European photonic quantum computing company Quandela and Qatar Stock Exchange-listed Mekdam Holding Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore and deploy quantum computing solutions across Gulf markets, marking Mekdam’s entry into the sector and strengthening Quandela’s presence in Qatar and the wider Middle East.
The agreement was signed at the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty during Vision Golfe, the Franco-Gulf economic forum organized by Business France under the high patronage of the French President.
The partnership aims to position both companies among the first organizations to introduce quantum computing technology to the Gulf region and is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 as well as broader Gulf strategies focused on digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence.
Mekdam Holding Group, Qatar’s first publicly listed technology company, operates across artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), data infrastructure and smart systems.
The company reported revenues of QAR681.1 million in 2025, up more than 20% year-on-year, and an order backlog of QR3.1bn.
Quandela brings expertise in photonic quantum computing, fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) and quantum machine learning (QML). Together, the two companies plan to identify and develop high-value use cases for sectors including energy, government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Beyond immediate applications, the partnership seeks to build a regional quantum ecosystem through cloud access to Quandela’s photonic quantum computers, local skills development, training and certification programmes, and the establishment of a Quandela–Mekdam Quantum Center of Excellence serving Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The initiative also aligns with wider regional programmes including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE National Quantum Strategy.
“Based in Doha and a leading technology player in the Middle East, Mekdam enables us to accelerate our development in a dynamic, innovative, and strategically important region for the future of quantum computing. It is a strong asset in supporting Quandela’s global ambitions,” said Xavier Pereira, Chief Growth Officer at Quandela.
“This partnership marks Mekdam’s entry into quantum computing and reflects our ambition to become a leading player in the field across the region. Together with Quandela, we aim to deliver high-value use cases for the Gulf’s strategic sectors and build a strong local skills ecosystem, fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Bara’ Sami, General Group Manager of Mekdam Holding Group.
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