Thales and UAE Cyber Security Council Unite to Unveil an Elite Cybersecurity Innovation Hub

• In alignment with the UAE’s ambition to enhance National Cyber Sovereignty, Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of strengthening and expediting the nation’s Cyber capabilities.
• This partnership includes the creation of three essential functions within the Cyber Center of Excellence framework: a Space META Security Operation Centre (SOC), a Cyber Evaluation Laboratory, and a Crypto Laboratory.
• This lasting strategic collaboration focuses on nurturing local expertise, stimulating innovation, and enhancing autonomous cyber defense systems, starting with the space sector as the central theme.

At the Dubai Air Show, Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a lasting strategic partnership aimed at developing a Cyber Centre of Excellence within the UAE.

This covenant includes the co-development and establishment of three key initiatives:

• Space META-SOC (Security Operation Centre): a specialized establishment dedicated to safeguarding the cybersecurity of space infrastructures, developed in collaboration with a local industry partner. This SOC will link to the national SOC, integrate advanced technical capabilities, and facilitate knowledge transfer via training focused on satellite constellations and ground system oversight.
• Cyber Evaluation Laboratory: a testing and analysis facility designed for software and hardware assets, set to be operated by UAE citizens. This laboratory will also contribute to the crafting of policies, standards, and governance frameworks for critical sectors within the UAE, with the space domain as the inaugural focus, positioning the nation as a regional leader in cyberspace excellence.
• Crypto Laboratory: a venue for crafting, testing, implementing, and validating cryptographic solutions tailored for the space environment, concentrating on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Specialized knowledge transfer and advanced training will be provided by Thales experts, leveraging insights gained from European Space Agency (ESA) initiatives.

These initiatives will play a vital role in the Cyber Center of Excellence, a project led by His Excellency Dr. Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE government. This collaboration aims to support the UAE’s vision for technological sovereignty, promote local research and development, and help cultivate a sustainable Emirati expertise in space Cyber Security. His Excellency Dr. Al Kuwaiti highlighted that this partnership corresponds with the UAE’s strategic objective of enhancing cyber resilience, training local talent in digital sectors, and protecting the nation’s digital territory from increasing threats and vulnerabilities. He also remarked that it exemplifies the ongoing dedication to fostering cooperation and collaboration with leading global cybersecurity firms, ensuring a secure and thriving digital future.

“This partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council represents a key milestone in our mutual devotion to advancing the UAE’s sovereign, secure, and sustainable Cyber Security landscape. Together, we unite our complementary expertise and shared aspirations to shape the future of Cyber Security, beginning with the Space sector,” stated Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communications & Information Systems, Thales.

Through the Cyber Center of Excellence, Thales and the Cyber Security Council will leverage collaborative research, development, and innovation to bolster the UAE’s existing capabilities and nurture new ones. The partnership will also extend to other strategic sectors beyond space, with both entities targeting international markets in tandem.