Abu Dhabi research centre to build UAEs first quantum computer

UAE - A research centre in Abu Dhabi will make the UAE’s first quantum computer, in what will be an important milestone for the region in this breakthrough era in computing.

Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the dedicated ‘applied research’ pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), on Tuesday announced that its Quantum Research Centre (QRC) team led by its chief researcher, professor Jose Ignacio Latorre, will construct the quantum computer in collaboration with Barcelona-based Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech researchers.

The machine will help in various fields: discovering new medicines, making new materials, designing better batteries and various artificial intelligence applications.

“We are at the cusp of a new era with the advent of quantum computing,” Faisal Al Bannai, secretary general, ATRC, said.

A quantum computer uses quantum mechanics phenomena such as ‘superposition’ and ‘entanglement’ to generate and manipulate subatomic particles like electrons or photons – quantum bits also known as ‘qubits’ – to create exponentially stronger processing powers that can help perform complex calculations that would take much longer to solve even by the world’s most powerful classical supercomputers.

Latorre explained that preparatory work has already begun, and the first simple quantum chips ‘Made in Abu Dhabi’ should come by the end of the summer.

“The first step in the process is to build a laboratory, equip it and complete installation of the cleanroom equipment, all of which is on track. Once done, the first qubits will be prepared, characterised and benchmarked.”

Latorre said QRC will construct quantum computers using superconducting qubits – the same technology that Google and IBM use in building their own quantum computers.