,tier after scoring full marks across all 5 pillars, and to developing the partnership between the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the ITU to become one of the most active bilateral cooperation frameworks in cybersecurity between a national body and the United Nations system.Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti said that the UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, continues to work on building a secure digital environment that fosters innovation and supports the transition toward becoming a world-leading state in artificial intelligence — one capable of anticipating challenges and creating a prosperous and secure digital future for coming generations.The meeting highlighted a number of current and future avenues of cooperation between the Cybersecurity Council and the ITU, including reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between the two sides, who confirmed their continued commitment to deepening joint cooperation. The UAE renewed its role in providing the expertise, resources, and leadership needed to enhance cyber resilience at the regional and global levels, as well as advancing cybersecurity governance and sustainable cooperation.Discussions also addressed challenges related to resource mobilization and funding, alongside strengthening governance frameworks and scalable models that support the long-term sustainability of cybersecurity initiatives, and the exploration of future-oriented initiatives.The meeting spotlighted forward-looking concepts, including a proposed Cybersecurity Acceleration Centre, and continued collaboration on AI-powered cybersecurity initiatives, reinforcing the shared vision of building resilient, innovation-driven digital ecosystems.Under Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti's chairmanship, the UAE and its Arab partner states are preparing to deepen their contribution to this global agenda, ensuring that the Arab region is not merely represented at the table but is an active partner in shaping its course. The UAE Cybersecurity Council and the ITU affirmed their joint commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and standards-based digital ecosystem in the Arab world and beyond.
Thursday, 2 July 2026, 11:54 PM
Al Kuwaiti: The UAE is building a digital environment that supports the transition toward becoming a world-leading state in artificial intelligence
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, as Chair of the Arab Regional Group of Study Group 17 of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (SG17RG-ARB), following the conclusion of the group's virtual meeting on Arab states on 18 May 2026.
Study Group 17 of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector is the international body responsible for information security standardization. It works to develop global standards in the fields of cybersecurity, identity management, privacy, and emerging technologies, and plays a pivotal role in linking regional cybersecurity priorities with the international standards that underpin a secure and trusted digital future.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti has an extensive track record in leading cybersecurity efforts at both the national and international levels. He has contributed to establishing the UAE's standing as a globally recognized cyber power and has spearheaded efforts to strengthen regional cooperation across the Arab world.
This appointment reflects the international community's confidence in his vision and expertise, and embodies the Arab region's growing role in shaping the standards that underpin the global digital security ecosystem.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti contributed to the UAE achieving the highest ranking in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 within the
