Cybersecurity Council and IBM Launch Joint Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi

Establishment of the Joint Innovation Center

The UAE Cybersecurity Council, in collaboration with IBM, has unveiled plans to create a joint innovation center in Abu Dhabi. This initiative was announced during the ‘Make in the UAE 2026’ event, attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, and Shukri Eid, General Manager of IBM for the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan. The center aims to support and accelerate the UAE government’s objectives in the realms of trustworthy artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital innovation.

The joint innovation center is designed to serve as a strategic platform for collaboration among government entities, private sector players, academic institutions, and international partners. It will integrate technology, expertise, and public policy engagement to bolster the UAE’s national vision in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Additionally, the center is expected to enhance the adoption of responsible artificial intelligence, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, and support reliable digital transformation in alignment with the nation’s priorities. This initiative will enable IBM to leverage its global technologies and expertise while collaborating with its ecosystem of partners to better serve clients and stakeholders in the UAE and the broader region.

Focus Areas and Strategic Goals

The primary focus areas of the joint innovation center include talent development, emerging technologies, governance frameworks, and solution development. This encompasses collaboration in innovating and developing national capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills. The center will also explore technologies such as artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, and advanced cybersecurity capabilities, while contributing to the formulation of governance frameworks that align with national requirements and global standards.

Moreover, the center aims to identify opportunities to develop localized solutions targeting regional and international markets through collaboration within the partner ecosystem and product and solution market strategies. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti emphasized that under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the nation is committed to building a secure and future-ready digital ecosystem characterized by resilience, innovation, and global competitiveness.

He stated, ‘Our collaboration with IBM underscores the importance of reliable partnerships in enhancing national cybersecurity capabilities, supporting the responsible adoption of technologies, and contributing to the comprehensive digital transformation journey of the country.’

IBM’s Commitment to the UAE

Shukri Eid remarked that the UAE has established itself as one of the most advanced environments globally for technology-driven transformation. Through the innovation center in Abu Dhabi, IBM aims to reinforce its commitment to the UAE by accelerating innovation, supporting local talent and capabilities development, and creating a robust platform for trustworthy innovation that contributes to responsible artificial intelligence development and cybersecurity resilience.

The joint innovation center between the Cybersecurity Council and IBM will facilitate collaboration in developing reliable solutions in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, enhancing national competencies and talents, and pushing locally developed innovations into regional and global markets. By combining IBM’s global expertise with the national vision and leadership provided by the Cybersecurity Council, this collaboration will contribute to establishing sustainable local capabilities and enhancing the UAE’s position as a leading destination for reliable technological innovation and strategic cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the joint innovation center?

The center aims to enhance AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation in the UAE.

Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?

The initiative involves the UAE Cybersecurity Council and IBM, along with government, private, and academic partners.

How will the center support local talent development?

The center will focus on building national capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills.

What technologies will the center explore?

The center will explore AI, intelligent automation, and advanced cybersecurity capabilities.

What are the long-term goals of this collaboration?

The collaboration aims to establish sustainable local capabilities and enhance the UAE’s position in technological innovation.