Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
In a significant stride towards enhancing cyber resilience and operational excellence, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has been awarded the prestigious Tier III certification for both design and implementation by the globally acclaimed Uptime Institute. This recognition underscores the Agency’s unwavering commitment to maintaining world-class standards in data centre construction, efficiency, and reliability, cementing its role as a leader in the region’s cybersecurity landscape.
The Tier III certification reflects the Agency’s ability to create an advanced operational environment that ensures uninterrupted services, even during preventive maintenance or repairs. Such capabilities are vital to maintaining business continuity and safeguarding critical national operations.
Engineer Sara Hassan Al Abdulmalik, director of the Information Systems Department, expressed her pride in the achievement, highlighting its importance in reinforcing the Agency’s infrastructure capabilities. "This milestone underscores our relentless efforts to elevate the quality of infrastructure management and electronic services. It enhances our operational excellence and strengthens cybersecurity readiness, ensuring the delivery of reliable and secure services to protect Qatar’s national interests,” she stated.
The Tier III certification is one of the highest standards in evaluating data centre reliability and performance. Al Abdulmalik emphasized its significance in addressing operational risks and implementing global best practices to ensure optimal infrastructure performance.
"Achieving this certification from the first attempt reflects the strength of our strategic vision, the exceptional expertise of our executive team, and our continuous investment in empowering the national workforce,” she added.
She further noted that this recognition positions the Agency as a model for operational sustainability, particularly in data centre excellence. "Our data centre is now among Qatar’s most advanced government facilities to secure this distinguished certification, a testament to our ability to reduce downtime, prevent human errors, and deliver seamless services,” Al Abdulmalik explained.
The achievement aligns with the National Cyber Security Agency’s broader strategy to bolster Qatar’s cyber resilience. Established under Emiri Resolution No. 1 of 2021, the Agency, led by Abdulrahman Ali Mohammed Al Farahid Al Malki, plays a pivotal role in unifying efforts to protect the state’s cyberspace and enhance national security. Reporting directly to the Council of Ministers, the Agency has made significant strides in developing robust technical solutions and fostering a culture of cybersecurity excellence.
"The Tier III certification is not just a benchmark for operational excellence; it is a cornerstone of our commitment to safeguarding Qatar’s critical infrastructure and ensuring business continuity. This milestone reflects our dedication to adopting innovative solutions that address emerging challenges in the digital landscape,” Al Abdulmalik stated.
At the heart of the Agency’s success is its focus on human capital development. By nurturing a skilled national workforce, the Agency ensures long-term operational sustainability and resilience. Al Abdulmalik highlighted the role of continuous investment in training and empowering Qatari professionals, which has been instrumental in achieving this international accolade.
As cybersecurity threats evolve, the National Cyber Security Agency’s achievement of Tier III certification marks a crucial step in its mission to protect Qatar’s digital ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and adhering to global standards, the Agency is poised to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.
"This recognition is more than an achievement—it is a promise to the nation that we will continue to lead in ensuring the highest levels of security, reliability, and operational excellence,” Al Abdulmalik concluded.
The National Cyber Security Agency’s certification is a landmark achievement that reflects Qatar’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital transformation and cybersecurity. As the nation continues to invest in advanced technologies and human resources, the Agency remains steadfast in its mission to secure Qatar’s cyberspace and safeguard its future.
This milestone sets a new benchmark for government agencies, inspiring a culture of excellence and innovation that will benefit Qatar’s citizens and businesses alike.
With this success, the Agency has solidified its role as a critical pillar of Qatar’s national security framework.