UAE to Establish Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tawazun Council, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and Lockheed Martin have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in digital security and innovation. The initiative, launched under the Tawazun Economic Programme, aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, develop local expertise, and increase in-country value to support the nation’s evolving digital landscape.

The LoI was signed at IDEX 2025 by Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the Government of the UAE; Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General at Tawazun Council; and Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in the presence of Retired U.S. Army General John W. Nicholson Jr., Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Middle East. The centre will focus on advanced research, specialised training, and industry collaboration, offering centralised Security Operations Centre (SOC) services and establishing dedicated Cyber Valleys across the Emirates to strengthen national security and resilience against cyber threats.

Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi stated that the initiative reflects Tawazun Council’s commitment to reinforcing the UAE’s cybersecurity infrastructure and cultivating advanced local talent to protect vital sectors, particularly defence, which increasingly relies on digital innovations. He emphasized that the centre is a key step in developing a secure, sustainable cyber environment that fosters knowledge transfer, innovative solutions, and stronger cybersecurity resilience. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti highlighted that this initiative is a significant milestone in enhancing national cybersecurity, advancing local capabilities, and driving economic diversification and sustainable growth. He added that by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and global best practices, the UAE aims to support startups, innovators, and international collaboration to address growing cyber threats and position itself as a global cybersecurity leader.

Retired U.S. Army General John Nicholson Jr. reaffirmed Lockheed Martin’s commitment, stating that the company is honored to collaborate with the UAE Cyber Security Council and Tawazun Council on this transformative initiative. He noted that the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence will drive innovation, enhance cybersecurity capabilities, and empower Emirati talent to tackle complex digital security challenges. The centre will bring together UAE national companies, academic institutions, and Lockheed Martin’s global network of cybersecurity experts, fostering knowledge-sharing, entrepreneurship, and research to establish the UAE as a hub for cybersecurity innovation.

With its focus on cutting-edge technology and skills development programmes, the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in supporting the UAE’s vision for a secure, knowledge-driven economy. By empowering a skilled local workforce, contributing to the nation’s defence infrastructure, and setting new standards in cybersecurity excellence, this initiative reinforces the UAE’s position as a global powerhouse in digital security and cyber resilience.