The UAE Cabinet has approved support for the launch of Google Cloud’s first Cybersecurity Excellence Centre in Abu Dhabi.
The centre is the result of a collaboration between the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Google Cloud.
The Cybersecurity Excellence Centre will focus on collaboration, training, and talent development.
It aims to foster partnerships with global academic institutions, deliver role-based cybersecurity training, and build local expertise.
Training will be delivered by Mandiant, part of Google Cloud, offering immersive, scenario-based learning based on real-world cyberattacks.
Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said:
“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.”
Google Cloud also plans to launch a 2025 accelerator programme in partnership with Hub71, selecting 25 startups for growth-focused support.
Top-performing startups will be eligible for up to US$300,000 in Google Cloud credits. All Hub71 startups will receive access to cloud services and infrastructure support.
Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security, said:
“The UAE has a clear vision to become a global leader in cybersecurity, and Google Cloud is honoured 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.”
The new centre in Abu Dhabi aims to support secure digital transformation and reinforce the UAE’s cyber resilience amid growing global threats.
Featured image credit: edited from Unsplash
