Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has announced the winners of the country's first-ever national Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. The awards ceremony took place at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, where 23 awards were distributed across five key categories, including individual recognitions, public and private sector achievements, academic excellence, and cybersecurity startup awards.
According to Emirates News Agency, this landmark initiative highlights best practices and innovative models that can be harnessed in the increasingly significant field of cybersecurity. The awards emphasize the importance of cybersecurity as a fundamental component for sustainable development and innovation across various sectors. The Cybersecurity Council views this program as essential for honoring pioneering efforts, promoting a culture of excellence and innovation, and fostering competitive digital leadership.
The initiative aligns with the UAE's national vision, focusing on proactive cyber risk mitigation, showcasing breakthrough innovations, and enhancing a culture of awareness and resilience. It mirrors the directives of the nation's leadership to elevate the UAE's global standing in the digital field and underscores successful cybersecurity models.
This effort reaffirms the UAE Cybersecurity Council's commitment to promoting innovation and excellence amid emerging cyber threats. It aims to position the UAE as a global hub for cybersecurity expertise, develop national competencies, and empower young Emirati talents to lead the country's digital economy. These efforts are designed to ensure sustainable prosperity through the advancement of pioneering and creative ideas.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, highlighted the initiative's significance, stating that the awards encourage talent to develop innovative digital solutions in response to evolving threats. By recognizing excellence at both individual and institutional levels, the awards aspire to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Among the individual winners, notable figures included Zaki Nusseibeh, Rashid Saeed Salem Al Ameri, and Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi. In the public sector, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Economy were recognized for excellence in cybersecurity compliance. The awards also celebrated achievements in the private sector, with organizations like Crowdstrike and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation receiving accolades.
In the academic category, Khalifa University and the Higher Colleges of Technology were honored for curriculum innovation, while Yas Schools and Zayed Educational Complex were named Academic Rising Stars of 2025. The startup category saw Spidersilk awarded Cybersecurity Startup of the Year, among other recognitions.
The digital government category recognized entities such as the Government Enablement Department and the Dubai Electronic Security Center for their contributions to cybersecurity integration and digital trust, respectively, reflecting a comprehensive acknowledgment of achievements across sectors and categories.
