Sharjah Cyber Security Centre, operating under Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fortinet Inc., a US-based global leader in cybersecurity solutions and services. The agreement aims to reinforce cooperation in ICT security and enhance national capabilities in addressing cyber threats.
Objectives of the MoU
- Strengthening national collaboration in ICT security
- Advancing legislative and regulatory frameworks
- Supporting judicial and law enforcement efforts in cyber deterrence, prevention, and response
- Developing awareness and educational programmes
- Joint scientific and technological research
- Business and economic exchange related to cybersecurity
The MoU seeks to foster cooperation between both parties across various ICT and cybersecurity domains. It also includes joint organisation of technical workshops, training sessions, and cyber drills, as well as mutual participation in technical forums and educational initiatives.
Key Components of the Partnership
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to NSE training materials | Fortinet Inc. will provide access to its NSE training materials to enhance institutional capabilities and advance national digital resilience. |
| Advisory support for incident response | Fortinet Inc. will provide advisory support for incident response to support the development of national digital resilience. |
| Joint efforts in gap assessments, enterprise networking, cloud security, and digital forensics | Both parties will collaborate on joint efforts in gap assessments, enterprise networking, cloud security, and digital forensics to advance national digital resilience. |
Quotes from the Signatories
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of SDD, stated, “Establishing a secure and resilient digital environment is one of the core objectives for which Sharjah Digital Department was founded. Cybersecurity and digital trust are key pillars of this journey; we are committed to protecting Sharjah’s critical digital assets and ensuring their integrity amid evolving global threats.”
Abdelnasir Obaid BuKhatir, Director of the Sharjah Cyber Security Center, stated, “This partnership with Fortinet Inc. marks a strategic milestone in our ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem in the Emirate of Sharjah and strengthen national digital capabilities capable of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.”
A spokesperson from Fortinet Inc. expressed their pride in formalising the agreement, noting the broad scope of collaboration it enables with Sharjah Cyber Security Center. They highlighted Fortinet Inc’s global expertise in information security, affirming that this partnership is a key step toward developing a robust, sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem aligned with Sharjah’s vision for digital transformation.
Key Principles of the MoU
- Sovereign equality
Reinforces the principle of sovereign equality, which contributes to advancing cybersecurity and promoting digital resilience across Sharjah and the wider United Arab Emirates.
- Mutual respect
Reinforces the principle of mutual respect, which is essential for fostering inclusive innovation and advancing sustainable digital solutions.
- Reciprocal cooperation
Reinforces the principle of reciprocal cooperation, which is vital for advancing cybersecurity and promoting digital resilience across Sharjah and the wider United Arab Emirates.
The MoU also includes provisions for building a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, safeguarding the progress of digital transformation, and supporting long-term, sustainable development.
The partnership between Sharjah Cyber Security Centre and Fortinet Inc. is a significant step toward developing a robust, sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem aligned with Sharjah’s vision for digital transformation.
