Jordan Hosts First Quantum Computing Forum as Central Bank Advances Post-Quantum Encryption Roadmap

The Jordan Today Center for Development (JTCD), in cooperation with Asfar Consulting and Training, held the first dedicated national Jordan Quantum Computing Technology Forum on August 5, 2026, in Amman. The event brought together more than 50 experts from banking, technology, and economic sectors to examine the foundations of quantum computing, its applications across industries, future prospects, and associated challenges. JTCD Director General Mohammad Al-Faqir positioned the forum as preparation for the next wave of technological advancement linked to quantum information processing. Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan Khaldoun Washah highlighted both the strategic potential of the technology in financial modeling and the need to address risks to existing encryption systems, citing the bank’s recently issued sectoral roadmap for transition to quantum-resistant encryption.

Forum Focus and Encryption Transition

Discussions at the forum covered the physical foundations and scientific principles of quantum computing, its rapid development trajectory, and current and prospective applications in economic, political, legal, scientific, and medical domains. Nader Qahoush, Director General of Asfar Consulting and Training, noted the technology’s wide-ranging impact and the importance of examining both opportunities and challenges from multiple perspectives.

Washah underscored the technology’s potential future applications in areas such as investment portfolio management, macroeconomic forecasting, financial stress-testing models, and innovation in financial services. At the same time, he warned that cryptographically relevant quantum computers could challenge current encryption methods protecting financial transactions and sensitive data. The Central Bank of Jordan sectoral roadmap, issued in January 2026, provides a phased framework for the financial and banking sectors. Key elements include integrating quantum-related risks into institutional risk registers, enhancing governance, inventorying cryptographic assets, prioritizing transitions according to risk assessments, conducting pilot tests of quantum-resistant solutions in non-operational environments, and executing a full transition within a defined timeline while maintaining business continuity.

These steps align with broader international efforts to prepare financial infrastructure for post-quantum cryptography standards. The roadmap emphasizes coordination among regulators, financial institutions, and technology providers to support long-term stability and trust in Jordan’s financial system.

Academic Capacity and Regional Context

In parallel with policy measures, Jordan is expanding educational capacity. In June 2026 the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research approved a Master’s Program in Quantum Computing at the University of Jordan School of Science (Department of Physics), offered in partnership with the King Abdullah II School of Information Technology. The program is among the first dedicated master’s programs in quantum computing in Jordan and the Arab region and is scheduled to begin admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year. The curriculum aims to prepare specialists capable of applying quantum computing across academia, healthcare, industry, and research.

Earlier awareness activities have included events on quantum computing theory and applications organized with the Petra School of Physics, the Higher Council for Science and Technology, the University of Jordan, and Yarmouk University. Orange Jordan has conducted university sessions covering quantum computing alongside artificial intelligence, with emphasis on potential uses in drug discovery, logistics, and data analysis. A research group at the University of Jordan focuses on next-generation cryptography, post-quantum security, and related privacy challenges. Students from Princess Sumaya University for Technology previously placed first in a quantum machine learning track of an international quantum computing hackathon.