Hanane Djoua
Doha
Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar launched the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030 on Tuesday.
The event, held at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha, brought together key stakeholders from public and private sectors, underscoring the country’s commitment to safeguarding its digital future.
Through this strategy, the National Cyber Security Agency aims to contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and position Qatar as a global leader in the secure adoption of emerging technologies.
The National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030 represents a comprehensive, resilient, and forward-looking framework. As cybersecurity emerges as one of the most significant challenges of our time, the strategy addresses its critical role in safeguarding national security and shaping the everyday lives of individuals.
In his opening remarks, President of the National Cyber Security Agency HE Eng Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki emphasized the importance of unified efforts across both government and private sectors.
“The collaborative spirit is captured in the slogan and vision of the Second National Cyber Security Strategy, which envisions a shared commitment to building trust in cyberspace, ensuring Qatar’s continued progress and prosperity.”
“We have been keen to adopt this approach during the preparation phase of the strategy. We worked closely with a broad range of organizations and coordinated intensively with working groups responsible for the preparation of the Third National Development Strategy to ensure unified efforts in line with Qatar National Vision 2030”.
He expressed his pride in Qatar’s recognition by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a model and pioneering nation in the field of cybersecurity, achieving the highest ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index.
The guiding principles of the National Cyber Security Strategy are based on values of Shared Responsibility, Risk-Based Approach, Results Oriented, Individual Human Rights, Economic Prosperity and Coordination and Collaboration, he said, adding that these principles form the backbone for achieving national cybersecurity and provide necessary direction for guidance and implementation.
The Second National Cyber Security Strategy serves as a roadmap to address evolving cyber challenges and focuses on building strong foundations for cooperation and collaboration locally, regionally, and internationally.
Al Malki reaffirmed the National Cyber Security Agency’s commitment to providing a secure cyberspace that benefits all individuals and organizations across Qatar, supports sustainable national development, and maintains Qatar’s position as a leader in cybersecurity, both regionally and internationally.
For her part, Engineer Dana Yousef Al Abdulla, Director of National Cyber Governance and Assurance Affairs at the National Cyber Security Agency, provided an in-depth overview of the strategy’s objectives and its comprehensive development process.
She outlined the risks, opportunities, and vision that underpin the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030, and emphasized its crucial role in achieving the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The National Cyber Security Strategy outlines five key pillars:
1- Cyber Security and Resilience in the Qatar Ecosystem: Focuses on enhancing the security and resilience of Qatar’s cyber environment, with particular emphasis on critical national infrastructure and based on evolving cyber risks while aligning with national priorities.
2- Legislation, Regulations, and Law Enforcement: Aims to develop national legal and regulatory frameworks, governance models and operational approaches.
3- A Thriving, Innovative, and Data-Driven Economy: Supports the development of national cybersecurity capabilities through research, development, and innovation across both public and private sectors. It also promotes investments for fostering a dynamic electronic industry.
4- Cyber Culture and Workforce Talent Development:Seeks to cultivate a qualified cybersecurity workforce and embed cybersecurity awareness throughout society.
5- International Cooperation and Trusted Partners: Aims to play an active role in international collaboration and cyber diplomacy, enhancing cooperation at both regional and global levels for a secure and resilient cyberspace.
