Dubai, UAE - March 23, 2022 – Digital Dubai and Dubai Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership and collaborate towards achieving strategic goals in cybersecurity, in addition to driving innovation and human resource development, in both entities.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Yousef Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), and H.E. Major General Ahmed Mohammed Rafi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Administration Affairs at Dubai Police, at the DESC’s stand at the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC), which was held in Dubai this week.

The agreement adds to the existing partnership between government entities entrusted with cybersecurity 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.

His Excellency Major-General Abdullah Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: “This agreement is the culmination of an extended process of close cooperation with Digital Dubai and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre. We are honored 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, etc. Naturally, cybersecurity is an integral part of the operation, as we live in an era where digitization is part of our way of life.”

Meanwhile, H.E. Hamad Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “The world today is witnessing great transformations, a rapid development of technologies, and a proliferation of digitized 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 prioritizes people’s wellbeing and happiness as an objective. Working to consolidate the foundations of digital life requires complete readiness in providing digital services and solutions, all while ensuring utmost safety and security in cyberspace. 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 digitized, integrated, and secure life.”

H.E. Yousef Al Shaibani asserted Digital Dubai’s commitment to developing strategic partnerships with its various partners from institutions and government sector entities in Dubai, in a manner that serves the emirate’s vision to enhance its position as a world leader in innovation, safety, and security.

H.E. explained that the MoU is part of Digital Dubai’s efforts to promote innovation and effectively contribute to developing employees’ cybersecurity skills and capabilities across various entities through advanced programs and training courses that train employees and keep them updated on global developments in this vital, which is faced with numerous challenges.

For his part, Major General Ahmed Mohammed Rafi, lauded the strategic partnership between the Dubai Police General Command and Digital Dubai, which has helped advance collaboration towards achieving mutual goals, promoting efficiency among information technology graduates, enhancing the capabilities and knowledge of Dubai Police cybersecurity specialists, developing training programs and educational material, and finally, preparing scenarios and simulating exercises for cyberattacks.

Maj. Gen. Rafi also applauded Digital Dubai’s outstanding efforts and awareness programs, which target all segments of the community. H.E. noted the valuable contributions Digital Dubai has made towards raising awareness among students of Hemaya Schools, and its efforts to 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 advanced instruments are handled professionally to promote holistic security.

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

 

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