• In line with the UAE’s vision to enhance National Cyber Sovereignty, Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and accelerate the country’s Cyber capabilities.
  • This partnership includes the creation of three major capabilities within the framework of the Cyber Center of Excellence: A Space META Security Operation Centre (SOC), a Cyber Evaluation Lab, and a Crypto Lab.
  • This long-term strategic collaboration focuses on building local capacities, driving innovation, and strengthening sovereign cyber defence capabilities, with, to start with, the space sector as the first area of interest.

On the occasion of Dubai Air Show, Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership aimed at developing a Cyber Centre of Excellence in the UAE.

This agreement covers the co-development and establishment of three key projects:

  • Space META-SOC (Security Operation Centre): a specialised centre dedicated to the cybersecurity of space infrastructures, developed in cooperation with a local industrial partner. Connected to the national SOC, this SOC will integrate advanced technical capabilities and enable knowledge transfer through training focused on satellite constellations and ground system monitoring.
  • Cyber Evaluation Lab: a testing and evaluation laboratory for software and hardware asset, designed to be operated by UAE nationals. This lab will also support the development of policies, standards, and governance frameworks for the UAE critical domains, with the space sector as the initial area of interest, positioning the country as a regional showcase for cyberspace excellence.
  • Crypto Lab: a platform for designing, testing, implementing and validating cryptographic solutions for the space environment, with a focus on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Knowledge transfer and advanced training will be provided by Thales experts, leveraging experience gained from European Space Agency (ESA) projects.

These projects will be part of the Cyber Center of Excellence, an initiative 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 contribute to building a sustainable Emirati expertise in space Cyber Security, His Excellency Dr. Al Kuwaiti affirmed that this partnership comes within the framework of the UAE’s strategic vision to enhance cyber resilience, train national talent in digital fields, and protect the country’s digital space from increasing risks and threats. He added that it also reflects the continued commitment to strengthening cooperation and mutual coordination with leading global companies in the field of cybersecurity, ensuring a secure and prosperous digital future.

“This partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council marks a major milestone in our joint commitment to advancing the UAE’s sovereign, secure and sustainable Cyber Security ecosystem. Together, we combine our complementary expertise and shared ambition to shape the future of Cyber Security, starting with the Space domain” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communications & Information Systems, Thales.

With the Cyber Center of Excellence, Thales and the Cyber Security Council will leverage joint research, development, and innovation, to strengthen the UAE’s existing capabilities and build new ones. The collaboration will also extend to other strategic domains beyond space, with both parties jointly addressing international markets.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies in advanced for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

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About UAE Cyber Security Council

In November 2020, the UAE Cabinet established the UAE Cyber Security Council to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and ensure a safe and strong cyber infrastructure, as a part of the UAE vision to strive toward a more secure digital transformation, The Council, led by the UAE Government’s Head of Cyber Security, aims to contribute to the nation’s legal and regulatory frameworks for cybersecurity and to secure both current and emerging technologies. It also responsible for building a vibrant ecosystem for cyber security across UAE driving innovation and stimulating economic growth in cyber through collaboration with industry, academia and international cyber diplomacy. The Council is also responsible for pioneering and implement awareness & capacity development initiatives across UAE to enhance the safety and security of the UAE populace, in line with leadership’s vision.

For more information please visit: www.csc.gov.ae