Dubai, UAE – As quantum computing accelerates from research to implementation, the need for secure infrastructure has moved from theoretical discussion to deployment. During the session titled “Introduction to Quantum Threats and the Urgency of a Quantum Secure Economy,” which took place during the The Quantum Innovation Summit 2025, in Dubai, e& and Nokia jointly unveiled a strategic deployment of quantum-safe network technology. This session revealed for the first time that the companies had jointly deployed a quantum-resilient network infrastructure for a customer within the UAE.
e& (formerly Etisalat Group) is the UAE’s national technology and digital infrastructure group. With a mandate that spans cloud, AI, connectivity, and cybersecurity, e& plays a central role in supporting the country’s digital transformation and national security objectives. Its collaboration with Nokia signals a decisive move toward the practical adoption of advanced cryptographic protection across national infrastructure.
The session opened with a technical perspective from Carlo Corti, Head of Optical Networks for the Middle East and Africa at Nokia, who outlined the company’s strategic direction in addressing quantum-related risks to digital infrastructure. Corti emphasized that the digital economy depends on trust, which is fundamentally built on cryptographic protections such as encryption, authentication, and data integrity. He explained that these foundations are increasingly vulnerable as the quantum era unfolds, a term referenced from the World Economic Forum.
Corti warned that quantum computing could soon undermine asymmetric cryptographic schemes like RSA, and that the threat is already present through data harvesting for future decryption. “Malicious people can collect the data now and decrypt later,” he said, underscoring the long-term sensitivity of current data. To address this, Corti introduced Nokia’s Quantum-Safe Networks (QSN) approach as a layered framework for enhancing network protection. It incorporates encryption and key management measures across various layers of the network, offering adaptable solutions to meet current security needs and evolving operational priorities.
Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, Vice-President of Fixed Access Networks at e&, provided the user perspective. He emphasized that the quantum era is no longer hypothetical but is becoming a near-term operational reality. He shared, using his words, that e& has “been working closely with our partner Nokia” and that they “provided and deployed the solution for one of our customers, giving them quantum-safe connectivity.” This deployment reflects the application of quantum-resilient infrastructure in a real operational environment.
“The quantum era is piling up now,” Al Humaidan noted. “Achieving quantum safety is not about finding a single solution. It is an ongoing process that requires a multifaceted approach.”
He explained that the deployment targets critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, defense, and telecommunications. According to his remarks, e& is prioritizing quantum-safe connectivity for Data Center Interconnection (DCI), enterprise campus networks, and hybrid cloud environments, reflecting areas where immediate impact and security reinforcement are essential.
The deployment integrates symmetric encryption and a physically secure operations center hosting a Security Management System (SMS) to enforce encryption policies. “This combination of advanced technology and security measures forms the backbone of our security and Nokia’s safe network performance,” he said.
This announcement comes at a moment of heightened urgency for digital infrastructure providers confronting the implications of quantum computing. It marks a shift from strategic awareness to operational execution. This shift has been reinforced through initiatives like the Quantum Innovation Summit 2025, led by Vernewell Group, which serves as a platform for showcasing tangible advancements, fostering partnerships, and positioning the UAE as a leading platform for quantum innovation and applied collaboration. In this setting, the announcement by e& and Nokia stands out as a timely demonstration of how collaborative engagement can move readiness into implementation. It highlights the importance of aligning strategic intent with operational delivery to strengthen resilience in the face of advancing quantum technologies.
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