Google Cloud and the United Arab Emirates unveil the region's first Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
The UAE Cabinet has officially inaugurated the Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Google Cloud as of mid-2025[1][2]. This center serves as a Global Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity, aimed at strengthening the UAE’s digital resilience and cybersecurity infrastructure[3].
The collaboration between the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Google Cloud is a pivotal step in securing the UAE's digital future. This partnership underscores the UAE's commitment to cybersecurity innovation, economic resilience, and global digital leadership[4].
Key details of the center include:
- Partnership with Google Cloud: Leveraging Google Cloud’s advanced technology and expertise to bolster cybersecurity capabilities within Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE[1][2].
- Focus on Digital Resilience: The center is positioned as a critical node supporting the UAE’s strategy to enhance its cybersecurity posture amid increasing cyber threats[3].
- Enhancing Strategic Cooperation: The center supports the UAE leadership’s vision to promote strategic collaborations globally, reinforcing cyber resilience and capacity-building with allied nations, as evidenced by related regional initiatives[5].
Expected impacts on the region’s economy and cybersecurity landscape:
- Economic Growth: By establishing a cutting-edge cybersecurity hub, Abu Dhabi aims to attract global businesses, investments, and talent, increasing the region's competitiveness in the tech sector.
- Cybersecurity Leadership: The center is expected to elevate the UAE as a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation, providing advanced solutions to protect critical infrastructure and combat emerging threats.
- Capacity Building & Strategic Alliances: The center fosters local expertise and facilitates international strategic partnerships, promoting a more resilient and secure digital environment across the UAE and neighboring regions[5].
The center's focus on collaboration, education, and expert talent-partnering, as well as its partnerships with global academia and think tanks, will cultivate a new generation of cyber professionals. Google Cloud will invest significantly in local infrastructure for the Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi.
Government employees across the UAE will gain access to over 900 virtual courses via Google Cloud Skills Boost. A dedicated training program, led by Mandiant (a Google Cloud company), will offer immersive, real-world cyber simulations and role-based learning.
The Cybersecurity Excellence Center's goal of creating a secure, innovative digital ecosystem is expected to contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy. The center is projected to prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030.
The announcement follows the recent U.S. visit of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. High-performing startups could receive up to $300,000 in Google Cloud credits, the highest tier globally[6]. In addition, a 2025 accelerator program for 25 startups from Hub71 will be launched by Google Cloud[7].
References:
[1] https://www.gulfnews.com/business/technology/google-cloud-to-launch-cybersecurity-excellence-center-in-abu-dhabi-1.1634494835629
[2] https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-cloud-to-open-new-cybersecurity-excellence-center-in-abu-dhabi/
[3] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/technology/uae-to-open-google-clouds-cybersecurity-excellence-centre-in-abu-dhabi
[4] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/technology/412779-google-cloud-to-open-uae-s-first-cybersecurity-excellence-centre-in-abu-dhabi
[5] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/business-awards/403313-uae-cybersecurity-excellence-centre-to-create-20000-jobs-by-2030
[6] https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-cloud-to-offer-up-to-300k-in-cloud-credits-to-startups/
[7] https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-cloud-to-launch-accelerator-program-for-uae-startups-in-2025/
- The UAE's collaboration with Google Cloud on the Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Abu Dhabi demonstrates a dedication to cybersecurity leadership and global digital leadership.
- The strategic partnership aims to bolster the UAE's digital resilience and cybersecurity infrastructure by leveraging Google Cloud's advanced technology and expertise.
- By positioning the center as a Global Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity, the UAE seeks to elevate its status as a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation.
- The center's focus on digital resilience, education, and expert collaboration will cultivate a new generation of cyber professionals, with government employees given access to over 900 virtual courses via Google Cloud Skills Boost.
- In addition to fostering local expertise, the center is expected to attract global businesses, talent, and investments, thereby boosting the UAE's competitiveness in the tech sector.
- The integration of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology within the center is projected to prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, contributing significantly to the UAE's economy.
