Dubai, UAE. 23 May, 2026: In these ever-changing times within the cybersecurity landscape, both the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and Palo Alto Networks recognise the need for a data-centric AI-driven cybersecurity ecosystem accessible to all – from Government Departments to the individual Citizen. To that end, CSC and Palo Alto Networks have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the development of immediate and long-term capabilities in close cooperation with the UAE, guided by a forward-looking and strategic approach. This collaboration will enhance the cyber resilience of the UAE by embedding cybersecurity across every layer of the digital infrastructure.
“This collaboration reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities and build a resilient digital ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth. Through such initiatives, we seek to enhance our national readiness, foster innovation, and support the development of a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce in line with the UAE’s future vision.” – H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE government.
The key areas of this partnership are designed to help ensure that cybersecurity serves as a critical enabler of a secure information society within the UAE:
- Establish a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence to serve as a UAE-based hub for capacity building, environmental simulation and joint technology demonstrations
- Develop national Cyber Talent by delivering tailored educational programs for youth, students, professionals, and executives, integrated through existing academic curricula and specialized training frameworks
- Strengthen national response capabilities by leveraging AI and automation to provide the national CERT with enhanced visibility and a unified operational view
- Deliver expert consultancy and best-practice advisory to advance national Resilience-By-Design and reference architectures, encompassing cloud security, critical infrastructure protection, and incident response
- Explore opportunity for joint applied research, innovation incubation and academic research in areas including, but not limited to, AI governance, post-quantum cryptography and smart city security
- Engage in strategic events, forums, and initiatives to champion the UAE’s position as a leader in cybersecurity
“We look forward to working closely with the UAE Cyber Security Council to identify areas of mutual interest and support the UAE’s vision for a secure and resilient digital future. This collaboration presents an opportunity to explore how advanced cybersecurity capabilities can contribute to innovation, resilience, and economic growth.” – Helmut Reisinger, CEO EMEA, Palo Alto Networks
