Latest news with #TahnounbinZayedAlNahyan
Al Etihad
09-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE launches Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in collaboration with Google Cloud
9 Apr 2025 18:58 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)In a reflection of the United Arab Emirates Government's vision to cement its global position as a leading hub for artificial intelligence and to strengthen international collaboration, UAE institutions continue to pursue the directives of the country's wise leadership in maintaining the nation's global leadership in technological and digital fields. This pursuit is embodied in the strategic steps being taken to reinforce digital infrastructure and develop national capabilities in AI and part of these ongoing efforts, the UAE Cabinet has approved its support of Google Cloud's launch of its first Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi—an initiative that underscores the UAE's commitment to advancing digital transformation and bolstering cybersecurity. This strategic initiative with Google Cloud is aligned with the vision of the nation's leadership to position the UAE as a global hub for cybersecurity excellence. The initiative highlights the government's dedication to support the building of a secure and advanced digital ecosystem that keeps pace with global developments and provides a trusted environment for businesses, enterprises, and institutions across all sectors. It also reflects the country's broader strategy to invest in emerging technologies and empower national talents, ensuring regional and global leadership in the field of cybersecurity and artificial milestone follows the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Advisor, to the United States, where His Highness met with a number of global industry leaders and CEOs to explore avenues for building and expanding strategic partnerships with UAE in artificial intelligence. These discussions focused on AI's potential to accelerate sustainable growth, enhance global innovation, and advance digital line with these continuous efforts, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, in collaboration with Google Cloud, announced this strategic initiative aimed at supporting the UAE's position as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and education. This initiative, supported by the Cybersecurity Council, will see the establishment of the first-ever Cybersecurity Excellence Center in the launch of this pioneering center in Abu Dhabi is a tangible outcome of the UAE's future-oriented vision, which aims to strengthen the nation's resilience against cyber threats, support secure digital transformation, and further establish the UAE as a global hub for innovation and Cloud also announced a dedicated accelerator program in 2025, selecting 25 high-potential startups from Hub71's ecosystem for a three-month program focused on scalable growth strategies and optimizing business models. Additionally, all startups within the Hub71 community are eligible for substantial Google Cloud credits, with top-performing startups accessing up to $300,000 in credits - the highest tier available initiative will meet the aspirations of startups in the field of entrepreneurship, enabling them to benefit from Google Cloud's services for emerging Cloud will also, with CSC's backing, make significant investments in advanced cloud capabilities in the UAE. The initiative will rely on Google Cloud's secure, scalable and high-performance global infrastructure to provide the necessary foundation for advanced cybersecurity innovation. This underscores Google Cloud's long-term commitment to the UAE's cybersecurity vision, and the nation's confidence in the platform's security capabilities to strengthen its cyber initiative is poised to generate significant economic benefits for the UAE. By creating a secure digital ecosystem, the UAE can mitigate billions of dollars in potential cybercrime losses, foster a thriving cybersecurity sector, and attract substantial foreign direct investment. Based on research conducted by Access Partnership, enhanced cybersecurity capabilities are projected to prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, support over 20,300 specialized cybersecurity jobs, and attract up to $1.4 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment by 2030. Furthermore, a robust cybersecurity environment will encourage broader digitalization, leading to significant productivity gains across the cybersecurity-focused centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi, will be dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities across the UAE and beyond. Designed as a world-class hub for building a safer internet, the shared vision of this centre is based on:1. Collaboration & knowledge sharing: Partnering with global academia, research institutes and policy makers to share knowledge, amplify impact, and promote intelligence sharing across sectors;2. Training & education: Equipping people and organisations with the skills needed to combat evolving threats; 3. Expert talent: Building and maintaining a highly skilled team of intelligence analysts and security experts. Cultivating the next generation of cyber talentA skilled cybersecurity workforce is essential for defending against increasingly complex threats. To address this need, a CSC-endorsed training program will be delivered from the Centre of Excellence by Mandiant, part of Google Cloud. This program leverages Mandiant's global security professionals, who possess over 20 years of industry-leading investigative experience. This program offers a unique opportunity within the UAE to learn directly from experts actively handling the world's most sophisticated program will deliver virtual, hands-on, immersive courses that equip individuals and teams with the expertise to protect critical systems, harness AI-driven security tools, and respond effectively to cyber incidents. With role-based learning and methodologies grounded in real-world breaches, this training program will shape the next generation of cyber defenders across the the core of this program's approach will be: ● Experiential learning: Combining instructor-led courses with cutting-edge cyber simulation exercises, training will be delivered by Mandiant's frontline cybersecurity experts; ● Cyber simulation range: A controlled environment that replicates real-world cyber-attack scenarios. Participants engage in live incident response exercises, mirroring the tactics of advanced threat actors;● Flexible learning options: Self-paced courses through Google Cloud Skills Boost, giving government employees across the UAE access to over 900 courses, labs and skills badges."This strategic collaboration with Google Cloud is a cornerstone of the UAE's vision to become a global cybersecurity leader. Our collaboration will not only help address the immediate cyber threats that our nation faces but, crucially, will cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity experts and foster the development of cutting-edge solutions needed to secure our digital future," said Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government. "The UAE has a clear vision to become a global leader in cybersecurity, and Google Cloud is honored to be a foundational collaborator in building that future. Our shared goal represents a powerful combination of digital infrastructure, a hub for innovation, and a training ground for the next generation of cyber defenders. This will equip organizations and individuals with the skills and AI-driven solutions needed to thrive in the face of evolving threats,' said Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE's lunched cybersecurity center of excellence in collaboration with Google Cloud
UAE – In a reflection of the United Arab Emirates Government's vision to cement its global position as a leading hub for artificial intelligence and to strengthen international collaboration, UAE institutions continue to pursue the directives of the country's wise leadership in maintaining the nation's global leadership in technological and digital fields. This pursuit is embodied in the strategic steps being taken to reinforce digital infrastructure and develop national capabilities in AI and cybersecurity. As part of these ongoing efforts, the UAE Cabinet has approved its support of Google Cloud's launch of its first Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi—an initiative that underscores the UAE's commitment to advancing digital transformation and bolstering cybersecurity. This strategic initiative with Google Cloud is aligned with the vision of the nation's leadership to position the UAE as a global hub for cybersecurity excellence. The initiative highlights the government's dedication to support the building of a secure and advanced digital ecosystem that keeps pace with global developments and provides a trusted environment for businesses, enterprises, and institutions across all sectors. It also reflects the country's broader strategy to invest in emerging technologies and empower national talents, ensuring regional and global leadership in the field of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. This milestone follows the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Advisor, to the United States, where His Highness met with a number of global industry leaders and CEOs to explore avenues for building and expanding strategic partnerships with UAE in artificial intelligence. These discussions focused on AI's potential to accelerate sustainable growth, enhance global innovation, and advance digital infrastructure. In line with these continuous efforts, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, in collaboration with Google Cloud, announced this strategic initiative aimed at supporting the UAE's position as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and education. This initiative, supported by the Cybersecurity Council, will see the establishment of the first-ever Cybersecurity Excellence Center in the region. The launch of this pioneering center in Abu Dhabi is a tangible outcome of the UAE's future-oriented vision, which aims to strengthen the nation's resilience against cyber threats, support secure digital transformation, and further establish the UAE as a global hub for innovation and technology. Google Cloud also announced a dedicated accelerator program in 2025, selecting 25 high-potential startups from Hub71's ecosystem for a three-month program focused on scalable growth strategies and optimizing business models. Additionally, all startups within the Hub71 community are eligible for substantial Google Cloud credits, with top-performing startups accessing up to $300,000 in credits - the highest tier available globally. The initiative will meet the aspirations of startups in the field of entrepreneurship, enabling them to benefit from Google Cloud's services for emerging companies. Google Cloud will also, with CSC's backing, make significant investments in advanced cloud capabilities in the UAE. The initiative will rely on Google Cloud's secure, scalable and high-performance global infrastructure to provide the necessary foundation for advanced cybersecurity innovation. This underscores Google Cloud's long-term commitment to the UAE's cybersecurity vision, and the nation's confidence in the platform's security capabilities to strengthen its cyber resilience. This initiative is poised to generate significant economic benefits for the UAE. By creating a secure digital ecosystem, the UAE can mitigate billions of dollars in potential cybercrime losses, foster a thriving cybersecurity sector, and attract substantial foreign direct investment. Based on research conducted by Access Partnership, enhanced cybersecurity capabilities are projected to prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, support over 20,300 specialized cybersecurity jobs, and attract up to $1.4 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment by 2030. Furthermore, a robust cybersecurity environment will encourage broader digitalization, leading to significant productivity gains across the economy. The cybersecurity-focused centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi, will be dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities across the UAE and beyond. Designed as a world-class hub for building a safer internet, the shared vision of this centre is based on: Collaboration & knowledge sharing: Partnering with global academia, research institutes and policy makers to share knowledge, amplify impact, and promote intelligence sharing across sectors; Training & education: Equipping people and organizations with the skills needed to combat evolving threats; Expert talent: Building and maintaining a highly skilled team of intelligence analysts and security experts. Cultivating the next generation of cyber talent A skilled cybersecurity workforce is essential for defending against increasingly complex threats. To address this need, a CSC-endorsed training program will be delivered from the Centre of Excellence by Mandiant, part of Google Cloud. This program leverages Mandiant's global security professionals, who possess over 20 years of industry-leading investigative experience. This program offers a unique opportunity within the UAE to learn directly from experts actively handling the world's most sophisticated cyberattacks. This program will deliver virtual, hands-on, immersive courses that equip individuals and teams with the expertise to protect critical systems, harness AI-driven security tools, and respond effectively to cyber incidents. With role-based learning and methodologies grounded in real-world breaches, this training program will shape the next generation of cyber defenders across the UAE. At the core of this program's approach will be: Experiential learning: Combining instructor-led courses with cutting-edge cyber simulation exercises, training will be delivered by Mandiant's frontline cybersecurity experts; Cyber simulation range: A controlled environment that replicates real-world cyber-attack scenarios. Participants engage in live incident response exercises, mirroring the tactics of advanced threat actors; Flexible learning options: Self-paced courses through Google Cloud Skills Boost, giving government employees across the UAE access to over 900 courses, labs and skills badges. "This strategic collaboration with Google Cloud is a cornerstone of the UAE's vision to become a global cybersecurity leader. Our collaboration will not only help address the immediate cyber threats that our nation faces but, crucially, will cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity experts and foster the development of cutting-edge solutions needed to secure our digital future," said Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government. "The UAE has a clear vision to become a global leader in cybersecurity, and Google Cloud is honored to be a foundational collaborator in building that future. Our shared goal represents a powerful combination of digital infrastructure, a hub for innovation, and a training ground for the next generation of cyber defenders. This will equip organizations and individuals with the skills and AI-driven solutions needed to thrive in the face of evolving threats,' said Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security.
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
PIF, Mubadala-backed Swiss firm Aman seeks to raise $2bln
Switzerland-based hotel firm Aman Group is looking to secure $2 billion in fresh capital to fund its global expansion efforts. The luxury hospitality brand, into which Gulf wealth funds and other investors ploughed approximately $1.3 billion over the last three years, intends to use the money to deliver more hotels across the Middle East and Africa, according to Bloomberg. The company is developing 23 hotels and hopes to expand Aman Residences, which offers properties around the world targeting affluent buyers who want to live a hotel-like lifestyle. 'We are working to expand the brand and we're working with different investment funds and in negotiation with a few different groups,' Aman CEO Vladislav Doronin told Bloomberg. In 2022, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and UK-based property investment firm Cain International invested $900 million in the hospitality group. In 2023, the company secured $360 million from Mubadala Capital, the investment arm of Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company, and private equity fund Alpha Wave Ventures. Alpha is co-run by Alpha Wave Global and Chimera Capital, a division of Abu Dhabi's Royal Group, which is chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
Arabian Business
19-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Inside the $1 trillion UAE-US economic relationship
The United Arab Emirates has built a $1 trillion economic relationship with the United States that spans from Texas oil fields to Silicon Valley data centres, with officials from both nations now seeking to deepen these ties following high-stakes talks at the White House. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, concluded meetings with US President Donald Trump and senior administration officials on Tuesday that underscored the growing strategic importance of the partnership. 'The UAE remains committed to strengthening its economic ties with the US by accelerating investments in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure, energy and healthcare,' Sheikh Tahnoun wrote on X after the meetings, characterising these sectors as 'key pillars for sustainable growth and development.' I conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to U.S. President Donald Trump during the dinner at the White House, which was attended by senior U.S. and UAE officials, thanking him for the warm welcome and hospitality. Our discussions… — Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@hhtbzayed) March 19, 2025 This expanding relationship, which began to accelerate around 2009 when the UAE became America's top export market in the Middle East and North Africa region, now supports approximately 161,000 American jobs, according to the UAE Embassy in Washington. Trade boom benefits both nations The economic partnership has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Bilateral trade reached $34.4 billion in 2024, with US exports to the Emirates accounting for nearly $27 billion, cementing the UAE's position as America's third-largest trade surplus globally. US exports to the Emirates have increased at an annualised rate of 4.38 per cent over five years, rising from $19.8 billion in 2018 to $24.6 billion in 2023. Key exports include gas turbines ($3.48 billion), automobiles ($3.08 billion), and aircraft parts ($1.6 billion). Meanwhile, UAE exports to the United States – primarily raw aluminum ($1.58 billion), refined petroleum ($764 million), and crude petroleum ($568 million) – have grown at an annualised rate of 4.58 per cent during the same period, reaching $6.19 billion in 2023. AI and tech investments accelerate While traditional sectors like energy and aerospace remain crucial to the relationship, both countries are increasingly focused on technology collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence. The highest-profile example came in April last year, when Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi's G42, expanding their partnership to deliver advanced AI and cloud solutions globally. The deal includes the creation of Microsoft's Global Engineering Development Center in the UAE, one of the company's first engineering centers in the Arab world. This partnership was complemented by Abu Dhabi's G42 collaboration with California-based Cerebras Systems to launch the Condor Galaxy supercomputer, which they tout as the world's largest and fastest AI system. focused on developing carbon-neutral energy solutions and advancing natural language processing for Arabic dialects. DAMAC Properties pledging up to $20 billion to build data centres across the American Midwest and Sun Belt. In a separate but related development, UAE-based MGX joined BlackRock, Microsoft, and Global Infrastructure Partners as an initial equity funder in Texas's Stargate project, a new AI joint venture. This consortium committed an initial $100 billion, with plans to increase funding to $500 billion over four years to develop AI infrastructure. US private equity firm KKR and Dubai's Gulf Data Hub have similarly announced a $5+ billion investment to boost data centre infrastructure in the Gulf region, further cementing technological ties between the nations. Clean energy, aviation partnerships expand The UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), launched in 2022, has created a framework to support clean energy investments and financing. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, who accompanied Sheikh Tahnoun during the Washington visit on Tuesday, highlighted opportunities for further investment across what he termed the 'energy-AI nexus' during a recent keynote at Houston's CERAWeek conference. The UAE's renewable energy company Masdar has made significant investments in clean energy projects across Texas, New Mexico, and California, while ADNOC, the UAE's state oil company, maintains stakes in an ExxonMobil hydrogen plant in Baytown, Texas, and the NextDecade Rio Grande LNG export center. In addition, major aircraft orders from Boeing by UAE airlines have strengthened aerospace ties, while partnerships with NASA and other US-based space companies have advanced the UAE's space exploration ambitions. Healthcare innovation represents another growth area, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi collaborating with US counterparts to conduct the UAE's first robot-assisted kidney transplants. Vice President JD Vance met with the UAE delegation to discuss 'deepening UAE-US collaboration on supporting energy investment and abundance, technological leadership, and unleashing unprecedented economic growth,' according to the UAE embassy's social media statement. 'The approach of the leadership of both countries and their economic policies represents a significant impetus for encouraging foreign direct investment and strengthening the existing economic partnership between the two nations,' Sheikh Tahnoun noted after the White House meetings.
