Qatar’s investment in quantum computing could redefine Gulf’s tech landscape

Doha, Qatar: Qatar is rapidly positioning itself as a rising hub in the global quantum computing race, leveraging billion dollar partnerships, governm...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar is rapidly positioning itself as a rising hub in the global quantum computing race, leveraging billion-dollar partnerships, government-backed initiatives, and university-driven research programs to accelerate adoption of one of the most disruptive technologies of the century.

The McKinsey ‘Year of Quantum 2025’ report estimates the sector generated up to $750m (QR2.7bn) in revenue last year, with projections surpassing $1bn (QR3.64bn) in 2025. Qatar’s sovereign wealth arm, the Qatar Investment Authority, has also invested in quantum startups such as Alice & Bob, underscoring the country’s broader strategy to tap into the nascent yet swiftly growing market.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Ahmed Barshid, a Doha-based technology strategist, said, “Qatar is signaling that it does not want to be a latecomer to the quantum era. By tying its economic diversification strategy to quantum computing, the country is putting itself in the same conversation as the United States, China, and the European Union when it  comes to next-generation computing.”

This year alone, the UK and US-domiciled quantum company, Quantinuum, signed a number of deals with Qatari enterprises, including a $1bn, 10-year joint venture with Al Rabban Capital. 

The partnership aligns with the findings of the MIT Quantum Index Report 2025, which noted that global momentum for quantum technologies is moving “from concept to reality.” The data highlighted that countries investing early in infrastructure, research, and talent are most likely to secure a competitive advantage in the decades ahead.