Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the esteemed Head of Cyber Security for the Government of the UAE, recently led a high-level UAE delegation consisting of numerous participants from leading Emirati entities to the highly anticipated Cyber Week 2023 Conference held in Tel Aviv. The delegation’s visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties, explore collaboration opportunities, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends in cybersecurity.
At the Cyber Week Conference, Dr. Al Kuwaiti assumed the role of a keynote speaker during the main plenary panel titled “Safeguarding the Nation: Cybersecurity Strategies for a Digital Age.” Alongside him were prominent figures such as Gaby Portnoy, the Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, as well as several high-ranking government officials from around the world. Their participation in this influential event underscored the UAE’s commitment to addressing cybersecurity challenges on a global scale.
During their stay, the UAE delegation engaged in meetings with key stakeholders within Israel’s thriving cyber ecosystem. These included interactions with investors, Chief Information Security Officers, and top cyber experts. Additionally, they had the opportunity to visit cutting-edge cyber labs, research and development centers, and innovative startups. The objective was to foster deeper partnerships and explore potential collaborations and bilateral investment prospects between the UAE and Israel.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in cybersecurity, asserting that it cannot be tackled by a single person, organization, or country in isolation. He stressed the significance of partnerships between the private and public sectors, as well as collaboration with academia and industry. By uniting stakeholders in the digital ecosystem with a shared vision, the UAE aims to foster a cyber-secure and resilient future not only for its own nation but also for its international partners and allies.
Amir Hayek, Ambassador of Israel to the UAE, acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in the cybersecurity domain. He recognized the criticality of maintaining a secure and resilient digital infrastructure and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to nurturing relationships and promoting cross-border partnerships in cybersecurity and beyond.
On the sidelines of the Cyber Week conference, a significant milestone was achieved as the UAE-based global cybersecurity community, EliteCISOs, and the Israel-based NGO, Cyber Together, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at expanding the global reach of EliteCISOs to Israel. This partnership seeks to enhance cooperation in cybersecurity between key professionals in both countries.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti and Oded Joseph, Deputy Director General and Head of Middle East Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel. Oded Joseph expressed Israel’s full commitment to fostering collaborations and partnerships with the UAE, extending beyond governmental relations to include organizations and individuals. This MoU serves as a testament to the shared benefits of the Abraham Accords, manifesting as partnerships that strengthen the cybersecurity landscape in both nations.
Under the terms of the MoU, EliteCISOs and Cyber Together will engage in various initiatives, including knowledge-sharing, joint training programs, and workshops aimed at enhancing cybersecurity capabilities. The collaboration will also focus on promoting the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals and addressing emerging threats in both the UAE and Israel.
The Consulate-General of Israel in Dubai played a pivotal role in initiating and nurturing the relationship between EliteCISOs and Cyber Together. This effort aligns with the Consulate’s broader endeavor to establish new cyber-based partnerships between entities in the UAE and Israel, underscoring the commitment to bilateral growth and mutual cooperation.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti’s leadership and the UAE delegation’s participation in Cyber Week 2023 Conference in Tel Aviv have further strengthened the ties between the UAE and Israel in the field of cybersecurity. Their visit provided valuable insights, facilitated collaborations, and paved the way for future joint initiatives aimed at ensuring a secure and resilient digital future for both nations.
