UAE's CyberQ 2025 to pioneer global collaboration on quantum and AI cybersecurity
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has confirmed its commitment to advancing global digital resilience with the announcement of the second edition of the CyberQ conference, scheduled for 26–27 November 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Following the inaugural event held in November 2024, this year’s conference continues to focus on the convergence of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity under the theme “Where Quantum, AI, and Cybersecurity Converge.” The event is expected to attract policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a significant hub in the international cybersecurity landscape.
CyberQ 2025 aims to tackle the disruptive impact that emerging technologies such as quantum computing and AI have on traditional cybersecurity paradigms. These technologies, while offering powerful computational capabilities, simultaneously challenge existing encryption methods and elevate the sophistication of cyber threats. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasised that quantum computing’s capacity to solve complex problems rapidly demands a fundamental rethinking of encryption standards and defensive strategies. This perspective aligns with the broader discussions planned at the conference, which will cover AI-driven cyber attacks, defensive automation, and urgent transitions toward post-quantum cryptographic technologies.
The conference agenda has been designed to encompass a wide spectrum of critical topics including advances in quantum cryptography, development of international security standards, and countermeasures against increasingly organised cybercrime networks. A strategic feature of CyberQ 2025 includes live demonstrations of quantum-safe encryption solutions and showcases of AI-powered threat detection systems, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge research into practical cybersecurity applications. These elements reflect the UAE’s proactive stance on shaping international cybersecurity policies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard the digital future.
Supporting the event, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) continues to play a pivotal role. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, highlighted the institute’s dedication to enhancing sovereign capabilities in cryptography, quantum technologies, and AI. She underscored the importance of innovative approaches to protect critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. TII's involvement also signals a strong linkage between research institutions and policy-making bodies within the UAE’s cybersecurity ecosystem, illustrating a concerted effort to build resilient national and regional defenses in the quantum era.
In addition to the conference itself, the CyberQ Hackathon 2025 offers an interactive platform for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts to engage with next-generation cryptography and AI vulnerabilities. Scheduled to begin online in October 2025, this competitive event culminates at the CyberQ conference, inviting participants to showcase skills in post-quantum cryptography and cryptanalysis. With a prize pool of AED 100,000, the hackathon exemplifies the event’s commitment to fostering innovation and practical expertise within the community.
The significance of the CyberQ conference aligns with broader regional developments in security technologies. Earlier this year, the 25th Intersec exhibition held in Dubai highlighted quantum computing’s transformative potential for enhancing secure communications through advanced encryption methods. Attracting thousands of visitors and industry leaders, Intersec underscored the growing recognition of quantum technologies as a pillar of cybersecurity innovation in the Middle East.
As digital transformation accelerates globally, events such as CyberQ and forums like the quarterly CyberMajlis meeting demonstrate the UAE’s strategic vision to lead in AI integration and cybersecurity governance. Discussions on generative AI, data-driven insights, and security governance further underscore the interconnected challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
Overall, the forthcoming CyberQ 2025 conference represents a key moment for international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and policy setting on the cusp of a quantum-enabled cybersecurity landscape. It highlights the UAE's dedication to future-proofing digital defences through a collaborative and forward-thinking approach.