Doha: The Gulf Cybersecurity Forum 2024 commenced here on Wednesday under the slogan “Building Capacities and Competencies in Educational Cybersecurity.” The Forum seeks to increase awareness among university and higher education institution affiliates and equip technical staff in these institutions with practical skills related to cybersecurity.
According to Qatar News Agency, in the opening session, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi stated that the Gulf Cybersecurity Forum 2025 is part of the second initiative of the Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Action Plan. This plan has been approved by the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and member state Ministries of Higher Education.
Dr. Al Naimi emphasized that the Forum serves as an avenue for experts, specialists, and leaders from GCC countries to share recent developments and updates in cybersecurity. It also explores avenues for regional and international cooperation and partnerships. He stressed that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, highlighting the need for regional and global collaboration to safeguard data and societies in the digital era.
He also discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bolstering cybersecurity by predicting threats, analyzing patterns, and responding to attacks swiftly. However, he cautioned against the misuse of AI, which could lead to potential threats.
Dr. Al Naimi pointed out the crucial role of education in overcoming challenges, noting the increasing responsibility of Ministries of Education in preparing generations capable of using technology safely and developing innovative solutions to enhance global competitiveness.
Forum director general Dr. Mona Salem Al Fadhli remarked that the Forum is pivotal in bringing together leading minds and expertise in Gulf cybersecurity within higher education. She mentioned that the event will present the results of a research study for the third initiative of the Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Action Plan, focusing on encouraging participation, projects, and development initiatives in higher education.
Al Fadhli highlighted the importance of cybersecurity amid the ongoing digital transformation, emphasizing it as a fundamental pillar to ensure data sustainability and protection against rapidly increasing digital challenges. She noted that the Forum’s outcomes would bolster joint Gulf cooperation by facilitating further exchange of experiences and best practices to protect systems, networks, and data from harmful attacks.
Director of Telecommunications and e-Government at the General Secretariat of the GCC Maher Abdullah Alsaleh stated that the event unites cybersecurity and education, two critical pillars for building a sustainable future for the GCC countries. He remarked that the Forum reflects the growing interest in enhancing cyberspace security amid technological advancements.
Alsaleh added that the GCC has been focusing on enhancing cybersecurity cooperation between member states and other countries globally for nearly a decade, leading to the establishment of a GCC ministerial committee for cybersecurity and the creation of the Gulf Cybersecurity Strategy (2024-2028).
He stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between educational institutions and authorities responsible for regulating cybersecurity. Alsaleh underscored that education is the first step to building a secure cyberspace and emphasized the need to introduce cybersecurity curricula at all educational levels, as highlighted by relevant Gulf joint working committees. He also highlighted the ongoing need to raise awareness of cybersecurity risks and support research and innovation in the field.
