Doha Hosts Landmark Regional Event
The State of Qatar today hosted the First Arab Cyber Exercise, a significant event aimed at bolstering cybersecurity cooperation across the Arab world. Held in Doha on Saturday, November 22, 2025, the exercise saw the participation of representatives from 21 Arab countries alongside the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers. The initiative underscores a collective commitment to enhancing regional digital security and stability.
Strengthening Collective Cyber Resilience
The primary objective of the exercise was to strengthen joint Arab cooperation in cybersecurity, promote collective action, and support regional cyber readiness and digital stability through the exchange of expertise. Officials emphasized the growing nature of cross-border threats targeting the region's digital infrastructure, which necessitates advanced preparedness and proactive awareness. The drill served as a joint operational platform designed to:
- Enhance digital readiness
- Boost cyber incident response capabilities
- Develop coordination mechanisms among Arab states
- Facilitate the exchange of expertise
Eng. Abdulrahman Ali Muhammad Al Farahid Al Malki, President of Qatar's National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), affirmed that the exercise reflects Qatar's 'steadfast commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity framework in the region.'
Context and Key Participants
The First Arab Cyber Exercise was organized by Qatar's National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and took place on the sidelines of the 12th National Cyber Drill, an annual event in Qatar. The national drill, which commenced on November 16, 2025, focused on the theme of 'Cross-Border Attacks' and involved numerous national entities in simulating real-world threats to critical digital infrastructure. Qatar has been conducting national cyber drills since 2013, using them as a benchmark for assessing institutional readiness. Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, Director General of the NCSA, highlighted that the exercise scenario was meticulously crafted to reflect the specific operational environments of national cybersecurity institutions across participating states.
A Step Towards a Secure Arab Cyberspace
This inaugural Arab Cyber 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. The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under whose umbrella the exercise was held, plays a crucial role in formulating policies and strategies to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work. The collective effort aims to build national and regional capabilities capable of countering any digital threats or attacks targeting critical infrastructure or information domains, ensuring a safe and reliable Arab cyberspace.
5 Comments
Africa
Just another PR event, will anything actually change?
Muchacho
Enhancing digital readiness through exercises like this is a good start, but there's a risk that such initiatives might prioritize state control over open internet principles, which needs careful balancing.
Coccinella
Qatar leading the way, fantastic!
Mariposa
Talk is cheap; where are the real results?
Muchacha
While Qatar's leadership in hosting is commendable and the goal of strengthening defenses is vital, the effectiveness hinges on genuine commitment from all 21 countries to operationalize these learnings beyond the drill.