Abu Dhabi –ADGM, ADGM Academy (ADGMA), Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Hub71, and ASPIRE — have jointly launched the nation’s first Testbed for quantum-secure communications, marking a significant step toward future-proofing digital infrastructure. The initiative will explore ways to transfer ultra-secure data using quantum technology.  

As part of the tie up, TII -the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) - has deployed its proprietary Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution in ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, to establish the first-of-its-kind test network in a commercial setting. The network acts as a “living lab” for highly secure, tamper-proof communications, in an era of increasing cyber threats and rising data privacy expectations. It enables stakeholders to interact directly with an operational QKD deployment, test use cases in a commercial setting, and build awareness of the solution’s next-generation capabilities and potential applications. Facilitated by ASPIRE, the innovation acceleration arm of ATRC, the initiative bridges advanced research with real-world application and fosters collaboration across sectors.

For ADGM, the test network reflects a forward-looking approach to addressing cybersecurity risks and enhancing the resilience of digital infrastructure. By trialing quantum-safe communication technology, ADGM is helping to shape the technological infrastructure needed within the financial market, especially by digital asset businesses operating within the financial centre.

The network consists of a three-node QKD deployment, connecting three locations within ADGM’s jurisdiction, with quantum devices installed at each site. The QKD devices supply encryption keys to an encrypted network layer, enabling secure communication across ADGM. Data travelling on this network would enjoy the ultimate level of forward security available today and be completely immune to retroactive attacks. This level of protection is especially important in an era where large-scale quantum computers capable of defeating existing cryptographic mechanisms will soon become available.

Commenting on the launch, Salem Al Darei, Chief Executive Officer, ADGM Authority, said, “Abu Dhabi and ADGM are committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to digital security and innovation. Our collaboration with TII, along with other strategic partners, stands as a testament to this commitment. QKD is more than just a technical advancement; it is a foundation for building trust in tomorrow’s digital communications, including the infrastructure that underpins financial systems.  These initiatives position Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE to harness emerging technologies and develop unique business capabilities exclusive to our market."

“This initiative marks a major step forward in our mission to translate advanced research into real-world impact. By bringing quantum-secure communications into a live commercial environment, we are not only demonstrating the maturity of this technology but also empowering the UAE’s innovation ecosystem to prepare for a quantum future. We are proud to collaborate with progressive partners to help position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global quantum advancements,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer, Technology Innovation Institute (TII).

“This testbed offers industry a critical opportunity to experience the benefits of quantum-secure communications first-hand. We commend ADGM for taking the lead in adopting this transformative technology and TII for developing a world-class solution. ASPIRE is proud to have facilitated this collaboration and to help translate advanced research into practical impact,” said Stephane Timpano, Chief Executive Officer, ASPIRE.

Mansoor Jaffar, CEO of ADGM Academy and Research Centre, stated: “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 Test Lab is not merely a technological step forwards—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.”

Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer, Hub71 said, “Hub71 is committed to enabling frontier technologies that elevate Abu Dhabi’s position as a global platform for innovation. Supporting the development of quantum-secure communications aligns with Hub71’s mission to accelerate startup growth by promoting and providing access to advanced enabling technologies. This collaboration reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem and a shared ambition to transform digital infrastructure.”

Industry stakeholders interested in participating are encouraged to register through the following link: https://tii.ae/quantum/qkd-tii-adgm

About ADGM

ADGM is the international financial centre (IFC) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial centre and a business hub, serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the rest of the world.

Operating within an international regulatory framework based on the direct application of English Common Law, ADGM governs the entirety of Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, collectively designated as the financial free zone of Abu Dhabi.

ADGM is ranked as one of the most preferred and top-ranking IFCs in the Middle East and Africa region. Its progressive and inclusive business ecosystem fosters growth, resilience, and optimism for global financial and non-financial institutions. Growing synergies between ADGM and multiple jurisdictions have positioned the centre as one of the world’s most advanced, diverse, and progressively governed financial hubs.

For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket

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E: media@adgm.com

About Technology Innovation Institute (TII)

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 9 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation.   

For more information, visit www.tii.ae 

About ASPIRE

ASPIRE drives the creation of future transformative technologies as the innovation accelerator arm of Abu Dhabi’s ATRC. ATRC is responsible for defining Abu Dhabi’s research and development strategy, consolidating funds for efficient investment, and driving policy and regulation. ASPIRE works in consultation with cross-sector industry stakeholders, universities, and research institutes to frame problem statements. It also launches grand challenges and international competitions to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. ASPIRE brings together exceptional people, ideas, resources, and technologies to solve complex challenges. For more information, visit www.aspireuae.ae/

About ADGM Academy

ADGM Academy (ADGMA) is the knowledge arm of the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi - ADGM.

ADGM was established in order to promote the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global financial centre, to develop the economy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and make it an attractive environment for financial investments and an effective contributor to the international financial services industry.

ADGMA was established with the vision of becoming one of the region’s top educational and Human Resources academies for banking, finance, and public services. In line with the UAE leadership’s vision to continue to build a strong and resilient economic sector, we aim to provide our constituents and the community at large with world-class educational and experiential programmes.

ADGMA has been at the forefront of financial and digital training programs, partnering with top industry experts, professional organisations and leading academic institutions to design and deliver programs and produce applied-based research relevant to the financial industry, focusing on future-driven trends.

About Hub71

Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring homegrown tech companies in any sector by providing access to markets, a capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent governed by forward-thinking regulation.

Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors. Through Hub71’s entrepreneurial infrastructure, value-add programs, enabling services and support packages, founders can build, and scale widely adopted technologies with purpose and impact. Hub71 is on a mission to introduce new minds and technologies to Abu Dhabi, finding new ways to build globally enduring technology companies and sustain the nation’s continuous economic development.

For more information visit www.hub71.com and follow us on @Hub71AD #Hub71.