The Quantum Journey Exhibition: Saudi Leadership in the Future of the Quantum Economy
Dr. Basma Al-Bahran, Executive Director of the World Economic Forum’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Kingdom, inaugurated the Quantum Journey exhibition in Riyadh. This prominent technology event is a strategic collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), King Salman Science Oasis, the Institute for Collaborative Advanced Studies, and IBM. Held for the third consecutive year, the exhibition coincides with World Quantum Day 2026 and carries the theme “Shaping the Future of the Quantum Workforce,” at the King Salman Science Oasis.
The roots of technological development and the celebration of World Quantum Day
World Quantum Day, celebrated globally on April 14th each year, is an international initiative aimed at promoting public understanding of quantum science and technology. This initiative was launched by scientists and researchers worldwide to highlight how quantum mechanics impacts our daily lives, from semiconductors to MRI machines. In this context, the event represents a continuation of this global scientific movement, connecting the historical legacy of quantum physics with the modern practical applications that will shape the next industrial revolution.
The strategic impact of the Journey of Quantum exhibition, both locally and internationally
This event holds significant importance that extends beyond local boundaries to the regional and international levels. Locally, the Quantum Journey exhibition, which runs until April 16, aims to highlight the growing role of Saudi Arabia in leading the future of the quantum economy, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a sustainable, knowledge-based, and technologically advanced economy driven by innovation. Regionally and internationally, the exhibition reinforces the Kingdom's position as a hub for advanced technology investments and opens up broad opportunities for collaboration with leading global companies to develop quantum solutions capable of addressing complex challenges in the fields of health, energy, and cybersecurity.
Developing future talents and building an innovative generation
Dr. Basma Al-Bahran explained that choosing World Quantum Day as the launch date for the events reflects the center's deep commitment to fostering early awareness of quantum science and developing future talent. She emphasized that the exhibition primarily aims to build a solid knowledge base that will inspire future generations of young people and students to engage in this promising field. By introducing visitors to the most prominent innovations, the center stimulates young minds to acquire the essential future skills that will make them leaders in the advanced technology sector.
Strategic partnerships to support the innovation ecosystem
The exhibition enjoys broad sponsorship and support from a select group of leading local and international entities, reflecting a collaborative effort to amplify the initiative's impact. The list of sponsors includes prominent global and local companies such as Quantinum, Pasqal, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Rigetti, Saudi First Bank, IDQ, and the Athar Health Association. This diverse partnership underscores the complementary roles of the public and private sectors in supporting the Kingdom's innovation ecosystem.
An invitation to interact and explore the horizons of technology
At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, the center extended an open invitation to students, their families, teachers, and all members of the community to visit the exhibition and interact directly with experts and specialists. These visits aim to provide the public with an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the digital economy and to learn firsthand about the applications that will transform the world. Those interested can find complete details about the event and the schedule of activities on the center's official website.
