Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a bold move to cement its position as a global technology powerhouse, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a strategic alliance with Google to establish a cutting-edge Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. The ambitious initiative aims to significantly bolster the nation’s resilience against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, underpin its rapid digital transformation, and further elevate the UAE as a nucleus for global innovation.
This landmark collaboration underscores the unwavering commitment of the UAE’s leadership to not only embrace the digital future but to safeguard it with robust cybersecurity infrastructure, aligning with the national vision to become a world leader in this critical domain.
“This strategic collaboration with Google Cloud is a cornerstone of the UAE’s vision to become a global cybersecurity leader,” declared Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, the UAE Government’s head of cybersecurity. “Our collaboration will not only help address the immediate cyber threats that our nation faces but, crucially, will cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity experts and foster the development of cutting-edge solutions needed to secure our digital future.”
The newly established Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is projected to yield substantial economic dividends for the UAE. By fostering a secure digital ecosystem, the nation stands to avert billions of dollars in potential cybercrime losses, cultivate a thriving domestic cybersecurity sector, and attract significant foreign direct investment.
According to research by Access Partnership, these enhanced cybersecurity capabilities are anticipated to prevent at least a staggering $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to support over 20,300 specialized cybersecurity jobs and attract up to $1.4 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment within the same timeframe. Crucially, a fortified cybersecurity environment will pave the way for broader digitalization across the economy, unlocking significant productivity gains.
“Our shared goal represents a powerful combination of digital infrastructure, a hub for innovation, and a training ground for the next generation of cyber defenders,” affirmed Cristina Pitarch, managing director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security. “This will equip organizations and individuals with the skills and AI-driven solutions needed to thrive in the face of evolving threats.”
The Abu Dhabi-based center is envisioned as a world-class hub dedicated to forging a safer internet for all. Its ambitious scope includes forging partnerships with leading global academic institutions, research bodies, and policymakers to facilitate knowledge sharing, amplify impact, and promote seamless intelligence sharing across diverse sectors. A core objective is to equip both individuals and organizations with the cutting-edge skills required to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated threats and cultivate a highly skilled cadre of intelligence analysts and security experts within the UAE.
Recognizing that a skilled cybersecurity workforce is the frontline defence against complex cyberattacks, a comprehensive training program will be delivered from the center by Mandiant, a pivotal part of Google Cloud. This program will leverage the unparalleled expertise of Mandiant’s global security professionals, who collectively possess over two decades of industry-leading investigative experience in tackling the world’s most intricate cyber threats.
This initiative will offer a unique opportunity within the UAE to learn directly from seasoned experts actively engaged in the battle against sophisticated cyber adversaries. The program will feature virtual, hands-on, immersive courses designed to equip individuals and teams with the critical expertise to safeguard vital systems, harness the power of AI-driven security tools, and respond decisively and effectively to cyber incidents.
With role-based learning pathways and methodologies firmly rooted in real-world breach scenarios, the training program is poised to shape the next generation of cyber defenders across the UAE.
In a further boost to the UAE’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, Google Cloud also announced a dedicated accelerator program slated for 2025. This program will select 25 high-potential startups from Hub71’s dynamic ecosystem for an intensive three-month program focused on developing scalable growth strategies and optimizing their core business models.
Furthermore, all startups within the Hub71 community will be eligible for substantial Google Cloud credits, with top-performing ventures gaining access to up to $300,000 in credits – the highest tier of support available globally. This initiative directly addresses the aspirations of burgeoning entrepreneurs, enabling them to leverage Google Cloud’s powerful suite of services to fuel their growth.
The launch of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence underscores the unwavering dedication of the UAE government to fostering a secure and advanced digital ecosystem that remains at the forefront of global developments, providing a trusted environment for businesses, enterprises, and institutions across all sectors.
This initiative also reflects the nation’s broader strategic focus on investing in cutting-edge emerging technologies and empowering national talent, solidifying its regional and global leadership in the critical fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Notably, this significant launch follows the recent official visit of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Advisor, to the United States. During this visit, His Highness engaged with numerous global industry leaders and CEOs to explore avenues for building and expanding strategic partnerships with the UAE in the realm of artificial intelligence. These high-level discussions centered on AI’s transformative potential to accelerate sustainable growth, enhance global innovation, and advance critical digital infrastructure.
