Abu dhabi: The UAE Cyber Security Council and Siemens have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity across critical infrastructure and industrial sectors, with the aim of securing operational technology (OT) environments across the UAE's industrial landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU, signed on the sidelines of the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates, establishes a strategic framework for joint action in cyber defense, knowledge sharing, and the development of locally hosted security capabilities, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in digital resilience. Under the agreement, the two parties intend to establish a Joint Innovation Center of Excellence dedicated to advancing OT cybersecurity research, talent development, and the deployment of advanced solutions within the UAE.
The collaboration comes at a time when cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure are escalating globally in both frequency and complexity. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasized the commitment to building a secure, innovation-driven digital economy. The partnership with Siemens aims to create a robust cyber defense ecosystem as part of the National Cybersecurity Strategy to enhance threat detection, response, and recovery capabilities across all sectors.
Mohamed Khalifa, Head of Digital Industries at Siemens in the Middle East, highlighted that the MoU reflects a shared belief that securing critical infrastructure requires deep collaboration and local capability building. The agreement includes locally hosted security infrastructure through the deployment of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform within the UAE using national cloud infrastructure to ensure data sovereignty and operational proximity.
The partnership also addresses secure cross-border integration, enabling rapid and coordinated incident response across multiple geographies. Additionally, the agreement involves the phased expansion of UAE-based Security Operations Center capabilities and exploring deployment options for Siemens' SINEC Guard solution on UAE cloud infrastructure.
Beyond technology deployment, the MoU establishes a framework for ongoing information exchange and joint incident response. The two parties plan to share intelligence related to information security risks and coordinate advisory support during cybersecurity incidents. The cooperation also includes technical workshops, cybersecurity training programs, and knowledge exchange initiatives aimed at strengthening the UAE's national cyber talent pipeline.
This initiative builds on Siemens' leadership in industrial cybersecurity, with the company protecting critical infrastructure worldwide. Siemens' global team of cybersecurity experts handle numerous incidents monthly, supporting enterprises and governments in addressing IT and OT cyber threats. The framework aims to deliver a comprehensive knowledge ecosystem that strengthens skills and institutional resilience to support the UAE's long-term cyber defense capabilities.