UAE Cybersecurity Council To Host Second CyberQ Conference Focusing On AI And Quantum Computing

The UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) has revealed that the "CyberQ" conference will return this November. This significant cybersecurity event in the Middle East will occur on 26th–27th November at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. The theme for this year is "Where Quantum, AI, and Cybersecurity Converge." It aims to address the disruptive effects of quantum computing and AI on cybersecurity.

Experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries will gather to discuss these pressing issues. Sessions will delve into AI-driven attacks, defensive automation, and the urgent need to transition to post-quantum technologies. The conference will also focus on advances in quantum cryptography and international standards.

Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasised the importance of addressing quantum security challenges. He noted that quantum computers are increasingly capable of solving complex mathematical problems, necessitating a rethink of traditional encryption methods. This year's conference highlights encryption, quantum computing, and their relationship with AI and cybersecurity.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti stated that organising CyberQ for the second consecutive year aligns with the directives of the nation’s leadership. It reaffirms the UAE’s vision for global leadership in digital and cybersecurity fields. He stressed that advancing cybersecurity alongside quantum technologies is crucial to maintaining strong digital foundations against new threats.

The event will also highlight emerging risks such as organised cybercrime while reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in shaping global cybersecurity solutions. Dr. Al Kuwaiti affirmed that hosting CyberQ again marks a decisive step in knowledge exchange and strengthening international cooperation.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), expressed pride in supporting CyberQ as a partner. She said, "As a proud supporting partner of CyberQ, TII is committed to advancing sovereign capabilities at the intersection of cryptography, quantum, AI, and cybersecurity."

Future Readiness

Dr. Aaraj highlighted TII's work in post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and AI-driven cyber reasoning solutions. These efforts aim to bolster the UAE’s leadership in this vital field by providing innovative approaches to protect critical infrastructures.

She added that CyberQ offers a unique platform for collaboration with international experts to accelerate readiness for the quantum era: "This convergence is reshaping the global security landscape, and it requires innovative approaches to protect critical infrastructures."

The conference represents a crucial opportunity for collective readiness as quantum capabilities continue to evolve rapidly. By fostering international dialogue and cooperation, it seeks to prepare stakeholders for future challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity.

With inputs from WAM