Thales and UAE Cyber Security Council join forces to develop a Cyber Centre of Excellence
Dubai, November 21. Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Dubai Airshow to create a long-term strategic partnership focused on strengthening the UAE’s cybersecurity capabilities in the space sector.
The agreement paves the way for the establishment of a Cyber Centre of Excellence in the country, featuring three major initiatives aimed at advancing technological expertise and national security.
The first is a dedicated Space Security Operations Centre (META-SOC), to be developed with a local industry partner. Linked to the national SOC, it will monitor satellite constellations and ground systems while building local capabilities through specialised training.
The second component is a Cyber Evaluation Laboratory designed to test software and hardware used in critical national infrastructure. Operated by UAE nationals, it will support policy development and governance frameworks, initially for the space industry, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in cybersecurity excellence.
A Crypto Lab will also be set up to design and validate cryptographic solutions for space missions, with a focus on advanced technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution. Thales experts will facilitate knowledge transfer drawing on experience from European Space Agency programmes.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s drive toward technological sovereignty and sustainable cyber expertise, led by Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council.
“This partnership marks a major milestone in advancing the UAE’s secure and sovereign cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Christophe Salomon, Thales Executive Vice-President for Secure Communications and Information Systems. “Together, we will shape the future of cybersecurity starting with the space domain.”
Thales and the council also plan to extend cooperation to other strategic fields and explore international market opportunities as part of the wider collaboration.
