UAE partners with Google for Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence

A Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence has been launched in Abu Dhabi, marking the UAE's collaboration with Google to use AI to advance digital infrastructure and ramp up cyber security.

It comes after His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Advisor, held talks with a number of tech leaders and CEOs in the US during his official visit. These discussions focused on AI’s potential to accelerate sustainable growth, enhance global innovation, and advance digital infrastructure.

The Centre, supported by the UAE Cyber Security Council, will be the first for the region.

Google Cloud also announced a dedicated accelerator programme for 2025, selecting 25 high-potential startups from Hub71's ecosystem for a three-month programme focused on scalable growth strategies and optimising business models.

Additionally, all startups within the Hub71 community are eligible for substantial Google Cloud credits, with top-performing startups accessing up to $300,000 in credits – the highest tier available globally.

Google Cloud will also, with the UAE Cyber Security Council’s backing, make significant investments in advanced cloud capabilities in the UAE. It's poised to generate significant economic benefits for the country.

By creating a secure digital ecosystem, the UAE will be able to mitigate billions of dollars in potential cybercrime losses, foster a thriving cybersecurity sector, and attract substantial foreign direct investment. Based on research conducted by Access Partnership, enhanced cybersecurity capabilities are projected to prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, support over 20,300 specialised cybersecurity jobs, and attract up to $1.4 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment by 2030.

To defend against increasingly complex cyber threats, a training programme has also been designed. It will offer virtual, hands-on, immersive courses that equip individuals and teams with the expertise to protect critical systems, harness AI-driven security tools, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.