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The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and beIN MEDIA GROUP have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of cybersecurity awareness and national capacity building. The MoU was signed on behalf of the National Cyber Security Agency by Dalal al Aqeedi, Assistant Director of Cyber Security Policies and Strategies Department, and on behalf of beIN MEDIA GROUP by Hamad al-Sheikh, Human Resources Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in the presence of senior officials from both parties. The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both parties to expanding cooperation between the government and media sectors in support of national efforts to enhance cybersecurity and promote digital awareness across the State of Qatar. For her part, Dalal al-Aqeedi, Assistant Director of the Cyber Security Policies and Strategies Department at the National Cyber Security Agency, stated that the MoU establishes a framework for collaboration on future initiatives and projects related to cybersecurity and digital safety, reinforcing national efforts to build a secure and digitally aware society. The MoU outlines cooperation across several areas, most notably offering training opportunities to beIN MEDIA GROUP employees through the Agency’s specialised national programmes, including the Graduate Bootcamp, Professionals Programme, Managers Programme, and Leaders Programme, in addition to participation in cybersecurity workshops and awareness sessions. Hamad al-Sheikh, Human Resources Director at beIN MEDIA GROUP, stated that the partnership reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national security in the State of Qatar, particularly in light of the rapidly evolving cyber threats targeting individuals, organisations, and critical infrastructure. He emphasised that awareness and training constitute the first line of defence against cyber threats, and that investing in a strong security culture is as critical as investing in advanced technologies, given its pivotal role in strengthening resilience and mitigating cyber risks. He further stated that the collaboration reflects beIN MEDIA GROUP’s commitment to supporting the national cybersecurity ecosystem through raising awareness, developing capabilities, and strengthening the protection of its digital infrastructure, to ensure the continuity of its media and sports services in accordance with the highest standards of security and reliability. He added that the partnership is aligned with the State of Qatar’s strategy to establish a secure national cybersecurity ecosystem founded on partnership, innovation, national capacity building, and enhanced preparedness to address evolving cyber threats. The MoU further encompasses cooperation in promoting the Agency’s national training programmes and initiatives through beIN MEDIA GROUP’s internal channels and digital platforms, supporting the dissemination of cybersecurity and digital safety awareness campaigns and public service announcements across its media platforms and television channels, and exploring opportunities to develop and produce awareness content and programmes for children on cybersecurity and digital safety, thereby promoting digital awareness among younger generations and fostering safe online practices. The MoU forms part of the National Cyber Security Agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with national and regional entities and leverage influential platforms to raise cybersecurity awareness and promote a culture of safe and responsible use of technology, in support of Qatar’s cybersecurity and digital safety objectives. The National Cyber Security Agency continues to implement a range of national initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness, developing national capabilities, and strengthening digital readiness across all segments of society, thereby contributing to a secure and trusted digital environment that supports Qatar’s development and digital transformation agenda.

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. 

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. 

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.

AlRayan Bank announced that it has been awarded the National Information Assurance (NIA) Certification by the State of Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). Achieved to a high standard within a short timeframe, this milestone reflects the bank’s sustained focus on strengthening information protection and cyber resilience in the face of rising global threats. The certification ceremony took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.Unlike traditional security standards that sit mainly within IT, NIA is a strategic, Qatar-tailored assurance framework that integrates cybersecurity across the entire enterprise, governance, processes, and frontline business functions. For AlRayan Bank, the certification represents a major step forward in safeguarding information assets, elevating security practices across every department, and contributing to the State’s national information security strategy in line with international best practice. It also signals independent assurance of the Bank’s cybersecurity maturity, deeper protection for customers, staff, assets, and shareholders, greater confidence among partners, strengthened resilience against evolving cyber risks, support for compliance with national and global standards, and the continued cultivation of a pervasive, organisation-wide security culture.Commenting on the achievement, Omar al-Emadi, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer at AlRayan Bank, said: “We are proud to receive the NIA Certification, a clear reflection of AlRayan Bank’s relentless focus on information protection and cyber resilience. This is a pivotal step in our journey to safeguard information assets and embed robust security practices across the bank. It also affirms our active contribution to Qatar’s national information security strategy, in line with global best practice. Above all, it embodies our steadfast commitment to protecting our customers’ and partners’ data, strengthening our ability to anticipate and counter cyber risks, and ensuring greater resilience and secure business continuity.”Al-Emadi added that the Bank extends its appreciation to the National Cyber Security Agency for its leadership and guidance in enabling AlRayan Bank to meet the certification requirements. Building on this foundation, the bank will continue to deepen trust with customers and shareholders through credible, stable, and secure digital banking services, making AlRayan Bank their first choice.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) on Monday inaugurated the 4th Annual Cyber Governance and Assurance Conference, in the presence of several of Their Excellencies the ministers, senior officials, and representatives of government entities, private companies, and cybersecurity service providers. The two-day conference is held under the theme "Navigating the Cyber Horizon: Resilience through Preparedness and Innovation." During the opening, NCSA launched the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework and the National Institutional Framework for Cyber Crisis Management, aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of Qatar's cyber ecosystem. The frameworks are designed to manage cyber crises at the national level in coordination with relevant authorities, mitigate their impact, ensure rapid response and recovery, and guarantee the continuity of vital services. These initiatives reflect NCSA's commitment to implementing projects under the Third National Strategy and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024-2030. His Excellency NCSA President Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki said the conference provides a rich platform for exchanging expertise and exploring the latest global trends in specialized cybersecurity fields. His Excellency announced the signing of a Professorship Chair agreement between NCSA and Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST), aimed at promoting knowledge transfer, advancing education and research, and adopting best practices in cybersecurity, particularly in protecting critical technological infrastructure and operational technology. HE Al Malki also announced NCSA's accession to the Security Compliance Institute of the International Society for Automation (ISA), which will strengthen international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. He stressed that the Agency recognized early on that achieving strategic objectives depends on capacity building, developing national competencies, and empowering them with specialized training and knowledge tools. This, he said, ensures the sustainability of Qatar's cybersecurity system and enhances its readiness to confront emerging threats. His Excellency emphasized that analyzing challenges and opportunities, and anticipating the future of cyberspace, requires building national capabilities that enhance resilience and stability in the digital environment, investing in innovation and training, and fostering strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. This, he added, ensures the protection of vital assets, reinforces confidence in technological infrastructure, and supports Qatar's leadership in a secure and reliable cyberspace. For her part, Eng. Dana Yousef Al Abdullah, Director of Policy Affairs at NCSA, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the cybersecurity landscape in Qatar, highlighting key current realities and future trends shaping the sector. Mohammed Murshid Al Mannai, Director of the Cyber Resilience, Risk, and Insurance Department, presented on the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework and the National Institutional Framework for Cyber Crisis Management, outlining their role in strengthening national readiness and resilience. During the conference, His Excellency the NCSA President honored several entities that obtained accreditation and compliance certificates for the National Information Assurance Standard. In addition, Duncan Hill, British Deputy Ambassador to Qatar, honored companies graduating from the CREST Development Program, which aims to accelerate the maturity of companies in delivering cybersecurity services. The conference also witnessed the signing of a Professorship Chair agreement in cybersecurity between NCSA and Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST). This strategic cooperation forms part of national efforts to promote scientific research and academic innovation, and to develop national competencies capable of addressing the growing challenges of cyberspace. The agreement includes the allocation of a Professorship Chair within UDST's College of Computing and Information Technology, sponsored by NCSA and managed by the university. The Professorship Chair will encompass teaching a cybersecurity course, supervising research projects, and delivering research seminars for industry partners and the wider community.The first day featured four panel sessions covering the institutional framework for cyber crisis management, certified technologies and supply chain advantages for enterprises, the cybersecurity "trilogy" of government, industry, and community partnerships, and compliance and assurance certifications for cloud computing.It also included three workshops on national strategy collaboration and open dialogue, adoption of the National Information Assurance Standard for cybersecurity officers in government agencies, and the AI-powered "Capture the Flag" challenge in partnership with Scale AI.On the second day, the National Cyber Security Agency, in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank, will launch the Cyber Prerequisites Program for SMEs. The initiative aims to support Qatari small and medium enterprises in enhancing their compliance with basic cybersecurity controls, tailored to the nature and scope of their operations. It forms part of NCSA's wider efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of local businesses.The program will be accompanied by three panel sessions addressing the challenges and opportunities of the Cyber Prerequisites Program for SMEs, the intersection of artificial intelligence, industrial security, and privacy in the post-quantum era, with a focus on the role of policies and regulations, and the integration of the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework with the National Incident Management Framework.In addition, two technical presentations will be delivered on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) security and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance cyber resilience. A debate will also examine the integration of cybersecurity with information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).The program will conclude with four specialized workshops covering a range of advanced cybersecurity topics.