Sharjah Cyber Security Centre, operating under the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fortinet Inc., a United States-based provider of cybersecurity solutions.
The agreement forms part of Sharjah’s broader strategy to strengthen the emirate’s digital ecosystem and improve its ability to respond to emerging cyber threats.
The MoU outlines plans to deepen cooperation across information and communications technology (ICT) and cybersecurity, with a focus on enhancing national capabilities, supporting regulatory and judicial frameworks, and improving response mechanisms to cyber incidents.
The scope of the partnership includes joint awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaborative research in scientific and technological domains. It also covers business and economic exchange activities related to cybersecurity.
As part of the agreement, both parties will collaborate on knowledge-sharing initiatives, including technical workshops, training sessions, and cyber drills. There will also be mutual participation in forums and educational programmes, as well as access to Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) training materials and advisory support.
Further areas of cooperation include enterprise networking, cloud security, digital forensics, and gap assessments, with the goal of enhancing institutional readiness and national digital resilience.
Commenting on the signing, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of SDD, said the agreement reflects Sharjah’s long-term commitment to digital readiness and sustainable development.
“Establishing a secure and resilient digital environment is central to the mission of the Sharjah Digital Department. Cybersecurity and digital trust are fundamental to protecting our digital assets and ensuring their integrity in the face of evolving global threats,” he said.
“Partnerships with global leaders such as Fortinet are essential to fostering innovation, advancing sustainable digital solutions, and delivering seamless government services that improve quality of life.”
Abdelnasir Obaid BuKhatir, Director of the Sharjah Cyber Security Centre, described the agreement as a key step in developing a robust cybersecurity framework.
“This partnership with Fortinet marks a strategic milestone in our efforts to build a secure and adaptive digital ecosystem. By working with leading international experts, we aim to elevate our preparedness and ensure secure digital transformation across government services,” he said.
A spokesperson for Fortinet said the company was proud to formalise the partnership and highlighted its global expertise in information security.
They noted that the collaboration aligns with Sharjah’s digital transformation goals and supports a secure, innovation-driven environment across the wider region.
The MoU also underlines shared principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and reciprocal cooperation, aimed at promoting cybersecurity resilience in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates.
