Cybersecurity is set to advance in the UAE as Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and Lockheed Martin signed an agreement to establish a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. The move aims to strengthen the country’s national capabilities in the digital domain.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Make it in the Emirates 2026. Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, Director-General of Industry Development at Tawazun, and Daniel Mouton, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Middle East, formalised the partnership. The signing took place in the presence of Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Council, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, and officials from Data7.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin and Data7 will establish the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. This initiative falls under the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Programme, which is overseen by the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement. Moreover, the Centre is designed to serve as a national platform to enhance cybersecurity readiness, foster innovation, and support a more integrated digital security ecosystem.

In addition, the agreement outlines a technology transfer framework with Data7. This framework is intended to advance sovereign digital capabilities and localise advanced cybersecurity technologies within the UAE. At the same time, it will be closely aligned with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to strengthen national readiness and support the development of skilled Emirati talent.

Furthermore, Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi highlighted that the initiative reflects Tawazun’s mandate to translate national priorities into actionable programmes. He noted that the Tawazun Economic Programme will continue enabling partnerships that build sovereign capabilities, support national talent, and deliver measurable outcomes for the defence and security ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti stated that the step aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and address growing digital risks. He added that the initiative reflects the UAE’s balanced progress in reinforcing international cooperation and its role in advancing global cybersecurity efforts.

Shareef Al Hashmi described the agreement as a milestone in building a sovereign and future-ready cybersecurity ecosystem. He emphasised that collaboration with Lockheed Martin, along with coordination with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Data7, will drive technology transfer, capability development, and localisation of expertise.

Similarly, Daniel Mouton noted that Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partnership with the UAE is evolving through this agreement. He explained that the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence will help create an ecosystem where sovereign technology, advanced cyber operations, and Emirati talent work together to build national capability and support innovation.

Overall, the agreement represents a strategic step towards a secure, knowledge-based economy. It reinforces global partnerships, strengthens national competencies, and enhances the defence and security ecosystem. Ultimately, the initiative supports the UAE’s ambition to lead in cybersecurity while addressing the challenges of an increasingly complex digital landscape.

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