Strategic collaboration aims to build a world-leading AI-driven cybersecurity ecosystem, enhance cyber talent development, and strengthen national resilience across the UAE.
The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem across the United Arab Emirates. The collaboration is designed to strengthen national cyber resilience through AI-driven security capabilities, talent development, research initiatives, and enhanced protection of critical digital infrastructure.
The agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a secure digital economy while ensuring cybersecurity remains a foundational pillar of innovation, economic growth, and national development.
Commenting on the partnership, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said, “This collaboration reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities and build a resilient digital ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth. Through such initiatives, we seek to enhance our national readiness, foster innovation, and support the development of a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce in line with the UAE’s future vision.”
A key component of the partnership is the planned establishment of a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in the UAE. The facility will serve as a hub for cybersecurity capacity building, technology demonstrations, cyber simulations, and collaborative innovation initiatives.
“This collaboration reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities and build a resilient digital ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth.” — H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government
The collaboration also focuses on developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through specialized educational and training programs targeted at students, young professionals, executives, and government stakeholders. These initiatives will be integrated into existing academic and professional development frameworks to strengthen the UAE’s cyber talent pipeline.
In addition, the two organizations will explore opportunities to enhance national cyber defense capabilities through AI-powered security operations, automation, and advanced threat visibility for the UAE’s national CERT. The partnership will also provide expert advisory services to support resilience-by-design strategies, cloud security frameworks, critical infrastructure protection, and incident response preparedness.
The agreement further includes opportunities for joint research and innovation in emerging areas such as AI governance, post-quantum cryptography, and smart city security, while promoting the UAE’s position as a global cybersecurity leader through strategic forums and industry initiatives.
Helmut Reisinger, CEO EMEA, Palo Alto Networks, said, “We look forward to working closely with the UAE Cyber Security Council to identify areas of mutual interest and support the UAE’s vision for a secure and resilient digital future. This collaboration presents an opportunity to explore how advanced cybersecurity capabilities can contribute to innovation, resilience, and economic growth.”
The partnership underscores the growing importance of public-private collaboration in addressing evolving cyber threats and supporting the UAE’s ambitions to become one of the world’s most secure and digitally advanced nations.
