Sharjah Cyber Security Center, operating under the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fortinet Inc., a US-based global leader in cybersecurity solutions and services.
The agreement between Sharjah Cyber Security Center and Fortinet aims to reinforce cooperation in ICT security and enhance national capabilities in addressing cyber threats.
The MoU seeks to foster cooperation between both parties across various ICT and cybersecurity domains, with a particular focus on strengthening national collaboration, advancing legislative and regulatory frameworks, and supporting judicial and law enforcement efforts in cyber deterrence, prevention, and response.
It also encompasses the development of awareness and educational programs, joint scientific and technological research, and business and economic exchange related to cybersecurity.
Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate across a wide range of cybersecurity domains, including exchanging insights on advanced security solutions, joint organization of technical workshops, training sessions, and cyber drills, and mutual participation in technical forums and educational initiatives.
The partnership also includes access to Fortinet Inc.’s NSE training materials, advisory support for incident response, and joint efforts in gap assessments, enterprise networking, cloud security, and digital forensics. Both parties aim to enhance institutional capabilities and advance national digital resilience through skill-building, shared expertise, and strategic collaboration.
His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of SDD, affirmed that the partnership aligns with the department’s strategic objectives and reflects its commitment to strengthening the emirate’s digital readiness.
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi Director General Sharjah Digital Department
“Establishing a secure and resilient digital environment is one of the core objectives for which Sharjah Digital Department was founded; it is integral to our mission to lead and empower digital transformation across the emirate. Partnerships with leading international organizations like Fortinet Inc. are vital to enhancing cybersecurity resilience, fostering inclusive innovation, and advancing sustainable digital solutions that transform government services into seamless, efficient, and people-first experiences that improve quality of life.”
Eng. Abdelnasir Obaid BuKhatir, Director of the Sharjah Cyber Security Center, stated that, “This partnership with Fortinet Inc. marks a strategic milestone in our ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem in the Emirate of Sharjah and strengthen national digital capabilities capable of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. Collaborating with leading global experts enables us to elevate performance, enhance preparedness, and ensure our government services’ secure and forward-looking digital transformation.”
Fortinet Inc highlighted its expertise in information security, affirming that this partnership is a key step toward developing a robust, sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem aligned with Sharjah’s vision for digital transformation.
They added that partnering with pioneering national entities such as Sharjah Cyber Security Center underscores Fortinet Inc.’s commitment to supporting a secure digital environment that fosters innovation and sustainable economic growth across the region.
The MoU also reinforces key principles, including sovereign equality, mutual respect, and reciprocal cooperation, which contribute to advancing cybersecurity and promoting digital resilience across Sharjah and the wider United Arab Emirates.
