The competition among major powers in the technological sphere has shifted from developing faster computers or more advanced phones to who can develop and control technology, setting the rules for the world's future. China has emerged as a notable example, with ongoing investments in quantum computing, a promising technology that could change data processing methods and open new avenues in drug discovery, materials design, and industrial process optimization.
China's new five-year plan, spanning from 2026 to 2030, continues this trend, placing quantum technology among the future areas the country aims to develop as a new source of economic growth. This indicates that scientific research is no longer an end in itself but is directly linked to building industries, developing products, and expanding competitive capacity. A key strength of China's experience lies in connecting universities, research centers, companies, and government funding.
In May 2026, Chinese researchers announced the development of the fourth generation of the optical quantum computer "Jiuzhang," which processed quantum states involving up to 3050 photons, achieving significant progress in a specialized computational experiment. However, this result does not mean the device has become a general alternative to traditional computers; it proves progress in a specific task, while scientific and engineering challenges remain before reaching widely used and reliable quantum computers.
The importance of quantum computing lies in its potential to process certain types of problems that traditional computers handle inefficiently, with applications in simulating molecules, developing new materials, and optimizing industrial and financial processes, as well as in communications and sensing. The security aspect relates to encryption and data protection, as advancements in quantum computers could threaten some current encryption methods if they reach sufficient capability and reliability.
For Arab countries, the lesson is not to try to emulate China's approach or engage in a costly race to build a quantum computer from scratch. Instead, priorities should include building human capacities, investing in physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science, and linking these disciplines to actual industrial problems. Creating partnerships between universities, research centers, and companies is also crucial.
Another priority is Arab cooperation, as instead of scattering resources among small and repeated projects, Arab countries can build joint research programs, exchange experiences, develop specialized laboratories, and direct funding to specific areas with clear needs or promising opportunities. Protecting existing digital infrastructure is also essential, starting with evaluating encryption systems used in the banking, communications, energy, and government sectors.
In Egypt, the country has elements to launch from existing strengths, including the Zewail City of Science and Technology, the National Center for Supercomputing which hosts the "Horus" computer, one of Africa's most powerful, and the Egyptian-Japanese University, representing a nucleus to build upon. The digital infrastructure of the new administrative capital allows for testing advanced communications applications, while research can be directed towards areas serving the national economy directly.
Key points
- China's investments in quantum computing have exceeded $15 billion since 2018.
- The Arab world must prioritize building human capacities and creating partnerships between universities, research centers, and companies.
- Protecting existing digital infrastructure and evaluating encryption systems is crucial for the Arab world.
