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UAE And Google Cloud Unveil Cybersecurity Powerhouse In Abu Dhabi

The UAE is taking a major step toward securing its digital future with the launch of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, developed in partnership with Google Cloud. This initiative is set to fortify national cybersecurity, fuel innovation, and establish the UAE as a global leader in cyber defense.

A Strategic Move For Digital Resilience

The center will serve as a hub for cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, workforce development, and cross-sector intelligence sharing. “This collaboration is pivotal for the UAE’s cybersecurity ambitions,” said Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government. “It’s not just about tackling threats—it’s about cultivating top-tier talent and fostering innovation.”

According to research from Access Partnership, enhanced cybersecurity measures could prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, create 20,300 specialized jobs, and attract $1.4 billion in foreign investment. The initiative is expected to drive digital transformation across industries, boosting efficiency and economic growth.

Training The Next Generation Of Cyber Defenders

A key component of the initiative is an advanced training program led by Mandiant, part of Google Cloud. Designed to equip cybersecurity professionals with real-world expertise, the program offers immersive courses focused on AI-driven security tools and rapid incident response.

“This isn’t just another training program—it’s hands-on, real-world experience led by professionals who tackle the world’s most sophisticated cyberattacks,” said Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security.

Backing High-Growth Startups

Google Cloud is also rolling out a startup accelerator program in 2025, selecting 25 high-potential companies from Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 ecosystem. Participants will receive mentorship on scalable growth strategies, with top-performing startups eligible for up to $300,000 in Google Cloud credits.

Cybersecurity As A Pillar Of The UAE’s Global Strategy

The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence aligns with the UAE’s broader push into AI, digital infrastructure, and economic diversification. The announcement follows high-level meetings between UAE leadership and global tech executives, underscoring the country’s intent to lead in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

With this bold move, the UAE is positioning itself at the forefront of global cybersecurity innovation—securing its digital economy while shaping the future of the industry.

AI In Practice Brings Business Leaders Together To Learn, Unlearn And Relearn

AI in Practice: Changing the Future of Business takes place on Monday, 19 October 2026, at the Cultural Center of European University Cyprus in Nicosia, under the auspices of the Chief Scientist of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides.

Organised by Panis.News with co-organisers GrantXpert Consulting and Future Skills Hub at European University Cyprus, the event will bring together founders, SME owners and senior executives to examine practical uses of artificial intelligence.

The evening runs from 18:00 to 22:30. Tickets will be available until 12:00 noon on Monday, 19 October, Cyprus time.

For business leaders, the challenge is deciding where AI can deliver results. The programme will explore how to identify useful applications, prepare teams and connect technology investment with business needs. Demonstrations, case studies and direct questions to speakers will help attendees assess their next steps.

Panis Pieri, Founder of Panis.News, said:

“Business leaders need space to ask questions, challenge assumptions and learn from people applying AI. We created AI in Practice to make that conversation accessible and useful. We want attendees to leave with a clearer idea of what they can do next in their own businesses.”

Dr Celia Hadjichristodoulou, Founder and Managing Director of GrantXpert Consulting and Future Skills Hub, said:

“Working out where AI belongs in your business takes real thought about your customers, your processes and your people.”

AIA.Labs supports the event as the Gold Partner. Its founder, Sotiris Makrygiannis, said:

“In the 70s we learnt how to punch a card to go to work or program a timesharing computing machine, in the 80s the personal PC and office tools, in the 90s the modem and basic internet, in the 2000s mobile internet plus web shopping, and by 2010 the mobile apps. Now it’s time to learn how to practically use AI and that alone is the most disruptive thing an individual can do today. We are happy to sponsor the event because theory needs a practical application.”

The Agenda

– 18:00–18:30: Registration and networking.

– 18:30–18:50: Welcome remarks from Panis Pieri, Dr Celia Hadjichristodoulou and EUC Rector Professor Loizos Symeou.

– 18:50–19:00: Interview with Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides.

– 19:00–19:20: The AI Revolution. Why should you care? by Monica Odysseos, Head of AI and Data Lab of Grant Thornton.

– 19:20–19:40: From Business Pain Points to AI Transformation: A CEO’s Roadmap to Real Results by George Malekkos, CEO of POWERSOFT Computer Solutions & AI-Driven Business Transformation Architect & President of CITEA.

– 19:40–20:20: AI and the Future of Business: Will Your Business Be Here in 2030? by Paris Thomas, Executive Advisor on AI & Strategy, Founder at Rapid Visual / Strapivo

– 20:20–21:00: Questions and answers with the speakers.

– 21:00–22:30: Networking over drinks and bites.

The Challenge

The evening’s programme approaches the challenge from three directions.

Monica Odysseos will begin with a question that deserves a clear answer: why should you care?

Her session will explore how AI is changing the way people work, make decisions and create. Her background spans software development, accounting and applied AI, bringing both technical and business perspectives to the discussion.

George Malekkos will then examine how business problems can become starting points for AI adoption.

Where does your company lose time? Which processes cause delays? Where could you improve the customer experience?

His presentation will look at selecting useful applications, preparing teams and processes, and measuring results. For a business owner deciding where to begin, that connection between a specific problem and a measurable outcome matters.

Paris Thomas will take the discussion further with his keynote, “AI and the Future of Business: Will Your Business Be Here in 2030?”

It is a challenging question. It asks leaders to look beyond today’s workload and consider how their products, services and business models might need to change.

His hour-long session will include live AI demonstrations and enterprise case studies. It will explore how leaders can improve their current business while developing new opportunities and preparing for longer-term change.

The Event

The event will be in English.

The full programme and to book your tickets, visit: https://luma.com/ai-in-practice-cyprus

The organisers thank:

  • Silver Partners Growth Hacking Cyprus, RSEVEN, Mel’s Digital and Makkas Winery.
  • Supporters: Cyprus Computer Society, XValley Tech, Business Society Accelerator, Startup School Cyprus and Carierista.
  • Community Partners: EIT Community Hub Cyprus, CYENS, Women in Tech, Startup Greece, ECECT, CITEA, IET Cyprus and Cyprus_IT

Follow updates about the event on social media at #PanisMeetups

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