Qatar and UAE advance regional cybersecurity initiatives

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are advancing regional cybersecurity initiatives through new frameworks and specialized centers.

In Qatar, the fifth annual Cyber Governance and Assurance Conference highlighted efforts to strengthen digital resilience. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) launched the National Information Security Risk Management Framework and the Enterprise Information Security Risk Management Framework to help organizations identify and manage national-level risks. The NCSA also issued certifications under its National Information Assurance programme and plans to provide upcoming training for organizations. Discussions at the event addressed the integration of artificial intelligence and operational technology.

In the UAE, the Cyber Security Council and SCC Middle East are establishing a Centre of Excellence for Cyber Resilience and Trusted Technology. The initiative will proceed in three phases: building national capability through executive learning and laboratories focused on AI, cloud, and critical infrastructure; launching a startup incubator for local cybersecurity innovations; and creating pathways for UAE-developed technologies to access international markets.