The Tawazun Council, the UAE Cyber Security Council and Lockheed Martin signed today a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
This initiative, enabled through the Tawazun Economic Program and overseen by the Tawazun Council, underscores the UAE’s commitment to enhancing digital security capabilities, developing local expertise and increasing in-country value to support the nation’s evolving digital security landscape.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the Government of the UAE; Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, secretary-general at Tawazun Council, and Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, signed the LoI in the presence of retired U.S. army general John W. Nicholson Jr., chief executive, Lockheed Martin Middle East, at IDEX 2025.
Bolstering national security and resilience
The UAE’s cybersecurity center will focus on advanced research, specialized training and industry collaboration. It will provide centralized Security Operations Center (SOC) services, create dedicated ‘Cyber Valleys’ across the UAE, and serve as a critical platform to bolster national security and resilience against cyber threats.
“The establishment of this center reflects Tawazun Council’s commitment to reinforcing the UAE’s digital security landscape and cultivating advanced local talent capable of protecting vital infrastructure, particularly in the defense sector, which is increasingly reliant on digital innovations,” stated Dr. Al Nuaimi,
He added that the development of this center is a key step in developing advanced digital infrastructure and a secure, sustainable cyber environment. The center aims to advance knowledge transfer and innovative solutions to strengthen cyber security resilience.
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Developing local expertise to address complex digital security challenges
For his part, Dr. Al-Kuwaiti emphasized that the cybersecurity center marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s efforts to enhance national cybersecurity and develop local capabilities in this critical field.
“By leveraging the latest technologies and adopting global best practices, we are committed to developing local expertise and fostering a secure digital environment that supports economic diversification and sustainable growth,” he stated.
The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence will bring together UAE national companies, academic institutions and Lockheed Martin’s global network of cybersecurity experts. This collaboration will foster knowledge-sharing, entrepreneurship and research while establishing the UAE as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
“This center will drive innovation, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, and empower Emirati talent to lead the way in addressing complex digital security challenges,” added Nicholson.
By integrating cutting-edge technology and comprehensive skills development programs, the center will also serve as a key enabler of the UAE’s vision for a secure, knowledge-driven economy. Its efforts will empower a skilled local workforce, contribute to the nation’s defense ecosystem, and set a new standard in cybersecurity innovation and excellence.
