As GISEC Global 2025 drew to a close on May 8th, the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) concluded its landmark participation by unveiling key cybersecurity initiatives, solidifying strategic partnerships, and celebrating national cyber talent. The event underscored Dubai’s growing stature as a global hub for innovation, digital governance, and cyber resilience.
The Dubai Electronic Security Center, the official government cybersecurity partner for GISEC Global for the eighth year running, used this platform to further its three strategic pillars: securing national digital infrastructure, nurturing Emirati cyber talent, and promoting global collaboration on cybersecurity standards.
His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, CEO of DESC, emphasized the vision guiding the Center’s strategy:
“Our projects and partnerships reflect the vision of our leadership to position Dubai as a global hub for innovation and digital security. We are proud of our achievements at GISEC Global 2025, which align with our commitment to building a secure and sustainable digital economy.”
Key Announcements and Initiatives
1. Zero Trust Assessment Tool & Guideline
DESC introduced a Zero Trust cybersecurity framework tailored for government entities. Built on the principle of continuous identity and access verification, this guideline helps reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen threat mitigation across Dubai’s critical systems.
2. Launch of Ethaq Plus Platform
Ethaq Plus is DESC’s new digital trust infrastructure. It enables secure authentication and transaction verification using advanced digital certificates, supporting safe communications and robust data integrity across public sector services.
3. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Guidelines
In anticipation of quantum computing threats, DESC launched the PQC Guideline a forward-thinking policy designed to transition Dubai’s encryption frameworks into post-quantum readiness, ensuring the long-term protection of digital assets.
4. ISR Officer Certification Program
DESC launched the Information Security Regulation (ISR) Officer Certification Program aimed at government employees. The program is designed to empower cybersecurity leaders with essential knowledge to implement and enforce national cybersecurity standards.
5. Strategic MoU with Moro Hub
On the sidelines of GISEC Global, DESC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moro Hub, a Digital DEWA company. The MoU enables joint delivery of advanced cybersecurity assessments for Dubai’s government entities, strengthening protection against rising digital threats.
Celebrating National Cyber Talent
In a vibrant demonstration of its commitment to talent development, DESC hosted two major competitions at GISEC Global:
1. Dubai Cyber Challenge
This advanced technical competition featured over 30 simulation-based cybersecurity challenges. Participants from key Dubai government entities competed in a highly competitive environment that tested their skills in compliance, risk management, and incident response.
- 1st Place: Digital Dubai Authority
- 2nd Place: Dubai Customs
- 3rd Place: Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC)
2. School of Cyber Defense Championship
Targeting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, this championship attracted over 300 university applicants across the UAE. The top finalists competed in simulated environments replicating real-world cyber threats.
- 1st Place: Al Ain University
- 2nd Place: University of Dubai
- 3rd Place: Abu Dhabi University
- Total Prizes Awarded: AED 130,000
These initiatives not only celebrated cybersecurity excellence but also incentivized students to explore careers in the field, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline.
Statements from Leadership
Al Shaibani reiterated DESC’s ongoing commitment:
“Our strategy focuses on strengthening collaboration, fostering innovation, and preparing for future challenges, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a leader in digital security.”
His comments were echoed by several stakeholders at GISEC Global, who praised Dubai’s leadership in advancing digital security infrastructure while engaging with international partners to raise cybersecurity standards.
International Collaboration and Vision
DESC’s GISEC Global 2025 participation reinforces its leadership role within the global cybersecurity ecosystem. Its efforts align with the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy and the broader Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), both of which target smart governance, data protection, and sustainable economic transformation through innovation.
By collaborating with global partners and private sector innovators, DESC continues to create a multi-stakeholder cybersecurity culture capable of addressing threats in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
10 Cybersecurity Recommendations for Government Entities and Enterprises:
- Implement a Zero Trust Architecture: Eliminate implicit trust and continuously verify user identities.
- Deploy Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Secure all critical applications with MFA to reduce identity-based breaches.
- Invest in Post-Quantum Cryptography: Start adapting systems to resist future quantum decryption threats.
- Develop a Cyber Incident Response Plan: Simulate cyberattack scenarios and ensure key personnel are trained to respond.
- Enable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitor and secure endpoints with automated detection tools.
- Use Secure Certificate Infrastructure: Ensure encryption standards for authentication, communication, and storage are up to date.
- Conduct Regular Penetration Testing: Identify weaknesses through ethical hacking and address vulnerabilities promptly.
- Train Government Employees: Build a culture of cybersecurity awareness at all organizational levels.
- Promote Cross-Sector Cyber Collaboration: Share threat intelligence with both public and private stakeholders.
- Engage Youth Early: Introduce cybersecurity in high school and university curriculums to grow future talent.
Conclusion:
The Dubai Electronic Security Center’s role at GISEC Global 2025 reaffirmed its leadership in building a digitally resilient and future-ready cybersecurity ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships, innovative toolkits, and talent empowerment programs, DESC is setting an example for the region and the world.
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, proactive initiatives like those launched at GISEC are essential to secure cities, economies, and digital futures. DESC’s mission goes beyond defense it is about enabling innovation with confidence and building a trustworthy digital society.
