Abu dhabi: The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and Palo Alto Networks have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the development of AI-driven, data-centric cybersecurity capabilities aimed at strengthening the UAE's digital resilience. The collaboration seeks to enhance the UAE's cyber resilience by embedding cybersecurity across every layer of the digital infrastructure.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU will facilitate the development of immediate and long-term capabilities in close cooperation with relevant authorities in the country, guided by a forward-looking and strategic approach. The initiative reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to bolster national cybersecurity capabilities and build a resilient digital ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized the collaboration's role in enhancing national readiness, fostering innovation, and developing a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce aligned with the UAE's future vision.
Under the agreement, the two sides will establish a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in the UAE focused on capacity building, environmental simulation, and joint technology demonstrations. The partnership will also support the development of national cyber talent through educational programs for students, professionals, and executives, integrated into academic curricula and specialized training frameworks.
Other areas of cooperation include strengthening national response capabilities by leveraging AI and automation to provide the national CERT with enhanced visibility and a unified operational view. The partnership will also deliver expert consultancy and best-practice advisory to advance national Resilience-By-Design and reference architectures, encompassing cloud security, critical infrastructure protection, and incident response.
Additionally, the two sides will explore opportunities for joint applied research, innovation incubation, and academic research in AI governance, post-quantum cryptography, and smart city security. They will also engage in strategic events, forums, and initiatives to champion the UAE's position as a leader in cybersecurity. Helmut Reisinger, CEO EMEA of Palo Alto Networks, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to explore how advanced cybersecurity capabilities can contribute to innovation, resilience, and economic growth.
