Latest news with #CybersecurityCouncil
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UBF reaffirms commitment to strengthen digital infrastructure of financial and banking sector
Abu Dhabi- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The UAE Banks Federation (UBF), the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, reiterated its commitment to strengthen digital infrastructure of the financial and banking sector and combat various types of financial crime and its full support for all efforts and initiatives of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the UAE the Cybersecurity Council (CSC) to provide a safe and smooth banking experience, supporting the financial and banking sector to play its role in the UAE's socio-economic development. This came during the honouring of UBF with the 'Best Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation' award as part of the National Cybersecurity Excellence Awards in recognition of its efforts and innovative initiatives to provide a digital environment that contributes to enabling institutions operating in the financial and banking sector to grow and keep pace with the accelerated developments in the world. The selection of UBF for cybersecurity excellence awards by the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) is a testament to the Federation's efforts to provide a secure banking and financial system by ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks and keeping pace with advanced technologies to provide best services to customers in a reliable banking environment and comply with all the laws and regulations of the CBUAE. UBF's initiatives on anti-fraud and financial crime and the promotion of advanced digital infrastructure contribute to raising competitiveness of the UAE and making it one of the best countries in the world in digital transformation and cybersecurity. The Federation also organises the National Fraud Awareness Campaign, which raises awareness of the risks of fraud, as well as other spiralised events to identify potential threats of advanced technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and how to deal with them. Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UBF, said: 'At UBF, we are proud of this coveted award by the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) as we put cybersecurity at top of our priorities and work in cooperation with CBUAE, which focuses on importance of proactive approach in dealing with threats and laying the necessary foundations to confront them to grow and further strengthen the UAE's position as a leading financial, banking, and trade hub'. He explained that the rapid growth of advanced technology adoption in the banking and financial sector has indirectly led to rise of some risks related to the security of transactions and digital infrastructure, which prompted UBF to launch many initiatives to ensure security of digital infrastructure. The Director General of UBF pointed out to the effectiveness of the Cyber Wargaming event, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East which is organised annually by the Federation, in developing protection systems and providing a secure and advanced environment for customers. 'The Cyber Wargaming event play a vital role in enhancing our capabilities as it provides employees in the banking and financial sector with the ability to assess strengths and areas that require further development, and allows them to exchange experiences and knowledge. A number of cybersecurity teams, experts, and executives from UBF member banks, financial and technological institutions, strategic partners, and representatives from central banks across the GCC participate in the event, which is organised under the supervision of CBUAE and the UAE Cybersecurity Council,' he explained. Mr. Jamal Saleh praised the CBUAE's role of the UAE central bank in developing appropriate frameworks that ensure the protection of customers and the financial and banking system and an environment to promote economic growth and stability. 'These steps have enhanced the confidence in the banking sector in the UAE, which maintains a leading position among the best financial and banking centres in the world in terms of customer confidence in the sector at a rate of over 90%, and the UAE banking sector maintains its place as the most trusted sector in the country. He stressed that UBF is committed to continuous development to preserve customers' interests, financial and banking system's stability, and deal with challenges posed by technological revolution. 'The frameworks in the UAE enhance capabilities of the banking and financial system in risk management, transparency, governance, combating fraud and financial crimes, under the direct supervision of CBUAE'. The Director General of UBF reiterated the Federation's commitment to redouble efforts and increase qualitative investments in human capital, advanced technologies, and methods to enhance the capabilities of the banking industry in countering cyber risks and combating financial crimes. About UAE Banks Federation (UBF): Established in 1982, UAE Banks Federation (UBF), the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, comprising 64 members of banks and financial institutions operating in the UAE. UBF advocates the interests of all its members and enhances cooperation and coordination between them in order to elevate the UAE's banking ecosystem for the benefit of members, customers, and the overall UAE economy. UBF's mission and objectives are focused on representing its members and defending their rights and interest. UBF provides a platform for cooperation and the exchange of ideas and expertise among its members and plays a significant role in raising public awareness about the contributions of the UAE banking sector to the economic and social development of the country. UBF has a 22-member Advisory Council consisting of CEOs and General Managers from member banks and financial institutions, which oversees the implementation of UBF's policies and activities. The CEOs Council also makes directional decisions through UBF's General Secretariat for UBF's 28 technical and 6 advisory committees, which in turn are tasked to discuss all issues relevant to the UAE banking and financial services ecosystem. UAE Banks Federation also includes a CEOs Consultative Council, which consists of chief executives of other member banks.
Sharjah 24
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mansour bin Zayed reviews UAE Cybersecurity Council initiatives
During his visit to the Council's headquarters, His Highness was briefed on the progress of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which is built upon five key pillars: governance, protection, innovation, establishing and building, and partnership. Strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technologies The strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance cybersecurity awareness, developing legal frameworks, and building national talent capable of forming a globally competitive cybersecurity workforce. It also emphasises strengthening public-private partnerships to create integrated cybersecurity solutions and expanding international cooperation to confront cross-border cyber threats. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised during the visit that cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar for ensuring economic and social stability, especially amid the rapid pace of global digital transformation. UAE is committed to adopting international best practices He noted that the UAE is committed to adopting international best practices and strengthening both national and international cooperation frameworks to build a secure digital environment that supports the country's sustainable development goals, while also enhancing the confidence of investors and global partners. His Highness Sheikh Mansour praised the efforts of the Cybersecurity Council in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and enhancing the UAE's global standing in the cybersecurity domain, efforts that have culminated in the country being ranked among the top tier globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He further stressed that the UAE's recently launched major development and investment initiatives, which serve as key drivers for the future of artificial intelligence regionally and globally, implement the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the development of advanced digital infrastructure, such as the National Security Operations Centre, an urgent necessity to ensure the protection of the country's digital ecosystem. Efforts represent a core foundation for protecting digital investments His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed said that these efforts represent a core foundation for protecting digital investments, thereby reinforcing the development of a sustainable, knowledge- and innovation-based economy. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, emphasised the crucial role of digital systems and platforms, particularly the National Security Operations Centre (NSOC), in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and protecting the national economy against escalating cyber threats. He highlighted the importance of enabling proactive and rapid responses to such threats, stressing that the UAE's commitment to cybersecurity goes beyond infrastructure protection to encompass the empowerment of society and the economy to thrive in a secure digital environment. Dr Al Kuwaiti added that these efforts build on the UAE's broader vision to leverage advanced technologies in serving communities and improving quality of life, reinforcing the nation's commitment to becoming a global model for digital security and innovation. Commenting on the National Cybersecurity Strategy, Dr Al Kuwaiti stated that the strategy represents a key milestone in establishing a comprehensive framework through which all stakeholders can work collectively to safeguard the digital transformation and preserve the nation's achievements. Reflects the UAE's keen commitment to harnessing digital opportunities He added that the new strategy reflects the UAE's keen commitment to harnessing digital opportunities while simultaneously addressing the associated risks. He also stressed the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and insights from various national frameworks and international standards, highlighting their role in strengthening the UAE's position as a leading global digital hub. Dr Al Kuwaiti reiterated that these efforts have cemented the UAE's leadership in cybersecurity, as demonstrated by the nation's first-place ranking in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.
Tahawul Tech
16-05-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
AWS, e&, and UAE Cybersecurity Council launch the ‘UAE Sovereign Launchpad'
Partnership offers sovereign-by-design cloud and AI solutions endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Inc. company, 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 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 the UAE's government and regulated sectors. 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. '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,' added Dowidar. 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 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.'
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Zawya
ADU hosts cybersecurity day 5.0 in its Al Ain Campus
This annual event brings together students, experts, and industry leaders to shape a secure and resilient digital future. In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council Abu Dhabi, UAE: Reinforcing its commitment to digital resilience and national innovation priorities, Abu Dhabi University (ADU), successfully hosted the fifth edition of its large-scale cybersecurity awareness initiative, Cybersecurity Day 5.0. Held at ADU's Al Ain campus in partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Anxinsec Technology, the full-day event brought together leading cybersecurity experts, government representatives, faculty, students, and industry partners to spotlight emerging cyber threats and strengthen cyber resilience through education, talent development and cross-sector innovation. The event kicked off with a keynote address by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council. Additionally, representatives from ADU underscored the importance of raising cybersecurity awareness on a national level. The event also drew strong participation from key players in the cybersecurity landscape, including Anxinsec, CyberE71, Exploit3rs, and other local stakeholders. 'Cybersecurity is not just a technical necessity, it is a strategic imperative for our nation's continued growth and resilience,' said His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council. 'It is inspiring to witness the community coming together to create meaningful dialogue and hands-on experiences that reflect our shared national commitment to cultivating a safer cyber environment in the region. ADU's continued commitment to education, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration reflects exactly the kind of national effort we need to strengthen our cyber ecosystem.' The agenda featured thought-provoking panel discussions, expert-led interactive workshops, and cybersecurity-themed competitions designed to challenge students and promote creative problem-solving. Participants from universities across the UAE engaged in practical activities, networked with industry leaders, and explored the latest trends, technologies, and threats shaping the global cybersecurity landscape. Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: 'In today's dynamic digital world, as cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and scale, so must our approach to building a secure digital ecosystem. Cybersecurity Day is a powerful example of how academia, industry, and government can come together to empower the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. By fostering innovation and critical thinking in our students, we contribute to the UAE's national cybersecurity goals. It's our mission to create platforms where future experts can gain the skills and insights necessary to tackle emerging threats and ensure a resilient digital infrastructure.' As part of its commitment to academic excellence and future-focused learning, ADU recently introduced a diverse range of new academic programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The programs span high-impact fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cyber law, fintech, digital transformation, and renewable energy among others. These programs aim to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic economy and contribute to the UAE's long-term national development goals. About Abu Dhabi University: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region's leading academic institutions, translating the UAE Government's National Agenda to deliver internationally accredited academic programs and world-class research. Established in 2003, with campuses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, the University serves around 8,700 students from over 100 nationalities. The University is home to five colleges across different disciplines including arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law, while offering a diverse range of over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, ADU ranks 191 globally. Additionally, it ranks second in the UAE and 172nd globally for its research quality, and it is among the top three universities in the UAE, while holding the number one position in the teaching pillar. Additionally, THE Rankings has recognized the University's Business and Economics subject area as number one in the UAE and the Arab region. The University has made an impressive performance in THE Young University Rankings 2024, ranking in the 60th position globally among the world's best universities that are 50 years or younger. Furthermore, the University jumped to the 70th place in the prestigious THE Asia University Rankings 2025 and was ranked first in the UAE for graduate employability as per the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24. Parallelly, ADU ranks in 501 globally, according to the 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings, advancing 79 places. ADU continues to empower faculty and students with state-of-the-art resources, facilities, and learning opportunities that foster innovation and support research-based problem-solving. The University maintains strong international collaborations with leading academic institutions and public and private sector organizations, with institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges' Senior College and University Commission (WASC).
The National
17-04-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE can become exporter of cyber security talent, senior official says
The UAE is committed to becoming a "net exporter of cyber security talent", said the head of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council, Mohamed Al Kuwaiti. He is in Washington to meet government and private sector technology officials to discuss sharing techniques in the fight against cyber criminals. 'Our main focus is cyber crime, cyber terrorism and cyber warfare,' Dr Al Kuwaiti told The National on Thursday. Despite the dark and seemingly endless amount of cyber threats around the world, Dr Al Kuwaiti said he was optimistic and referred to the UAE's accolades in the cyber security sector. The 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index gave the country the highest tier one rating – for countries viewed as role models in the sector. Dr Al Kuwaiti said partnerships and the sharing of information and techniques helped the UAE to attain the tier one rating. He said that recipe for a strong cyber defence played a big role in his Washington visit. 'We do these things by partnering with everybody, governments, private sector, NGOs, you name it, and alhamdulillah, that's what took us to be number one in so many cyber security indexes," he added. The UAE also recently announced the creation of a Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, with support from Google. That centre is expected to involve the creation of more than 20,000 jobs and help to attract foreign investment estimated at $1.4 billion by 2030. 'Through this collaboration, we are not only enhancing our national cyber capabilities but also building a robust innovation ecosystem that is projected to help prevent over $6.8 billion in cyber crime-related losses by 2030,' he said. 'This initiative is a cornerstone in our national strategy.' Dr Al Kuwaiti's optimism about the UAE remaining at the forefront of cyber defence comes at a time when many experts around the world are sounding the alarm about a looming cyber security talent gap. In a previous interview with The National, Akshay Joshi, head of industry partnerships for the World Economic Forum's centre for cyber security, said there soon could be a shortage of 3.3 million cyber security professionals. 'The UAE is committed to not only closing the talent gap, but also becoming a net exporter of cyber security talent,' Dr Al Kuwaiti said, adding that the country's recently launched initiatives, such as Digital Strategy 2025, Cyber Sniper and Cyber Future Leaders, have positioned it to bridge the anticipated talent gap. He also said that artificial intelligence, and the UAE's early interest in the technology, would help to limit the effect of the shortfall in talent. 'We strategically leverage artificial intelligence through two key avenues, firstly by automating a broad spectrum of tasks using Agentic AI and AI Agents," he added. "And secondly, we will empower our workforce through the integration of advanced AI systems that enhance their capabilities, elevate efficiency, and enable faster, more informed decision-making across the cyber security landscape.' But Dr Al Kuwaiti was quick to point out, as others in the cyber security sector do, that AI can be a knife that cuts both way, lowering the entry threshold for those who want to commit cyber crimes. 'According to the 2025 State of the UAE Cybersecurity Report, we are witnessing a sharp increase in AI-powered attacks, including hyper-realistic phishing schemes, deepfakes, among other threats,' he said, adding that the UAE has made it a priority to conduct simulated cyber drills, while also equipping government employees with advanced defensive capabilities to protect national infrastructure. However, for all the awareness stemming from cyber crime, cyber threats and nefarious actors seeking to do technological harm, Dr Al Kuwaiti said there were also misunderstandings about how to best approach cyber security. 'One of the most persistent misconceptions is that cyber security is purely a technical issue, to be handled exclusively by IT teams,' he explained. Studies show human error such as weak passwords or unintentional system use remain some of the leading factors contributing to cyber crime vulnerability, he said. 'Another misconception is that only large organisations or certain sectors are at risk, when in fact, any individual or entity with valuable data can be a target,' he added. He said the UAE wanted to foster a sense of cyber security awareness similar to personal hygiene. 'It needs to be in people's DNA to be aware of what they're downloading, the links they're clicking and the information they're sharing,' he said, noting the various points of entry that cyber criminals use. Dr Al Kuwaiti said the UAE Cybersecurity Council was working on awareness and engagement campaigns to instil the idea that cyber security should be a societal priority and not just a technical mandate. 'Our goal is to empower every individual – from CEOs to students – to understand their, role in safeguarding the digital space,' he explained.
