Quantum Journey Exhibition: Saudi Arabia's Leadership in the Future of the Quantum Economy
The Journey of Quantum Exhibition kicks off in Riyadh
The “Quantum Journey” exhibition has launched in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to leadership in deep technologies. Dr. Basma Al-Bahran, Executive Director of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Kingdom (part of the World Economic Forum), inaugurated the exhibition, which serves as a leading interactive platform. This prominent event is organized in collaboration with prestigious scientific institutions, including the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the King Salman Science Oasis, the Institute for Collaborative Advanced Studies, and the ICB Lab. Held for the third consecutive year, the exhibition coincides with World Quantum Day and carries the theme “Shaping the Future of the Quantum Workforce.” It is hosted at the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh.
General context and history of quantum technology
The world celebrates International Quantum Day annually on April 14th, a date that symbolizes Planck's constant, the foundation of quantum mechanics. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes that the shift towards quantum computing is no longer merely a future option, but an imperative. Historically, quantum research began in the 20th century, but the last decade has witnessed tremendous leaps in translating theories into practical applications. The Kingdom's hosting of the "Quantum Journey" exhibition culminates its concerted efforts to integrate emerging technologies into its infrastructure and transition from reliance on natural resources to building a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
The importance of the event and its expected impact on the quantitative economy
The Quantum Journey exhibition holds immense strategic importance that extends beyond local boundaries to the regional and international levels. Locally, the exhibition aligns closely with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to accelerate the transition to an innovation-driven digital economy. Regionally, the event solidifies Riyadh's position as the technology capital of the Middle East, capable of attracting investments in the deep technology sector. Internationally, the exhibition's impact is amplified through strategic partnerships with leading global companies specializing in this field, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in shaping the future of global technology. Quantum technologies will fundamentally impact vital sectors such as cybersecurity, pharmaceutical development, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence.
Developing future talents and inspiring youth
The exhibition continues to welcome visitors until April 16, highlighting the Kingdom's growing role in the future of the quantum economy. In this regard, Dr. Basma Al-Bahran explained that choosing World Quantum Day as the exhibition's launch date reflects the center's commitment to fostering early awareness of quantum science and developing future talent. She emphasized that the ultimate goal is to build a solid knowledge base that inspires future generations of students and young people to engage in this promising field. This is achieved by introducing visitors to the most prominent global and local innovations and providing an interactive environment that encourages the acquisition of essential future skills for the job market.
Strategic partnerships and an integrated innovation ecosystem
The “Quantum Journey” exhibition enjoys broad sponsorship and support from a select group of leading local and international organizations. The list of sponsors includes global companies such as Quantinum, Pasqal, Rigetti, and IDQ, alongside prestigious national institutions like King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi First Bank, and the Athar Health Association. This remarkable synergy reflects the strength of the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem and underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors and academia to achieve significant advancements in cutting-edge technology.
Invitation to interact with technology experts
At the conclusion of the opening events, the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution extended an open invitation to students, their families, teachers, and all members of the community to visit the exhibition. This visit offers a golden opportunity to interact directly with leading experts and scientists and contribute to shaping the future of the digital economy. Those interested can find complete details and the schedule of events on the Center's official website and become part of this exceptional scientific journey that positions the Kingdom on the global innovation map.
