Doha: The State of Qatar hosted the first Arab Cyber Exercise today, marking a significant collaborative effort as part of the National Cyber Drill organized by the National Cyber Security Agency in its 12th edition under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks."
According to Qatar News Agency, the exercise gathered representatives from 21 Arab countries and the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers. The initiative aims to enhance joint cooperation among Arab states in the field of cybersecurity, strengthening collective action, and promoting the exchange of expertise to support cyber readiness and digital security and stability in the region.
On this occasion, Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, the General Director of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), highlighted the emerging security challenges posed by cross-border threats targeting the region's digital infrastructure. He stressed the importance of specialized preparedness and proactive awareness in addressing these challenges.
Al Hammadi noted that the scenario crafted by the National Cyber Security Agency for this year's exercise was designed with precision to align with the specific operational environments of official cybersecurity institutions and centers in each participating country. He explained that the National Cyber Drills in Qatar, initiated in 2013, serve as a benchmark for assessing institutional readiness in responding to cyber risks. These exercises are crucial for enhancing institutional and economic development, identifying and addressing gaps, and evaluating the effectiveness of response and recovery strategies to minimize societal and economic impacts while ensuring national stability.
The General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers emphasized the significance of the exercise in bolstering cooperation among Arab countries and sharing expertise in cybersecurity. This strategic step is seen as vital for advancing the region's cybersecurity ecosystem.
The First Arab Cyber Exercise 2025 is part of a broader strategic approach aimed at fortifying the joint Arab cybersecurity framework and addressing cross-border digital threats.