![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3KZ2PEDTSZ4LEQFBLQ2LWINV3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=d91ffe62f035baabb143b47cac82a01e4aed09982101196563822e91f43355c3&width=400&height=225)
Quantum computers require an ultra-cold environment to operate of just above zero Kelvin, which is minus 273.15°C, the lowest physically possible temperature in the universe. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QKACYAFUBZKZIUF5LNCIZ4SEXM.jpg?smart=true&auth=b220573dbc796e58402ab1ade2c48296b82bd9bb687879621e58ff6c6bff3e3b&width=400&height=225)
Dr Najwa Aaraj oversees a growing team of international cryptography experts. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KFVRQH26GZGGXYT2IG6RF2TBVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=18ec96ada6b50028a9a214fdd7e43d0d0d32e70bc5b1ea2ae8ee422057a061d3&width=400&height=225)
“We have a very strong team here from Emirati talent and also global talent," said Dr Najwa Aaraj. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4MGU5QMADGS6LDJAHI3JH3L4VE.jpg?smart=true&auth=32a0953b19566b89cf5b18d0c7abe8e4c383d2dd29f10a563450b0388cf57953&width=400&height=225)
The Cryptography Research Centre is part of the Technology Innovation Institute in Masdar City. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LBRUVOD42XEOU2JWGI35L3KYHY.jpg?smart=true&auth=0c36d2542f4827ec2ec13b1a8c34030dc391573251fb35461442a9cffbeedb42&width=400&height=225)
IBM unveiled its quantum computer Q System One in 2019. The US passed the National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018, earmarking $1.2 billion for quantum research. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3KZ2PEDTSZ4LEQFBLQ2LWINV3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=d91ffe62f035baabb143b47cac82a01e4aed09982101196563822e91f43355c3&width=400&height=225)
Quantum computers require an ultra-cold environment to operate of just above zero Kelvin, which is minus 273.15°C, the lowest physically possible temperature in the universe. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QKACYAFUBZKZIUF5LNCIZ4SEXM.jpg?smart=true&auth=b220573dbc796e58402ab1ade2c48296b82bd9bb687879621e58ff6c6bff3e3b&width=400&height=225)
Dr Najwa Aaraj oversees a growing team of international cryptography experts. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KFVRQH26GZGGXYT2IG6RF2TBVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=18ec96ada6b50028a9a214fdd7e43d0d0d32e70bc5b1ea2ae8ee422057a061d3&width=400&height=225)
“We have a very strong team here from Emirati talent and also global talent," said Dr Najwa Aaraj. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4MGU5QMADGS6LDJAHI3JH3L4VE.jpg?smart=true&auth=32a0953b19566b89cf5b18d0c7abe8e4c383d2dd29f10a563450b0388cf57953&width=400&height=225)
The Cryptography Research Centre is part of the Technology Innovation Institute in Masdar City. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LBRUVOD42XEOU2JWGI35L3KYHY.jpg?smart=true&auth=0c36d2542f4827ec2ec13b1a8c34030dc391573251fb35461442a9cffbeedb42&width=400&height=225)
IBM unveiled its quantum computer Q System One in 2019. The US passed the National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018, earmarking $1.2 billion for quantum research. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3KZ2PEDTSZ4LEQFBLQ2LWINV3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=d91ffe62f035baabb143b47cac82a01e4aed09982101196563822e91f43355c3&width=400&height=225)
Quantum computers require an ultra-cold environment to operate of just above zero Kelvin, which is minus 273.15°C, the lowest physically possible temperature in the universe. EPA
Meet the Abu Dhabi cryptographer keeping your personal data safe
Dr Najwa Aaraj works on critical algorithms that can safeguard data in sectors such as finance, defence and healthcare
![Kelsey Warner](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2Fb09f6fe4-e78b-4b08-96b9-e04d16dacaf6.png?smart=true&auth=76d0b4dc914dff960afc62a1644b68a83c78745c441118319bcd0f36fd79424c&width=70&height=70)
Kelsey Warner
27 April, 2021
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