Bahrain has signed a landmark agreement with SandboxAQ, an artificial intelligence and quantum technology company spun out of Alphabet, to deploy post-quantum cybersecurity solutions across around 60 government ministries. The initiative positions Bahrain among the first countries globally to adopt quantum-safe cryptography at a national level.
The partnership, formed with Bahrain’s National Cyber Security Center, focuses on protecting sensitive government data and infrastructure from future quantum-enabled cyber threats. SandboxAQ will deploy its AI-driven platforms, including AQNav, to identify cryptographic vulnerabilities, manage encryption assets, and transition systems toward quantum-resistant algorithms aligned with international standards such as those set by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Quantum computing poses a significant risk to existing encryption methods, as future quantum machines could potentially break widely used standards like RSA and ECC. Security experts warn of “store now, decrypt later” strategies, where attackers collect encrypted data today for future exploitation. Bahrain’s initiative directly addresses this risk by proactively upgrading cryptographic defenses.
SandboxAQ, founded in 2022 after spinning out of Alphabet’s X lab, applies AI-based simulations to model quantum threats without relying on physical quantum hardware. The company has rapidly expanded its presence in high-security environments, including defense and government sectors, and has raised more than $500 million from global investors.
The Bahrain rollout will be implemented in phases, beginning with critical systems such as financial platforms and communications networks before expanding across wider government infrastructure. The agreement also includes training and capacity-building programs to strengthen local cybersecurity expertise and ensure long-term resilience.
The deal aligns with Bahrain’s broader digital transformation strategy under Economic Vision 2030 and reinforces its focus on secure, future-ready infrastructure. It also reflects deeper cooperation with U.S. technology ecosystems as Gulf states accelerate investments in advanced digital security.
