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A Doha-based cybersecurity expert has highlighted opportunities for Qatar to align with global standards and strengthen digital trust.Asked about the potential of Qatar’s regulatory frameworks, such as the National Cybersecurity Strategy, aligning with the global shifts outlined for 2026, CIELTECH chairman and president Dr Salah A Rustum emphasised that this is a moment of opportunity.Dr Rustum advised “to follow closely with the relevant authorities in both Europe and the US as a first step, and look into the legislation and work locally on its implementation in the shortest time possible.”Earlier, Dr Rustum explained to Gulf Times that one of the most critical changes will come on “March 15, 2026”, when the validity of Secure Sockets Layer or Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) certificates will be reduced “from 365 days to 200 days”, eventually reaching just “47 days”. He cautioned that this will impose significant technical burdens on all organisations, regardless of size.He pointed out that the shortening validity of SSL/TLS certificates, introduced by Google and Apple, will require swift adaptation, noting that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) may feel the pressure most. He also advised SMEs t seek assistance from technical companies in Qatar to ensure smooth compliance.“The impact shall mostly affect the SMEs directly in view of their reluctance to adapt accordingly and in the least time possible. They shall be a target to hackers in one way or another, considering the hackers’ use of AI, which, in my opinion, shall be swift enough to cause direct damage.“I do not feel the regulators have much to say here, since this is a decision taken by Google and Apple a few years ago affecting all Internet users around the world, and there is no deviation from it. I suggest that all businesses that need assistance should contact the technical companies serving here in Qatar and seek their assistance,” Dr Rustum explained.Asked about strengthening financial institutions in the country, Dr Rustum pointed to opportunities for banks to enhance their resilience by adopting stronger Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) practices, stating that “most definitely, those applying PKI at a large scale are at a more secure status, but they still are required to give these issues serious consideration.”According to Dr Rustum, Qatar’s diplomatic tradition could extend into digital trust governance. He recommends securing e-mail outside government channels to prevent intranet breaches, while also building sovereign cyber capabilities. 

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), in partnership with Al Noor Center for the Blind, launched Thursday the Digital Safety Booklet for Persons with Visual Disabilities, written in Braille. This initiative comes as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity indicators and promote digital safety across society.The booklet was launched during a special ceremony held at Al Noor Center for the Blind, attended by President of NCSA, Eng Abdulrahman bin Ali al-Farahid al- Malki and Executive Director of Al Noor Center for the Blind, Mishaal bin Abdullah Saqr al-Nuaimi.On this occasion, Director-General of NCSA, Ahmed Mohammed Ali al-Mutawa al-Hammadi affirmed that the agency places persons with special needs in general, and persons with visual disabilities in particular, among its top priorities. He noted that they receive special attention across the agency's various projects and initiatives, foremost among them the National Digital Safety Initiative.Al-Hammadi explained that NCSA operates within a clear methodology and an awareness-raising strategy that emphasizes that cybersecurity awareness is a right for everyone and a social and humanitarian priority, a principle reflected in all of the agency's projects and initiatives.For his part, Executive Director of Al Noor Center for the Blind, Mishaal bin Abdullah Saqr al-Nuaimi noted that the centre is keen to provide various forms of support to persons with visual disabilities and contributed to the production of the Digital Safety Booklet as part of its social responsibility toward this group.In turn, Assistant Director of the Policies Department at NCSA, Dalal Abdulaziz al-Aqidi emphasized that the launch of the Digital Safety Booklet for persons with visual disabilities represents the culmination of the agency's efforts to raise awareness among this group. She noted that Braille copies of the booklet will be distributed to persons with visual disabilities across the country, contributing to the enhancement of digital safety indicators and protecting them from cyber risks.She also stressed that the booklet relies on integrated awareness tools tailored to their actual needs, based on the principle that cybersecurity awareness is an ongoing effort and a continuous project that evolves alongside the development of cyberspace and the diversity of digital threats.Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Community Awareness Department at Al Noor Center for the Blind, Munira Ayed al-Adhba explained that cybersecurity awareness for persons with visual disabilities is a top priority for the centre, especially in light of the escalating digital threats facing this group.It is worth noting that the National Digital Safety Initiative, launched by NCSA, aims to enhance cybersecurity and digital safety indicators at the state and community levels. The initiative targets all segments of society, with a particular focus on persons with special needs, women, families, and senior citizens. 

A Doha-based tech expert has called on companies to prepare for a new wave of cybersecurity challenges in 2026, warning that threats driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and regulatory shifts will reshape the digital landscape.“The challenges coming now in 2026 are only becoming more complex,” noted CIELTECH chairman and president Dr Salah A Rustum in a statement to Gulf Times, emphasising that “insights and predictions” play a key role in helping organisations start the year “on the right footing.”He also cautioned companies “to keep in mind the effect of AI on security roles and its respective capabilities since AI is also accelerating the offensive cycle, such as ransomware, info stealers, and supply chain compromises, all executed at machine speed and global scale.”As early as the pandemic era and in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Dr Rustum had reiterated to this newspaper his calls for firms in Qatar to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, stressing resilience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).He pointed out: “It is true that the small businesses shall feel the pressure most, and the gap between vulnerability, disclosure, and exploitation will close completely. However, survival shall depend on instant visibility, strong segmentation, and adaptive control.“Over and above, as more work shifts to the browser, different types of attacks shall follow. We shall also see surges in browser hijacking, extension abuse and session token thefts. In brief, hackers in 2026 will not break in, but will log in instead.”Dr Rustum’s latest forecast builds on the previously mentioned pre-cautions, and warned about the “explosive growth” of ransomware-as-a-service and double extortion schemes; “research will keep accelerating, citing Q-Day might arrive sooner than many”, and that “AI will keep empowering attackers, enabling highly convincing phishing, automated code exploitation, and faster vulnerability discoveries”, among other threats and challenges.Dr Rustum explained that one of the most critical changes will come on "March 15, 2026", when the validity of Secure Sockets Layer or Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) certificates will be reduced "from 365 days to 200 days", eventually reaching just "47 days". He cautioned that this will impose significant technical burdens on all organisations, regardless of size.“It also goes without saying that the validity of other certificates, such as the 'Domain Validation', shall be affected, as well”, he further explained.Dr Rustum also emphasised that Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) remains “the last unbreakable pillar of cybersecurity”. According to Dr Rustum, compliance should be seen not as a burden but as a “genuine driver of business growth”.“In 2025, we saw some significant changes in the global IT compliance and regulatory landscape, including things like DORA, NIS2, and the AI Act, and changes to the EU Cybersecurity Act (CSA). However, in the US, the government is also reacting to AI with executive orders and updates to NIST’s cyber framework,” he said.Dr Rustum also emphasised that success in 2026 will depend on adaptability, prioritisation, and early action. He urged organisations to avoid “analysis paralysis” and begin their compliance journey immediately: “Threat actors move as fast as competitors, often faster.” 

Ooredoo has signed a strategic partnership agreement with AI-driven cybersecurity firm Darktrace.The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony attended by Thani Ali I A al-Malki, Chief Business officer at Ooredoo, and Thomas Johnson, Channel director, META at Darktrace.Through this collaboration, Ooredoo’s B2B customers will gain access to the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform, an adaptive cybersecurity platform powered by Darktrace’s real-time Self-Learning AI, designed to protect businesses from both known and emerging cyber threats.Al-Malki said: “Cybersecurity is now an essential foundation for digital transformation. Our partnership with Darktrace strengthens our managed cybersecurity portfolio and ensures that organisations in Qatar can rely on advanced, Self-Learning AI to protect their operations. This collaboration supports our commitment to providing intelligent, future-ready security solutions that empower businesses to operate with greater confidence and resilience.”Eloina Pesce, VP of Partner Sales, EMEA + APJ, added: “By combining their deep regional expertise with Darktrace’s AI-driven approach, we’re giving customers across Qatar the confidence that their critical systems are protected against threats no matter how they evolve.” 

Vodafone Qatar chief technology officer Ramy Boctor has delivered a lecture on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity and telecommunications network resilience before postgraduate students at Barzan University College.The session formed part of its MA Cyber Security programme. In his lecture, Boctor emphasised the growing complexity of protecting national digital infrastructure as 5G, IoT, and cloud technologies continue to expand. He noted that AI-driven attacks, such as deepfake social engineering, automated malware, and large-scale ransomware, are changing today’s threat landscape.The lecture also delved into ways telecom operators are utilising machine learning, automated incident response, and predictive analytics to enhance threat detection and operational resilience.Boctor said, “AI is redefining both the scope of cyber risk and the tools we use to protect national networks. Working with academic institutions like Barzan University College is crucial to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts for this rapidly changing landscape. Vodafone Qatar is committed to advancing national capabilities through knowledge-sharing and hands-on industry engagement. ”Vodafone Qatar continues to support initiatives that promote industry–academia collaboration and contribute to a more secure, future-ready Qatar, in line with the country’s digital transformation journey and Qatar National Vision 2030. To learn more about Vodafone Qatar’s services and solutions, visit https://www.vodafone.qa/en/business/home. 

His Excellency the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) President Eng Abdulrahman bin Ali al-Farahid al-Malki received Belgian Minister of Security and the Interior Bernard Quintin during an official visit to discuss co-operation in cybersecurity and exchange expertise.During the meeting, the NCSA chief outlined key national experiences and practices in developing Qatar’s cybersecurity infrastructure.Both sides discussed shared cross-border challenges, ways to enhance digital readiness, and future initiatives of mutual interest.Quintin expressed his appreciation for the NCSA’s significant progress in cybersecurity and affirmed Belgium’s interest in expanding co-operation to support joint efforts and strengthen digital security in both countries. 

Qatar hosted Saturday the first Arab Cyber Exercise, held as part of the National Cyber Drill organized by the National Cyber Security Agency in its 12th edition under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks." The exercise, which brings together 21 Arab countries and the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, aims to enhance joint co-operation among Arab states in the field of cybersecurity, strengthen collective action, and promote the exchange of expertise in a way that supports cyber readiness and digital security and stability in the region.On this occasion, General Director of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Ahmed Mohammed al-Hammadi stated that the nature of cross-border threats targeting the region's digital infrastructure has created a new security reality that requires specialised preparedness and proactive awareness.**media[384645]**Al-Hammadi emphasised that the scenario designed by the National Cyber Security Agency this year was crafted with great precision to account for the specific operational environments of official cybersecurity institutions and centers in each country.**media[384646]**He explained that National Cyber Drills in Qatar have been conducted since 2013 and serve as a benchmark for assessing the readiness of institutions and entities in responding to cyber risks. These exercises enhance institutional and economic development and have become an annual national practice and an important management tool aimed at identifying and addressing gaps, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of response and recovery strategies to minimize impacts on the society, the economy, and the sustainability of national stability.For its part, the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers affirmed the importance of the exercise in strengthening co-operation among Arab countries and exchanging expertise in cybersecurity as a strategic step toward advancing the region's cybersecurity ecosystem. The First Arab Cyber Exercise 2025 comes as part of a strategic approach to strengthening the joint Arab cybersecurity framework and confronting cross-border digital threats.

His Excellency President of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) Eng Abdulrahman Ali Muhammad al-Farahid al-Malki affirmed that the First Arab Cyber Exercise embodies Qatar's steadfast commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity framework in the region. In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency al-Malki stated that the first Arab Cyber Drill, hosted in Doha under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, serves as a joint operational platform aimed at enhancing digital readiness, boosting cyber incident response capabilities, and developing coordination mechanisms among Arab states.He added that organizing this exercise reflects a strategic Arab vision to confront growing cyber threats, especially those that transcend borders, which require an advanced regional co-operation infrastructure, effective information sharing, and the use of cutting-edge tools and technologies in threat detection, digital forensics, and offensive and defensive testing.He emphasized that NCSA believes Qatar's cyberspace security is an integral part of the broader Arab cybersecurity system. He noted that the agency is committed to fostering strong partnerships with sister Arab nations to elevate the level of Arab cyber integration and to build national and regional capabilities capable of countering any digital threats or attacks targeting critical infrastructure or information domains.He explained that this exercise represents a pivotal step in enhancing joint Arab cybersecurity and contributes to solidifying Qatar's position as a leading regional hub in supporting digital protection initiatives and promoting cyber stability in the region.The Arab Cyber Exercise is being held for the first time with Qatar as host, as part of its initiatives within the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, in line with a strategic approach to bolster joint Arab cybersecurity.The exercise was held on the sidelines of the 12th edition of the National Cyber Drill, which began on November 16 under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks," with the participation of numerous national entities and institutions in a simulation exercise reflecting real-world challenges facing critical digital infrastructure.Through its annual cyber drills, NCSA aims to enhance the efficiency of national entities and institutions and raise their cyber readiness by identifying vulnerabilities, addressing them, and fortifying systems, thus contributing to the establishment of an advanced national cybersecurity framework.

The State of Qatar participated in the C8 Conference and Exhibition on Cybersecurity Advancements, Innovations and Technologym, organized by Jordan, with the participation of a select group of specialists and stakeholders in the field of cyber security.The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by HE President of the National Cyber Security Agency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki.His Excellency also participated in a high-level dialogue session titled: Arab Cybersecurity Strategy: Core Pillars and Regional Application, which discussed the importance of adopting a unified Arab approach to enhancing cybersecurity, and joint cooperation among Arab countries in developing strategies capable of confronting the growing challenges in cyberspace.During the session, His Excellency touched on the most prominent national and regional efforts and initiatives, stressing the importance of collective action and the exchange of experiences among Arab countries, as a key factor in enhancing cyber readiness and supporting digital security and stability in the region.The C8 conference is a specialized platform that highlights the latest developments and advancements in cybersecurity, as well as showcasing technological innovations and modern solutions to address cyber threats.

The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation - Kahramaa has successfully concluded the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, marking the end of month-long initiative filled with educational and interactive activities. The campaign saw record participation from Kahramaa employees and played a vital role in fostering a culture of digital protection and embedding cybersecurity principles into the foundation of a sustainable digital work environment. Throughout the campaign, Kahramaa organised a series of educational workshops attended by over 1,005 employees. These workshops addressed critical topics including the safe use of AI technologies, data classification, database security, and securing digital presence. In addition, 773 employees participated in knowledge-based quizzes, while 398 engaged in interactive games, each contributing to a deeper understanding of modern cybersecurity concepts. A key highlight of the campaign was the phishing awareness initiative, which drew participation from 2,812 employees and resulted in 2,793 accurate reports. These figures reflect a high level of awareness and precision in identifying cyber threats. Overall, the campaign engaged 4,988 employees, underscoring Kahramaa’s growing commitment to cybersecurity excellence. Kahramaa hosted a closing ceremony at the KM2 headquarters. Abdulla bin Ali al-Theyab, president of the Corporation, attended the ceremony, which featured the distribution of appreciation certificates, awards for outstanding participants, and a showcase of the campaign’s key achievements — honouring the dedication and contributions of Kahramaa’s workforce. Turkih Trad al-Hothal, head of Information Security & Risk Management at Kahramaa remarked, “The campaign witnessed a noticeable improvement in security awareness and the spread of cybersecurity culture among Kahramaa employees.” She further emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that demands continuous collaboration and vigilance, and that employee engagement was instrumental in achieving the campaign’s objectives.

The State of Qatar emphasized the importance of the international community continuing to intensify its efforts to enhance cybersecurity and expand avenues of cooperation, particularly between developed and developing countries, in order to ensure the utilization and preservation of digital gains. Qatar stressed that cyberspace and its related uses provide vast opportunities for promoting economic development and achieving human well-being. This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani before the UN General Assembly's First Committee at its 80th session on Other Disarmament Measures and International Security, held at UN headquarters in New York. Sheikh Abdulrahman explained that progress in the digital and technological fields has offered smart and low-cost solutions to many development-related issues, while also enhancing social communication through modern and advanced networks. He noted that while such progress offers wide-ranging opportunities in various areas of technology, it also brings increasing cybersecurity risks, which now pose threats to all forms of digital activity — including attacks targeting vital telecommunications and digital infrastructure, resulting in serious material and moral damage, privacy violations, and obstacles to economic development efforts. He added that information security and cybersecurity have become major concerns for the international community — particularly for governments, public institutions, banks, financial bodies, and private sector entities. He pointed out that growing global awareness of these threats led to the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which Qatar signed during the official ceremony held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Oct. 25, 2025. He further added that, as part of its efforts to exchange expertise and knowledge in the field of information and communications technology at both regional and international levels, the State of Qatar has continued its active participation in the meetings of the Open-ended Working Group on the Security of Information and Communication Technology (2021-2025), whose work concluded in July 2025, pointing out that the State of Qatar welcomed the group's consensus-adopted final report, expressing hope that its recommendations would be implemented to strengthen cybersecurity and international cooperation in the safe use of ICTs - including the future permanent mechanism on ICT security in the context of international security. He also noted that, reaffirming the State of Qatar's commitment to promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace, the National Cyber Security Agency organized a side event titled "Qatar's Successful Experience in Implementing the UN Norms for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace" on July 7, 2025, during the Eleventh Substantive Session of the Open-Ended Working Group. The event, he said, aimed to highlight Qatar's successful model in adopting UN cybersecurity standards through its achievements and implemented initiatives. The Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, referred to Qatar's participation in the Fourth Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity, held on Sept. 8, 2025, in the sisterly State of Kuwait, during which the execution plan for the GCC Cybersecurity Strategy, as well as the framework for international cooperation among GCC member states in the field of cybersecurity were approved.

The State of Qatar participated in the fifth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum, under the theme "Scaling Cohesive Advancement in Cyberspace" on Oct. 1–2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Qatari delegation was headed by His Excellency President of the National Cyber Security Agency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki. The 2025 edition of the Forum brought together decision makers, senior government officials, and international experts to engage in a series of strategic dialogues and high-level meetings addressing cyberspace issues from a comprehensive perspective. On the sidelines of the Forum, the National Cyber Security Agency also participated in the Cyber Diplomatic Dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. The program included a roundtable discussion on "Joint Collaboration in Cybersecurity between GCC Countries and the European Union on Combating Hybrid and Cyber Threats", where participants explored opportunities for developing strategic partnerships, exchanging expertise, and strengthening collective efforts to address emerging cyber challenges.