Qatar has established its first end-to-end Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) communication link, which was achieved through a collaboration between Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Ooredoo Qatar, and the Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar. According to the announcement, this is the region’s first link of the kind, and positions Qatar at the forefront of quantum-secure communications.
Deployed within Ooredoo Qatar’s operational network, the project builds on advanced research led by HBKU, in collaboration with ID Quantique (IDQ), to develop a QKD testbed compatible with existing telecommunications infrastructure. The testbed, says the press release, leverages single-photon-based key distribution to establish secure links between sites, creating a scalable foundation for future quantum-secure networks.
Within the collaboration, Ooredoo enabled deployment within a live telecom environment, demonstrating practical integration and readiness of its quantum-safe networking capabilities, while HBKU led the scientific development and system integration, advancing local expertise in quantum technologies. The Ministry of Defense, meanwhile, supported the initiative as a strategic stakeholder, reinforcing the importance of secure communications for national priorities.
Commenting, Thani Ali Al-Malki, Chief Strategy and Digital Transformation Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, said, “This milestone reflects the power of collaboration in advancing secure, future-ready connectivity for Qatar. By enabling the deployment of quantum-safe technologies within operational networks, we are supporting the evolution of cybersecurity capabilities that will underpin the next generation of digital infrastructure.”
Mohammed Al-Zaidan, Senior Director Active & Core Network at Ooredoo Qatar, added, “We are proud to announce the successful demonstration of this joint pioneering Quantum Key Distribution proof of concept in collaboration with HBKU’s Qatar Center for Quantum Computing and MOD. Built on Ooredoo’s commercial-grade, state-of-the-art dark fiber infrastructure, the project validated secure key generation and distribution over multiple fiber-link distances, marking an important step toward metropolitan networks protected by information-theoretic security.”
Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Director of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), said, “Our commitment to collaboration across government, academia, and industry made QC2 a natural partner for this initiative. Together with Ooredoo and the MOD, we have accelerated Qatar’s already-sophisticated quantum capabilities, co-creating technology with both national and global applications.”
Maj. Gen. Zayed Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Commander of Qatar Emiri Signal Corps, stated that this achievement is the result of joint cooperation and an ambitious vision to build an advanced and secure digital infrastructure. He noted that it contributes to supporting cybersecurity and enhancing Qatar’s digital resilience through secure communication technologies that keep pace with modern developments and anticipate future challenges.
The successful deployment, said the announcement, establishes a foundation for scaling quantum-safe connectivity across additional sites and critical sectors, including government and financial services.
