The UAE’s National Cybersecurity Council (NCSC) has entered into a partnership deal with the Chinese multinational technology corporation, Huawei to cooperate in the strengthening of local strategies and efforts linked to cybersecurity.
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC) 2022, both parties will work towards bolstering strategic collaboration in cybersecurity based on the Public-Private-Partnership model. This will help promote cybersecurity innovation, drive development in cybersecurity capabilities, and nurture a strong cybersecurity ecosystem.
Further, the agreement aims to create an open, transparent, and trustworthy environment between the UAE Government, Huawei, and other technology vendors.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti Head – Cybersecurity UAE Government
“We are excited to be signing this agreement with Huawei in line with our mission of developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and creating a safe and strong cyberinfrastructure in the UAE. This step will also help drive our efforts to establish the UAE as a leading global hub for cybersecurity for the benefit of the nation.”
The partnership comes as spending on security including hardware, software, and services is also on the rise across the region, predicted to grow 7 percent to $3.76 billion in 2022, according to IDC.
Under the MoU, NCSC and Huawei have also agreed to work together in building visibility and promoting thought leadership in the area of cybersecurity, cooperating in the field of cybersecurity research and development through an independent think tank that both parties will set up and jointly establish a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to deliver talent training that addresses the cybersecurity capacity-building needs for Emiratization.
Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer at Huawei UAE, said, “As cyber threats are continuously changing, our agreement with the National Cybersecurity Council will help us work towards providing a cybersecurity ecosystem that is safe and secure. This partnership will also help recognize Huawei’s long-term commitment to sustainable development in the UAE as a top digital hub for the region and globally.”
