Digital Dubai and the Dubai Police have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on cyber security.

The agreement adds to the existing partnership between government entities entrusted with cyber-security issues. It is a common factor between the Dubai Digital Strategy, which aims to promote a comprehensive and integrated digital life, and Dubai Police, which takes on the responsibility of ensuring the community’s safety and security in all areas of life.

“This agreement is the culmination of an extended process of close cooperation with Digital Dubai and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre,” said Abdullah Al Marri, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police. “We are honoured to be partners in achieving the higher goals of the Dubai government and implementing the vision of our wise leadership. At Dubai Police, we are committed to providing security, be it personal, psychological, economic, social, and so on. Naturally, cyber security is an integral part of the operation, as we live in an era where digitisation is part of our way of life.”

Hamad Al Mansoori, director general of Digital Dubai, added: “The world today is witnessing great transformations, a rapid development of technologies and a proliferation of digitised lifestyles. In Dubai, we follow our wise leadership’s directives to promote further integration of government efforts so that Dubai remains a role model and a leader in digital transformation, which prioritises people’s wellbeing and happiness as an objective. Working to consolidate the foundations of digital life requires complete readiness in providing digital services, all while ensuring utmost safety and security in cyber space. And this is what makes today’s agreement with Dubai Police all the more important; they are a strategic partner in our efforts to create a fully digitised, integrated and secure life.”

The MoU was signed at the Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (Gisec) in Dubai last month by Yousef Hamad Al Shaibani, director general of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, and Ahmed Mohammed Rafi, assistant commander-in-chief for administration affairs at Dubai Police.

Al Shaibani said Digital Dubai’s commitment to developing strategic partnerships with its various partners from institutions and government sector entities in Dubai served the emirate’s vision to enhance its position as a world leader in innovation, safety and security. He explained that the MoU was part of Digital Dubai’s efforts to promote innovation and effectively contribute to developing employees’ cyber-security skills and capabilities across various entities through programmes and training courses that train employees and keep them updated on global developments.

Rafi lauded the partnership, which has helped advance collaboration towards achieving mutual goals, promoting efficiency among information technology graduates, enhancing the capabilities and knowledge of Dubai Police cyber-security specialists, developing training programmes and educational material, and preparing scenarios and simulating exercises for cyber attacks.

He also applauded Digital Dubai’s efforts and awareness programmes, which target all segments of the community. He noted the contributions Digital Dubai had made towards raising awareness among students of Hemaya schools, and its efforts in achieving the two entities’ shared vision to be fully prepared to face emerging digital and technological challenges as a result of incorrect use of technology, and to ensure these instruments are handled professionally to promote holistic security.

As per the MoU, the two sides will cooperate in several areas, including preparing joint programmes to raise the efficiency of graduates specialising in information technology, and training and qualifying Dubai Police employees and students in cyber security. Furthermore, the two parties will collaborate to spread awareness of cyber security among all segments of the community, periodically holding simulation exercises for cyber attacks. They will work to develop educational programmes and materials focusing on cyber security, and tailored to the requirements of Dubai Police, in addition to cooperating on efforts to spread awareness of cyber-security issues among school students.