Dubai: The UAE Cybersecurity Council and Rabdan Academy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the nation's cyber resilience and strengthen the security of its digital space. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and James Anthony Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, in the presence of officials from both sides.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 13-17 October. Under a shared vision to address a broad array of growing cross-border threats, the partnership will leverage ICT solutions to establish a secure information society. The agreement seeks to consolidate efforts and integrate capabilities, including prevention, deterrence, and response to cyber challenges, ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and bolstering trust in digital services across the UAE.
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework to ensure proactive detection of risks, prompt management, and limited impact. The two organisations will focus on sharing information on cyber risks, threats, and incidents; coordinating joint responses; exchanging indicators of compromise; and monitoring the spread of malware. This is complemented by the exchange of technical expertise and promising technical solutions in information security.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti emphasized the importance of unifying efforts and integrating capabilities across prevention, deterrence, and response, strengthening the security of critical infrastructure, and reinforcing trust in digital services. He added that the collaboration supports the digital transformation journey and reinforces the national cybersecurity framework.
James Anthony Morse highlighted the commitment to strengthening national capabilities and expertise in cybersecurity. The partnership aims to expand specialized programs, build professional partnerships, and create training and employment opportunities for outstanding individuals. The collaboration will focus on activating cyber simulations and systematic knowledge exchange to ensure higher resilience and faster response.
The collaboration is aimed at building the capacity of national teams, strengthening coordinated institution-level response, and equipping Emirati professionals with specialized technical skills. The two parties will work on designing and implementing education and training programs, conducting cross-sector cyber exercises and simulations, and organizing technical workshops, conferences, and educational visits.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will collaborate on scientific research and consulting studies in cyber and national security. New integrated pathways will be available for human capital development, including field training opportunities with the Cybersecurity Council's partners. Experts from the Cybersecurity Council will provide direct mentorship to support students in mapping out their future career paths.
The MoU is part of the Cybersecurity Council's strategy to create a safe and resilient cyber environment that helps organizations, institutions, and individuals grow and thrive. This strategy aims to improve the quality of digital life and create a secure digital community in the UAE.
This collaboration further enhances Rabdan Academy's role in preparing and qualifying talent, establishing an integrated education and training system that keeps pace with rapid developments and supports the nation's cybersecurity requirements. The MoU reflects the UAE's approach to building robust digital resilience by aligning institutional policies and practices with evolving challenges, promoting the exchange of technical data and KPIs, and expanding cross-sector training and awareness initiatives, enhancing the UAE's competitiveness and leadership.