UAE Partners With Google Cloud To Establish Cybersecurity Centre Of Excellence In Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The UAE Government's vision focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure and national capabilities. A significant step in this direction is the UAE Cabinet's support for Google Cloud's first Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the country's commitment to digital transformation and security.

This collaboration with Google Cloud aligns with the UAE's leadership vision to establish the nation as a global cybersecurity hub. The initiative aims to create a secure digital ecosystem that supports businesses across sectors. It also reflects the UAE's broader strategy to invest in emerging technologies and empower national talents, ensuring leadership in cybersecurity and AI.

The new centre in Abu Dhabi will enhance cybersecurity capabilities across the UAE. It will serve as a world-class hub for building a safer internet through collaboration, training, and expert talent development. The centre will partner with global academia, research institutes, and policymakers to share knowledge and promote intelligence sharing across sectors.

Training programs at the centre will equip individuals and organisations with skills to combat evolving threats. Mandiant, part of Google Cloud, will deliver these programs using their global security expertise. This initiative offers unique opportunities within the UAE to learn directly from experts handling sophisticated cyberattacks worldwide.

The initiative is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the UAE by creating a secure digital ecosystem. Enhanced cybersecurity capabilities are projected to prevent $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, support over 20,300 specialised jobs, and attract up to $1.4 billion in foreign direct investment.

Google Cloud announced an accelerator program for 2025, selecting 25 startups from Hub71's ecosystem for growth-focused training. All Hub71 startups can access substantial Google Cloud credits, with top performers receiving up to $300,000 globally. This program supports entrepreneurship aspirations by enabling startups to benefit from Google Cloud services.

Commitment to Innovation

Google Cloud plans significant investments in advanced cloud capabilities within the UAE. This initiative relies on Google Cloud’s secure infrastructure for advanced cybersecurity innovation. It underscores Google Cloud's long-term commitment to supporting the UAE's cybersecurity vision and confidence in its platform’s security capabilities.

The Cybersecurity Council of the UAE collaborates with Google Cloud on this strategic initiative aimed at positioning the country as a leader in cybersecurity innovation and education. The establishment of this centre marks a tangible outcome of the UAE’s future-oriented vision for resilience against cyber threats.

Cultivating Cyber Talent

A skilled workforce is crucial for defending against complex threats. A CSC-endorsed training program at the Centre of Excellence will be delivered by Mandiant’s experts. This program provides virtual courses that equip participants with expertise in protecting systems, using AI-driven tools, and responding effectively to incidents.

The training includes experiential learning through instructor-led courses combined with cyber simulation exercises conducted by Mandiant’s experts. Participants engage in live incident response exercises within a controlled environment replicating real-world scenarios.

"This strategic collaboration with Google Cloud is a cornerstone of the UAE's vision to become a global cybersecurity leader," said Dr Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government.

"The UAE has a clear vision to become a global leader in cybersecurity," said Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director EMEA at Google Cloud Security.

With inputs from WAM