UAE Cybersecurity Council meets for the first time

Council begins drafting updates to National Cybersecurity Strategy in light of increased online transactions since the pandemic

Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government, chairs the UAE Cybersecurity Council's first virtual meeting. Wam

The Cybersecurity Council held its first meeting on Thursday after its establishment by the UAE Cabinet in November.

Chaired by Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, the online meeting was attended by members of federal and local government.

Dr Al Kuwaiti said the aim of the council was to strengthen cybersecurity in the Emirates and improve co-ordination and response times to potential attacks.

He said the UAE had an advanced digital infrastructure and the council's goal was to protect it while adapting to rapid technological developments and ensuring the continuity of business.

The council discussed plans to draft, develop and update the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the national comprehensive response plan to attacks and threats.

They reviewed the general framework for exchanging, sharing and governing cybersecurity-related information with other local and international authorities.

Plans for the post-pandemic period were also discussed in the context of the significant technological developments taking place around the world. These developments require ambitious strategies to ensure the sustainability of the digital future safely, state news agency Wam reported .

It assessed the potential effect of electronic attacks on the UAE, in light of the considerable interactions taking place on the internet.

The council is responsible for suggesting and drafting legislation to strengthen cybersecurity in the country before submitting these to the UAE Cabinet for approval and subsequent implementation.