Latest news with #MohamedAl-Kuwaiti
Mid East Info
24-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Resilient Digital Infrastructure Essential to Tackle AI-Driven Risks, Say Leading Cybersecurity Experts at GISEC Global
Top CISOs tackle AI threats, zero-trust adoption, and global cyber resilience at GISEC's elite CISO Circle Dubai, United Arab Emirates,May 2025: As AI-powered cyber threats escalate, the CISO Circle at GISEC Global 2025 emerged as the defining forum for cybersecurity leadership, convening over 200 global and regional Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to architect the next era of cyber resilience at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Launched in 2021, the CISO Circle – powered by Huawei – this year solidified its role as the nexus for actionable strategies, uniting public and private sectors to combat evolving risks. H.E. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, highlighted that with technology advancing, cybersecurity measures must always be at the top of the list for organisations. He said: 'Technology is here to stay. We're not going to deny or resist the wave of advancements we're seeing – whether it's quantum computing, the widespread adoption of cloud services, or the growing impact of AI. Cybersecurity, in particular, is now an essential part of every technological solution. That's why integrating cybersecurity into every layer of innovation is not optional – it's necessary.' Faisal Abdulaziz, Director of the Cybersecurity Threat Center of Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), said if the industry wants to stay ahead of cyber criminals, a collective effort is fundamental and a series of strategic frameworks and regulations need to be put in place to enhance cybersecurity. He said: 'We must embrace collaboration. Cybersecurity is not a solo effort – it's a collective journey that must include the private sector, the public sector and international partners as we all share responsibility. 'We must go beyond just embracing innovation. We need strong governance – robust frameworks, transparent policies, and, above all, human judgment. Technology alone isn't enough. More importantly, AI is no longer a distant concept. It's the reality of today. But together, we have the opportunity to shape it – for a safer, smarter, and more secure tomorrow.' At a time where cybercrime damages are projected to reach USD $10.5 trillion globally by 2025, Eng. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, UAE Chief Security officer at Huawei, believes there are five core pillars that need to be part of a cybersecurity strategy: Zero Trust Architecture; AI for Security; Cyber Resilience; Security Awareness, and Culture and Supply Chain Transparency. He said: 'Cyber threats are evolving and so must we. By adopting Zero Trust, leveraging AI, and focusing on resilience and collaboration, we can strengthen our cybersecurity practices and create safer digital environments for everyone.' The audience also heard from Joe Sullivan, former Security Chief at Uber & META. He spoke on the importance of crisis leadership and said that companies should 'hire people who don't panic, practise crisis calm and communication approaches and build cross-functional trust before any crisis.' Held under the theme of 'Securing an AI-Powered Future, the 14th edition of GISEC Global saw Dubai World Trade Centre become the centre of the cybersecurity universe for three days from 6-8 May, welcoming 750 of the world's foremost names in cybersecurity, 450 global CISOs and futurists from over 160 countries, and 25,000 visitors across the three days – strengthening Dubai's position as a global cybersecurity leader. It was hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and supported by DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police. GISEC Global will take place next year at a new venue, Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, from 5-7 May 2026, and the CISO Circle is expanding to GITEX Global – the world's largest tech and start-up event – and sister shows GITEX Africa and GITEX Europe. About Dubai World Trade Centre About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector-leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai. Building on this legacy, DWTC's second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC's recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events.
Channel Post MEA
18-05-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
UAE Cybersecurity Council And e& Partner With AWS To Launch Sovereign Cloud Launchpad
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and UAE-based global technology group e& have launched the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, a cloud offering in UAE that is set to accelerate the adoption of cloud and AI services for the UAE public sector and regulated industries. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad, which is powered by AWS, offered by e&, and endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, paves the way for a new era of public cloud adoption in the UAE that is estimated to add US$181 billion cumulative value to the nation's digital economy by 2033. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad will run on the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region located within the borders of the UAE. e& will manage and implement customers' security and sovereignty controls aligned with UAE Cloud Security policies. In addition, e& will leverage AWS Outposts, a service that allows customers to extend and run AWS services on premises, to meet customers' specific data residency requirements. UAE government agencies, along with customers in healthcare, financial services, education, space, oil & gas, and non-profit sectors, can now access the latest AWS cloud technologies, while addressing the data sovereignty requirements of the UAE Cyber Security Council. UAE public sector and regulated customers can use the UAE Sovereign Launchpad through e& for all workloads except those classified as Secret and Top Secret, combining AWS cloud capabilities, alongside workload management solutions and managed security support provided by e&. This will cover the majority of workloads for organisations in the UAE. 'The UAE Cyber Security Council welcomes the launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad and the collaboration between e& and AWS in advancing our nation's digital transformation journey. With the additional security and sovereignty controls designed within the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, the UAE Government and regulated industries can transform and innovate with AWS, while meeting regulatory requirements,' said His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, which spearheads the UAE's cybersecurity regulatory framework. Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, said: 'Through AWS's UAE Region and e&'s local expertise, this collaboration demonstrates our commitment to enabling secure cloud solutions that meet the requirements of UAE's government and regulated sectors. 'The launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, which leverages e&'s security expertise and operations, proves that world-class cloud services can operate within national cybersecurity frameworks. Our strategic partnership with AWS continues to exemplify how global cloud innovation can align with national priorities.' The UAE Sovereign Launchpad is the latest development of a US$1 billion-plus strategic alliance between AWS and e& to fast-track cloud solutions in the Middle East, supporting AI deployment and digital transformation across the region. AWS is architected to be the most secure cloud infrastructure on which to build, migrate, and manage applications and workloads. This is backed by the trust of millions of customers worldwide, including the most security sensitive organisations like government, healthcare, and financial services. The UAE public sector and regulated customers will now have access to the latest digital technologies, such as AI and machine learning, while addressing their data sovereignty requirements through the UAE Sovereign Launchpad. 'Our collaboration with e& the UAE Cybersecurity Council represents the perfect synergy of secure global cloud innovation and local expertise, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting the 'We the UAE 2031' vision,' said Tanuja Randery, vice president, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, AWS. 'Security is foundational to sovereignty, and we believe it's essential that customers have control over their data and choices for how they secure and manage their data in the cloud. By combining our world-class cloud capabilities with e&'s deep understanding of UAE's regulatory landscape, we've developed solutions that serve UAE's digital transformation while maintaining the required data protection standards.' UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau AWS, UAE Cybersecurity Council, and e& also plan to create the UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau (CTIB). The CTIB aims to advance 'Made in UAE' cybersecurity innovations, strengthening the UAE's global leading position at the forefront of cyber resilience and elevating the nation's digital capacity building in secure-by-design cloud-computing infrastructure. 'The UAE CTIB reflects the constant efforts made by the UAE in the field of cybersecurity and is a result of the directions and visions of the country's wise leadership,' added Dr. Al-Kuwaiti. 'Through the UAE CTIB, we plan to develop an annual programme of training workshops, national and international partnerships, start-up incubations, reports and whitepapers, along with strategic R&D and academic collaborations, to accelerate the UAE's digital transformation and cyber pulse agenda.' 0 0
Mid East Info
16-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AWS, e&, and UAE Cybersecurity Council launch the ‘UAE Sovereign Launchpad,' accelerating cloud adoption for public sector and regulated industries
Dubai — May, 2025 — Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), and e&, the UAE-based global technology group, have today launched the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, a cloud offering in UAE that is set to accelerate the adoption of cloud and AI services for the UAE public sector and regulated industries. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad, which is powered by AWS, offered by e&, and endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, paves the way for a new era of public cloud adoption in the UAE that is estimated to add US$181 billion cumulative value to the nation's digital economy by 2033. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad will run on the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region located within the borders of the UAE. e& will manage and implement customers' security and sovereignty controls aligned with UAE Cloud Security policies. In addition, e& will leverage AWS Outposts, a service that allows customers to extend and run AWS services on premises, to meet customers' specific data residency requirements. UAE government agencies, along with customers in healthcare, financial services, education, space, oil & gas, and non-profit sectors, can now access the latest AWS cloud technologies, while addressing the data sovereignty requirements of the UAE Cyber Security Council. UAE public sector and regulated customers can use the UAE Sovereign Launchpad through e& for all workloads except those classified as Secret and Top Secret, combining AWS cloud capabilities, alongside workload management solutions and managed security support provided by e&. This will cover the majority of workloads for organizations in the UAE. 'The UAE Cyber Security Council welcomes the launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad and the collaboration between e& and AWS in advancing our nation's digital transformation journey. With the additional security and sovereignty controls designed within the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, the UAE Government and regulated industries can transform and innovate with AWS, while meeting regulatory requirements,' said His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, which spearheads the UAE's cybersecurity regulatory framework. Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, said: 'Through AWS's UAE Region and e&'s local expertise, this collaboration demonstrates our commitment to enabling secure cloud solutions that meet the requirements of UAE's government and regulated sectors. 'The launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, which leverages e&'s security expertise and operations, proves that world-class cloud services can operate within national cybersecurity frameworks. Our strategic partnership with AWS continues to exemplify how global cloud innovation can align with national priorities.' The UAE Sovereign Launchpad is the latest development of a US$1 billion-plus strategic alliance between AWS and e& to fast-track cloud solutions in the Middle East, supporting AI deployment and digital transformation across the region. AWS is architected to be the most secure cloud infrastructure on which to build, migrate, and manage applications and workloads. This is backed by the trust of millions of customers worldwide, including the most security sensitive organizations like government, healthcare, and financial services. The UAE public sector and regulated customers will now have access to the latest digital technologies, such as AI and machine learning, while addressing their data sovereignty requirements through the UAE Sovereign Launchpad. 'Our collaboration with e& the UAE Cybersecurity Council represents the perfect synergy of secure global cloud innovation and local expertise, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting the 'We the UAE 2031' vision,' said Tanuja Randery, vice president, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, AWS. 'Security is foundational to sovereignty, and we believe it's essential that customers have control over their data and choices for how they secure and manage their data in the cloud. By combining our world-class cloud capabilities with e&'s deep understanding of UAE's regulatory landscape, we've developed solutions that serve UAE's digital transformation while maintaining the required data protection standards.' UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau: AWS, UAE Cybersecurity Council, and e& also plan to create the UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau (CTIB). The CTIB aims to advance 'Made in UAE' cybersecurity innovations, strengthening the UAE's global leading position at the forefront of cyber resilience and elevating the nation's digital capacity building in secure-by-design cloud-computing infrastructure. 'The UAE CTIB reflects the constant efforts made by the UAE in the field of cybersecurity and is a result of the directions and visions of the country's wise leadership,' added Dr. Al-Kuwaiti. 'Through the UAE CTIB, we plan to develop an annual program of training workshops, national and international partnerships, start-up incubations, reports and whitepapers, along with strategic R&D and academic collaborations, to accelerate the UAE's digital transformation and cyber pulse agenda.' About UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) The UAE Cybersecurity Council is dedicated to realizing the aspirations and vision of the UAE by safeguarding its institutions, communities, and digital infrastructure against cyber threats. Committed to a secure digital future, the CSC implements cutting-edge security solutions and develops a comprehensive national cybersecurity framework. The CSC strives to establish a resilient cybersecurity defense system and train national talents, supporting the vision of positioning the UAE as a global cybersecurity hub. About Amazon Web Services: Since 2006, Amazon Web Services has been the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any workload, and it now has more than 240 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, media, and application development, deployment, and management from 114 Availability Zones within 36 geographic regions, with announced plans for 16 more Availability Zones and five more AWS Regions in Chile, New Zealand, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. About Amazon: Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. About e&: e& is one of the leading technology groups in the world. Boasting impressive financial figures for 2023, with consolidated net revenue reaching a staggering AED 53.8 billion and consolidated net profit surging to AED 10.3 billion, the Group's impeccable credit ratings reflect its strong balance sheet and track record of sustained success. Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, the Group has a rich legacy as the pioneer in telecommunications in the UAE. Today, its footprint spans 33 countries, including STARZPLAY and Careem Everything app across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, making it a leading player in the industry. Innovation is ingrained in e&'s DNA to create an unbreakable bond between communities using cutting-edge digital solutions, smart connectivity and advanced technologies. The Group has designed five strong business pillars that address various customer segments: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital. Through these pillars, we strive to revolutionise the way people communicate, work and live by providing unparalleled services and exceptional experiences. At e&, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and delivering measurable results that make a difference in people's lives.
TECHx
08-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Government Highlight Cybersecurity Role at GISEC Global 2025
Home » GISEC » GISEC 2025 » Governments Highlight Cybersecurity Role at GISEC Global 2025 Governments and their role in adopting a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity took the spotlight on the second day of GISEC Global 2025. The event is the world's third-largest cybersecurity gathering and the biggest in the MENA region. After a successful opening day, Dubai World Trade Centre welcomed over 25,000 visitors from more than 160 countries. This included 450 global CISOs. The event continued under the theme 'Securing an AI-Powered Future'. The Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024 revealed that governments are the third most-targeted sector globally by nation-state threat actors. In response, the Global Cybersecurity Congress opened with a keynote by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council. He said cyberattacks do not discriminate and can impact governments, businesses, and individuals alike. The cost can be high and may threaten national security. He stressed that partnership is essential to build resilience. Dr. Al-Kuwaiti also joined a panel with top officials from different sectors. The session focused on public-private cooperation, cybersecurity research, and talent development. Pei Ling Lee, Head of Cyber Strategy and Capabilities Development at Interpol, highlighted the need for better coordination. She said more meaningful dialogue is required between law enforcement and cybersecurity entities. She added: Training remains vital, but International collaboration allows sharing expertise for national-level action Afra Ibrahim Bin Fares, Senior Policy & Regulations Affairs Executive at Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), gave a presentation on preparing for the quantum leap. She discussed DESC's Quantum Cybersecurity Readiness Guidelines. The document provides a framework for quantum-safe measures and helps entities plan transitions for future threats. She warned that governments and tech providers must act now. Waiting could lead to serious consequences. She said quantum technology is closer than it seems and urged immediate preparation. Jin Young Oh, Vice President of the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), explained South Korea's strategy. KISA is working on top cybersecurity issues such as: Generative AI Supply chain and cloud security AI cloud protection Zero-trust and quantum security KISA is also developing products and running field tests to integrate AI into national cyber defenses. GISEC Global 2025 is hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, with support from DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior, and Dubai Police. The event concludes Thursday with more panel discussions and the GISEC North Star pitch competition. Finalists will present innovations to a panel of cybersecurity experts. Leading global and regional cybersecurity firms joined the event. Participants include Huawei, AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud Security, Cisco, Deloitte, Kaspersky, Check Point, Cloudflare, and Honeywell. Other exhibitors include Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, OPSWAT, Qualys, CrowdStrike, and StrikeReady.
08-05-2025
- Business
AI Reshapes Cybersecurity as GISEC Global 2025 Opens in Dubai
GISEC Global 2025 opened in Dubai with a powerful message: artificial intelligence is redefining the cybersecurity landscape, offering both unprecedented opportunities and serious risks. As the third-largest cybersecurity event in the world, this year's edition is focused on 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.' More than 750 cybersecurity companies, 450 global CISOs and futurists, and over 25,000 visitors from 160+ countries have gathered to explore how AI is transforming cyber defence strategies. With the cybersecurity market projected to hit $298.5 billion by 2028, the event has become a critical hub for industry dialogue. In a keynote speech, Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, warned that the UAE faces over 200,000 cyberattacks daily—most targeting government entities. He called for urgent evolution in cybersecurity practices to keep pace with AI-driven threats and stressed the importance of governance, ethics, and innovation in securing the digital future. Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, echoed those concerns. He described the current threat landscape as 'AI vs AI,' where both attackers and defenders use advanced tools to outmaneuver each other. He emphasized the need for organisations to invest in secure AI systems to prevent a future dominated by cybercrime. The event also spotlighted Dubai's digital resilience. Faisal Abdulaziz of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre highlighted efforts to embed cybersecurity in the city's smart transformation, with a strong emphasis on talent development and critical infrastructure protection. Microsoft's Aarti Borkar stressed that secure infrastructure is key to unlocking AI's full potential. With data leaks and AI-driven threats on the rise, she urged companies to build systems with security at their core from the very beginning. GISEC Global 2025 continues this week, tackling issues like weaponised AI and next-gen defence solutions. News Source: Emirates News Agency
