The UAE has taken a major leap forward in global cybersecurity with the announcement of a National Cyber Centre of Excellence with Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council. This bold move, which underlined the commitment of the country to develop world-class national capabilities and strengthen its cyber sovereignty, was announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
A Strategic Vision Rooted in Innovation
It includes, at its core, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between, Thales and the CSC to develop a long-term strategic partnership, anchored on three main pillars:
Space META SOC (Security Operations Centre): This SOC will be set up to safeguard the space infrastructure in cooperation with the already set-up National SOC. It will also be equipped with the most advanced technical capabilities and specialized training in satellite monitoring.
Cyber Evaluation Lab: The facility conducts various tests and evaluations of hardware and software with full involvement by UAE nationals. This lab will also contribute to the development of national policies and frameworks in cybersecurity.
Crypto Lab: A state-of-the-art laboratory that designs, tests, and validates cryptography solutions for space applications, focusing on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
Building Local Talent & Sovereign Expertise
According to Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, this is a partnership well beyond just infrastructure; it’s a talent and innovation catalyst.
The involvement of Thales ensures deep knowledge transfer by leveraging its rich experience with the European Space Agency and other global cyber initiatives.
The Bigger Picture: UAE as a Cyber Powerhouse
The National Cyber Centre of Excellence isn’t just about protecting assets; it’s about placing the UAE in the forefront, both regionally and globally, in digital security.
The initiative combines public-private expertise in an effort to drive research, innovation, and cybersecurity resilience across strategic sectors.
Why This Matters
Cyber-sovereignty makes sure that critical national infrastructure is kept safe and managed domestically.
Talent pipeline: Trains UAE nationals in high-level skills in cybersecurity, cryptography, and space systems.
Innovation hub: This enables R&D and thought leadership in emerging cyber domains, particularly quantum and space tech.
Conclusion
The creation of the UAE National Cyber Centre of Excellence is a key milestone in its path to becoming a digital leader. In partnership with Thales and through strategic investments in people and research, the UAE is paving the way towards a secure, sovereign, and future-proof cyber ecosystem.
