safe cryptographic solutions in Riyadh. The partnership pairs Pasqal neutral-atom quantum technology with the National Center for Quantum Technologies to prepare government and financial sectors for post-quantum cybersecurity threats.
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (represented by the National Center for Quantum Technologies) sealed a strategic research pact with neutral-atom quantum computing developer Pasqal on August 31, 2026. Announced during a ceremony at the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh, the initiative focuses on building quantum-safe cryptographic solutions to shield critical infrastructure, government networks, and financial institutions from future decryption risks.
The collaboration comes as quantum hardware advances globally, putting mounting pressure on legacy encryption. Through the multi-year research program, Pasqal will integrate its quantum processing hardware and cloud infrastructure directly with national research facilities in Saudi Arabia.
National Center for Quantum Technologies Leads Cryptographic Testing
The joint R&D effort centers on developing, testing, and packaging cryptographic protocols that can withstand attacks from future quantum machines.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the strategic importance of domestic capability building. Dr. Talal Al-Sedairy, Senior Vice President for R&D at the institution, framed the partnership as a vital step for turning fundamental research into practical applications.
“This agreement reflects KACST’s commitment to building strategic research partnerships with global technology leaders, supporting the development of national capabilities, and translating scientific research in quantum technologies into impactful future applications.”
Dr. Talal Al-Sedairy, Senior Vice President for R&D at KACST
The operational work will draw on international expertise while elevating local research capacity. Prof. Manahel Thabet, Director of the National Center for Quantum Technologies, noted that the infrastructure enables complex multi-domain quantum research.
“This partnership represents an important step toward building an advanced national quantum ecosystem. It enables our researchers to conduct joint research across diverse quantum domains, leveraging world-class infrastructure and international expertise to elevate the Kingdom’s research capacity and global standing in this strategic field.”
Prof. Manahel Thabet, Director of the National Center for Quantum Technologies
Expanding Industrial Momentum Across Saudi Arabia
The cryptography research agreement builds on a series of major quantum deployments across the region. In May, Pasqal and Aramco inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer at an Aramco data center in Dhahran, which also launched the Middle East’s first commercial Quantum Computing-as-a-Service platform.
Beyond hardware deployment, the company has forged commercial structures tailored for regional scaling. Pasqal and Eleven Ventures recently outlined plans to establish a joint venture aimed at commercializing and deploying quantum systems throughout Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
This expanding footprint also follows a high-level ministerial visit to Pasqal’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in France, led by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha.
“Saudi Arabia is demonstrating a remarkable ambition to build the technologies and capabilities that will shape the next generation of computing. For Pasqal, our work in the Kingdom goes well beyond deploying quantum hardware. We want to build long-term partnerships, develop practical applications and contribute to an ecosystem capable of turning quantum computing into real industrial and economic value.”
Dr. Wasiq Bokhari, CEO of Pasqal
LEAP 2026 Keynote and Vision 2030 Alignment
By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic framework, the partners aim to position the Kingdom as an international hub for advanced technology.
