23 April 2025, Wed |
11:28 AM
UAE partners with Google Cloud to launch a Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi, boosting AI, digital resilience, and startup growth across the region.
In line with the UAE Government’s vision to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and digital leadership, national institutions are taking firm steps to enhance digital infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity. These efforts reflect the country’s commitment to following the directives of its leadership and maintaining global competitiveness in emerging technologies.
As part of this strategy, the UAE Cabinet has approved support for Google Cloud to launch its first Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi. This partnership underlines the UAE’s ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation and develop national capabilities in cybersecurity and AI.
The initiative supports the government’s aim to create a secure and trusted digital environment. It is designed to benefit organizations across sectors by improving cybersecurity readiness and driving innovation. It also highlights the UAE’s intent to invest in cutting-edge technology and empower local talent.
This development follows the recent visit of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, to the United States. During the visit, Sheikh Tahnoon met with top global executives to discuss strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence. These discussions explored how AI can drive sustainable growth and enhance global innovation.
As a result, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, in collaboration with Google Cloud, announced the new Cybersecurity Excellence Center. The facility will focus on building cybersecurity capabilities and positioning the UAE as a regional and global center for innovation and education in this field.
The center will promote collaboration with global institutions, offer training programs, and build expert talent. A key part of the initiative is a CSC-backed training program delivered by Mandiant, part of Google Cloud. It will provide immersive, hands-on courses to help professionals respond to advanced cyber threats.
Courses will include real-world simulation exercises and flexible learning paths. Government employees across the UAE will also have access to more than 900 online labs and courses via Google Cloud Skills Boost.
In addition, Google Cloud announced a new accelerator program in 2025 for 25 high-potential startups from the Hub71 ecosystem. These startups will receive mentorship and support in scaling their businesses. The top-performing ones will qualify for up to $300,000 in Google Cloud credits, the highest available tier globally.
All Hub71 startups will be eligible for cloud credits to access advanced tools and infrastructure. This move aims to support the UAE’s growing startup ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship in technology.
Google Cloud will also invest in advanced cloud infrastructure in the UAE, supported by the Cybersecurity Council. This investment will provide the foundation needed to drive innovation and ensure secure digital operations. It also shows confidence in Google Cloud’s platform and its alignment with the UAE’s cybersecurity goals.
Research by Access Partnership projects that this initiative could prevent $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030. It may also create over 20,300 jobs in cybersecurity and attract up to $1.4 billion in foreign direct investment. A secure digital ecosystem is expected to boost productivity and support the country’s broader digitalisation goals.
Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, stated that this collaboration is key to building a secure digital future. Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security, added that the partnership will help organizations and individuals stay ahead of evolving threats through AI-powered solutions and advanced training.
This new center marks a major step toward the UAE’s vision of global leadership in cybersecurity and technological innovation.
