The UAE launches a cybersecurity center of excellence for operational technology

The UAE Government Cybersecurity Council announced a strategic partnership and cooperation with the international company, Dragos, to establish a center of excellence for cybersecurity for operational technology in the Emirates, as part of the activities of the “Make in the UAE 2026” platform, in a step that enhances national cyber resilience and the country’s digital sovereignty.

The center aims to support the UAE’s efforts towards localizing advanced cyber capabilities, accelerating local innovation, and building national and international cadres specialized in cybersecurity, thus enhancing the country’s position as a regional and global center of excellence in this vital sector.

The head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, confirmed that the establishment of centers of excellence specialized in cybersecurity for operational technology comes at a time when there is an unprecedented escalation in cyberattacks targeting vital infrastructure.

He explained that these centers constitute advanced platforms for anticipating cyber threats, by providing mechanisms for continuous monitoring and early detection of abnormal behavioral patterns, which contributes to reducing risks before they escalate.

In the context of the platform, the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, in cooperation with Cisco and Open Innovation AI, launched the national laboratory for testing and verifying artificial intelligence systems, in a step aimed at promoting the safe and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in the country.

The laboratory is the first national facility of its kind dedicated to testing, verifying and approving artificial intelligence models, applications and agents in accordance with UAE cybersecurity policies and global standards, allowing government agencies and private sector institutions to use artificial intelligence solutions with confidence and reassurance.

The laboratory hosts its operations within the UAE under the supervision of the Cybersecurity Council.

Systems that pass these tests will receive a national certification mark, enhancing the confidence of regulators, operators and society in the safety and verification of AI systems.

In addition, the Cyber ​​Security Council and IBM announced plans to establish a joint innovation center in Abu Dhabi, with the aim of supporting and accelerating the UAE government’s directions in the areas of reliable artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital innovation.

The Joint Innovation Center will serve as a unique strategic platform for joint cooperation between government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions and international partners, combining technology, expertise and interaction with public policies.