Abu dhabi: The UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM have unveiled plans to establish a joint Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi, aimed at advancing the UAE Government's agenda for trusted AI, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital innovation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event, attended by Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government and Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, and Shukri Eid, General Manager, IBM Gulf, Levant and Pakistan. The Innovation Center will serve as a strategic platform for collaboration among government, industry, academia, and international partners. It will focus on co-creating solutions that align with the UAE's national vision for AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
The center aims to advance responsible AI adoption, enhance cyber resilience, and facilitate trusted digital transformation in line with the UAE's national priorities. It will also enable IBM to leverage its technologies, expertise, and ecosystem collaboration for clients and partners in the UAE and the wider region.
The initiative's core priorities include talent and capacity building, emerging technologies, governance and trust frameworks, and solution development. This encompasses co-developing national capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, exploring technologies like intelligent automation, shaping governance frameworks aligned with national and global standards, and co-developing localized solutions for regional and international markets.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti emphasized the UAE's commitment to building a secure, future-ready digital ecosystem, highlighting the importance of partnerships like that with IBM to strengthen national cybersecurity and support digital transformation. Shukri Eid reiterated IBM's commitment to the UAE, aiming to advance innovation, support local talent, and create a platform for trusted innovation.
The joint Innovation Center will unite the UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM to develop trusted AI and cybersecurity solutions, enhance national capabilities, and promote locally developed innovations for global markets. The collaboration combines IBM's expertise with the UAE's vision and leadership, reinforcing the UAE's position as a leader in technology innovation and strategic collaboration.
The relationship is subject to the parties reaching definitive agreements.