Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Quantum Experts at WQD 2025

Saudi Arabia will mark a century of quantum science by convening global experts, researchers, and industry leaders in Riyadh on April 14, 2025, for “Discovering Quantum Possibilities,” a flagship World Quantum Day event hosted by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Saudi Aramco. The gathering at The Garage, the Kingdom’s dedicated innovation and entrepreneurship hub, will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in quantum technologies and their growing influence across key industries and society. It also positions Saudi Arabia at the center of an international conversation about how quantum science can serve humanity’s most pressing challenges.

The event comes as the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), commemorating 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics. Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its broader ambition to be a knowledge-driven economy under Vision 2030, and to build the research, talent, and policy foundations that emerging technologies demand. How can a single day of dialogue shape an entire century of innovation? Organizers say the answer lies in connecting the right people, ideas, and institutions at the right moment.

Context and Background

Why does April 14 carry such symbolic weight for the global quantum community? The date represents the first three digits of Planck’s constant (4.14), a fundamental value in physics that governs quantum mechanics and defines the smallest amount of energy a photon or any quantum particle can carry. That scientific symbolism has made April 14 the annual anchor for World Quantum Day, a global celebration designed to raise public awareness and inspire the next generation of scientists.

The 2025 edition carries additional significance because the United Nations has declared it the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, recognizing a century of advances that began with the foundational work of physicists in the 1920s. From semiconductors to medical imaging, quantum science has already reshaped modern life. The next wave, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum-safe communications, promises to transform fields as diverse as energy, healthcare, finance, and national security.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement with this field is deliberate and strategic. C4IR Saudi Arabia, hosted by KACST, is part of the World Economic Forum’s global network of centers dedicated to shaping technology governance. Last year, the Kingdom marked its first World Quantum Day with an event that drew more than 300 in-person attendees, nine panels, nine exhibits, and over 5,000 livestream views. That success laid the groundwork for a more ambitious 2025 program, one that reflects the Kingdom’s expanding research ecosystem and its openness to international partnership.

Key Details and Distinguished Speakers

What makes this year’s lineup uniquely positioned to advance the quantum conversation? The event will feature a distinguished group of Saudi and international leaders. Dr. Talal Al-Sedairy, Senior Vice President of KACST for the Research and Development Sector, and Dr. Mariam Nouh, Vice President of KACST for the Economies of the Future Sector, will share Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future of quantum technologies. Their participation underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to aligning advanced research with economic diversification.

International voices will add global perspective. Dr. Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships at the World Economic Forum, will join the program, alongside Eng. Muhammad AlSaiyari, Quantum Valley Lead at Saudi Aramco and Chairman of the Saudi Quantum Computing Association. Professor Ibrahim Niaz, Chief Executive Officer of the National Technology Development Program, will also speak, as will Ilyas Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Computing at Cambridge and Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Product Officer for Quantinuum, and Rebecca Krauthammer, Founder and Chief Product Officer of QuSecure.

The event will also announce the winners of the “UpLink Quantum for Society” challenge, an initiative between C4IR Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform. The challenge spotlights quantum-based solutions from entrepreneurs and startups that address global challenges, from climate modeling to drug discovery. Registration for the event is available at www.c4irsaudiarabiaevents.com. By connecting established institutions with emerging innovators, the program aims to turn scientific potential into practical, scalable impact.

International and Regional Impact

How does a national event in Riyadh resonate across the global quantum landscape? The presence of figures from the World Economic Forum, Cambridge Quantum, Quantinuum, and QuSecure signals that Saudi Arabia is not merely observing the quantum revolution but helping to shape its direction. The Kingdom’s convening power, combined with its investment capacity and growing research infrastructure, makes it an increasingly important node in international science and technology networks.

Regionally, the event reinforces the Gulf’s emergence as a hub for deep-tech innovation. By hosting a World Quantum Day celebration that draws global experts, Saudi Arabia strengthens its role as a bridge between East and West in advanced research. The participation of Saudi Aramco, through its Quantum Valley initiative, highlights how the energy sector is already exploring quantum computing for applications such as materials science, logistics optimization, and carbon management. These efforts align with the Kingdom’s broader goals of economic resilience and environmental responsibility.

For international audiences, the event offers a clear signal: Saudi Arabia is investing in the foundations of future technologies, not just the technologies of today. The partnerships being forged in Riyadh could accelerate progress on global challenges, from secure communications to personalized medicine. As quantum science moves from laboratory to market, the Kingdom’s ability to bring together policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs will be a valuable asset for the global community.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why should economists and business leaders pay attention to quantum science? Quantum technologies hold the potential to solve problems that classical computers cannot, from simulating molecular interactions for new drugs to optimizing complex supply chains. For a diversified economy like Saudi Arabia’s, these capabilities could unlock new industries, create high-skilled jobs, and enhance competitiveness in sectors targeted by Vision 2030, including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital services.

The event’s focus on policy and regulatory development is equally important. As quantum computing matures, governments will need frameworks to manage risks related to data security, intellectual property, and ethical use. C4IR Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on shaping forward-thinking policies ensures that the Kingdom can adopt these technologies responsibly while protecting its interests. By bringing together regulators, academics, and industry, the event helps build the governance architecture that will allow quantum innovation to flourish safely.

The “UpLink Quantum for Society” challenge adds an entrepreneurial dimension, connecting startups with the resources and visibility they need to scale. Winners will gain recognition from a global platform, potentially attracting investment and partnerships. This approach reflects a broader trend in Saudi Arabia: using targeted initiatives to nurture innovation ecosystems, rather than relying solely on top-down mandates. The result is a more dynamic, inclusive path to economic growth.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does quantum science fit into Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision? Vision 2030 aims to transform the Kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and a hub for innovation, with a thriving private sector and a skilled workforce. Advanced technologies like quantum computing are central to that ambition, enabling breakthroughs in fields from healthcare to energy. By hosting World Quantum Day 2025, C4IR Saudi Arabia and its partners are demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to being a proactive participant in the fourth industrial revolution.

The event also supports human capital development. By exposing Saudi students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to global leaders, it inspires the next generation to pursue careers in science and technology. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of building a knowledge-based economy and increasing the participation of women and youth in the workforce. As the Kingdom continues to invest in education and research, events like this serve as catalysts for long-term progress.

Ultimately, the celebration of 100 years of quantum science is also a celebration of human curiosity and collaboration. Saudi Arabia’s role as host reflects its belief that global challenges require global solutions, and that the Kingdom can be a constructive partner in shaping a prosperous, sustainable future. As the world marks the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Riyadh will stand as a meeting point for ideas that could define the next century.

20 Questions

Q1. What is World Quantum Day and why is it celebrated on April 14?

A1. World Quantum Day is an annual global event that raises awareness of quantum science. April 14 represents the first three digits of Planck’s constant, 4.14, a fundamental value in quantum mechanics that defines the smallest energy unit carried by a photon.

Q2. What is the significance of 2025 for quantum science?

A2. The United Nations designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics. It recognizes a century of advances that have transformed technology, medicine, and communications worldwide.

Q3. Who is hosting the “Discovering Quantum Possibilities” event in Riyadh?

A3. The event is hosted by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Saudi Aramco. It takes place at The Garage in Riyadh.

Q4. When and where will the event take place?

A4. The event will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at The Garage in Riyadh. Registration is available online at www.c4irsaudiarabiaevents.com. The venue is a dedicated innovation hub in the Saudi capital.

Q5. Who are some of the key speakers at the event?

A5. Speakers include Dr. Talal Al-Sedairy and Dr. Mariam Nouh of KACST, Dr. Sebastian Buckup of the World Economic Forum, Eng. Muhammad AlSaiyari of Saudi Aramco, Professor Ibrahim Niaz, Ilyas Khan of Quantinuum, and Rebecca Krauthammer of QuSecure.

Q6. What is the role of C4IR Saudi Arabia in the Kingdom’s technology landscape?

A6. C4IR Saudi Arabia is part of the World Economic Forum’s global network of centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It fosters innovation, shapes technology governance, and promotes policies that help Saudi Arabia benefit from emerging technologies.

Q7. What did Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan say about the event?

A7. Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan, Managing Director of C4IR Saudi Arabia, highlighted the center’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking policies. She said World Quantum Day allows global experts to engage, promote regulatory developments, and raise awareness of quantum science’s transformative potential.

Q8. What is the “UpLink Quantum for Society” challenge?

A8. It is an initiative between C4IR Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform. The challenge spotlights quantum-based solutions from entrepreneurs and startups that address global challenges. Winners will be announced at the event.

Q9. How does quantum science benefit industries like energy and healthcare?

A9. Quantum computing can simulate molecular interactions for drug discovery, optimize complex supply chains, and improve materials science. In energy, it can enhance carbon management and logistics. These capabilities support innovation and efficiency across key sectors.

Q10. Why is Saudi Arabia investing in quantum technologies?

A10. Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy under Vision 2030 and become a knowledge-driven nation. Investing in quantum technologies builds research capacity, creates high-skilled jobs, and positions the Kingdom as a leader in the fourth industrial revolution.

Q11. What was the outcome of last year’s World Quantum Day event in Saudi Arabia?

A11. Saudi Arabia’s first World Quantum Day event drew more than 300 in-person attendees, featured nine panels and nine exhibits, and received over 5,000 livestream views. It laid the foundation for the expanded 2025 program.

Q12. How does the event support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals?

A12. The event aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting innovation, human capital development, and economic diversification. It connects Saudi researchers and entrepreneurs with global leaders, helping build a knowledge-based economy and a skilled workforce.

Q13. What is KACST’s role in Saudi Arabia’s quantum research?

A13. King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is a leading national research institution. It hosts C4IR Saudi Arabia and supports quantum research through its Research and Development Sector and Economies of the Future Sector.

Q14. Why is international collaboration important in quantum science?

A14. Quantum science requires shared expertise, resources, and standards. International collaboration accelerates breakthroughs, ensures interoperability, and helps address global challenges. Saudi Arabia’s event brings together experts from academia, industry, and policy to foster such cooperation.

Q15. What is The Garage and why is it significant?

A15. The Garage is a prominent innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Riyadh. It supports startups and technology ventures. Hosting the event there symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem where science and business intersect.

Q16. How can interested individuals register for the event?

A16. Registration is available via the official event website at www.c4irsaudiarabiaevents.com. The site provides details on the program, speakers, and participation options. Early registration is encouraged due to expected high demand.

Q17. What are quantum-safe communications and why do they matter?

A17. Quantum-safe communications use encryption methods resistant to attacks from quantum computers. As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption becomes vulnerable. Developing quantum-safe solutions is essential for protecting data, national security, and financial systems.

Q18. How does Saudi Aramco contribute to quantum research?

A18. Saudi Aramco, through its Quantum Valley initiative, explores quantum computing applications in energy, materials science, and logistics. Eng. Muhammad AlSaiyari leads these efforts and chairs the Saudi Quantum Computing Association, driving collaboration across the sector.

Q19. What impact could quantum computing have on the global economy?

A19. Quantum computing could revolutionize industries by solving problems beyond classical computers’ reach, from drug discovery to financial modeling. It may create new markets, improve efficiency, and drive economic growth, while also posing challenges for cybersecurity.

Q20. What is the long-term vision for quantum science in Saudi Arabia?

A20. Saudi Arabia aims to be a global hub for quantum research and innovation. Through events like World Quantum Day, it seeks to build talent, foster partnerships, and develop policies that ensure the Kingdom benefits from quantum technologies for decades to come.