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Cyber First Qatar 2025 Focuses on Strengthening National Digital Security

Qatar hosted the second edition of Cyber
First Qatar, bringing together over 300
cybersecurity leaders, innovators, and
policymakers to discuss the future of the
nation’s digital security. The event aligns
with the National Cybersecurity Strategy
2024–2030 and contributes to the broader
goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Yasir Rauf, Head of Market Development
at Events First Group, highlighted that
the conference gathered top business
leaders and experts to shape the future of
Qatar’s digital economy while addressing
real-world cybersecurity threats. As the
country advances toward becoming a
digitally empowered society, ensuring a
secure and resilient cyber environment is
critical. Participants engaged in several
insightful panels, including one titled also underscored the importance of vital to maintaining the integrity of critical
“Safeguarding the Digital Future: Aligning integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies systems. These initiatives align with
Qatar’s Vision 2030 with the National to ensure resilience and continuity in the Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategy,
Cyber Security Strategy 2024–2030.” country’s push toward a smart, secure which emphasizes protecting critical
This discussion explored the essential future. The security of critical infrastructure infrastructure as a fundamental pillar of
alignment between national development is another key focus, with officials noting national security. The summit, organized
goals and robust cybersecurity measures that Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and by Events First Group, comes at a crucial
to ensure sustainable growth, innovation, Operational Technology (OT) are vital to time as Qatar accelerates its efforts to
and trust in Qatar’s digital ecosystem. With sectors like energy, water, and utilities. safeguard its digital infrastructure. Qatar’s
the rapid digital transformation, experts As cyber threats targeting these systems cybersecurity market, valued at over $1
emphasized the role of artificial intelligence rise, the National Cyber Security Agency billion (QR3.64 billion) in 2022, is expected
(AI) in protecting Qatar’s growing digital (NCSA) has proactively enhanced security to reach $1.6 billion (QR5.83 billion) by
infrastructure. As cyber threats evolve, measures. In addition, the NCSA launched 2026, highlighting the growing importance
AI provides adaptive, real-time defense a specialized training program for 70 of cybersecurity in the country’s digital
capabilities crucial for safeguarding the professionals in information security and future.
country’s digital assets. Industry leaders OT, recognizing that human expertise is

Algeria Advances Digital Innovation with Launch of New Platforms

Digital technology plays a pivotal role
in Algeria’s long-term socioeconomic
development, with the government
prioritizing innovation as a cornerstone of
its strategy. In line with this vision, Algeria’s
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific
Research, Kamel Baddari, launched three
new digital platforms on March 25, 2025,
at the Centre for Research on Scientific and
Technical Information (CERIST) in Algiers.
These initiatives include a cloud computing
platform, a drone design and control
system, and a business incubator aimed at
fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
During the inauguration, Baddari
emphasized the importance of these

40 MAY 2025