UAE launches cyber resilience center to boost tech security adoption

The UAE Cyber Security Council and SCC Middle East have announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Cyber Resilience and Trusted Technology in the UAE. This facility will drive the secure adoption of new technologies across government agencies, businesses, and international markets. The launch was revealed during AI Everything Abu Dhabi, where the center was described as a testing ground for real-world applications alongside large-scale security assessments.

The initiative follows a three-phase approach. The first phase centers on building national capability by delivering executive learning, practical labs, and specialist development across AI, cloud, data, cybersecurity, and critical national infrastructure, helping organizations move from experimentation toward secure, practical adoption.

In the second phase, an incubator program will support UAE-based cybersecurity startups. Participants will test their solutions against real-world requirements before scaling their operations. The final phase will focus on creating pathways to international markets, helping selected UAE-developed technologies connect with global customers, ecosystems, and commercial opportunities.

The partnership merges the UAE government’s cybersecurity leadership with SCC Middle East’s technical resources. H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, highlighted how the center will convert national goals, including AI integration and digital resilience, into practical capability. Daniel Valle, CEO of SCC Middle East, stressed that the project prioritizes real-world solutions over theoretical demonstrations, emphasizing measurable results over abstract discussions.

Under the innovation center, both parties will lead integration and delivery, bringing together the expertise and resources required according to each program’s needs. The UAE has set ambitious goals around artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the development of a secure and resilient digital economy. The Centre of Excellence will create an environment for government, industry, and technology partners to turn that ambition into practical capability.

The initiative provides a collaborative space where regulators, businesses, and technology providers can address deployment challenges together. The UAE’s approach ties innovation to commercial success, ensuring that developed technologies are not only created but also validated in operational environments.

Initial operations will proceed under shared leadership, with SCC Middle East overseeing implementation across all phases. Officials confirmed the focus will remain on practical problem-solving for customers, ensuring technology aligns with specific needs rather than broad, theoretical demonstrations.