GCC Secretary-General: Gulf States Hold a Leading Global Position in Cybersecurity
Manama, August 27 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed today in Manama that GCC member states have succeeded in securing a leading global position in the field of cybersecurity, thanks to the vision of the GCC Heads of State and their continuous support. This statement was made in a speech delivered by Al-Budaiwi during the fifth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee on Cybersecurity, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain and chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain’s National Cybersecurity Authority, Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, with the attendance of officials from relevant cybersecurity entities across the GCC states.
Al-Budaiwi noted that GCC member states have achieved advanced rankings and high international classifications in specialized global indices. He highlighted that the states have launched pioneering initiatives to develop national capacities, train specialized cadres, enhance data and digital infrastructure protection, and improve response efficiency to cyber incidents and threats.
He expressed his highest gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for hosting the meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and for the facilitations and support provided to ensure the success of the GCC’s work. He also acknowledged the continuous support and attention afforded by the GCC Heads of State to joint Gulf efforts across all fields.
Referring to recent developments and events in the region, Al-Budaiwi pointed out the accompanying escalation in cyber risks and threats, which demonstrated a high level of readiness and efficiency within the GCC’s cyber system. He emphasized that proactive measures and continuous coordination have contributed to protecting digital infrastructure, systems, and services, while enhancing the capacity to counter attacks and mitigate their impacts effectively and competently.
In this context, he added that the status and readiness achieved by GCC member states were not the result of isolated efforts alone, but rather relied on a continuous trajectory of joint Gulf cooperation and the building of an integrated system of frameworks, policies, and coordination and cooperation mechanisms. These efforts have translated into several important achievements, including the adoption of the Executive Plan for the GCC Cybersecurity Strategy (2024–2028), the GCC’s international cooperation framework in cybersecurity, the governance mechanism for information sharing on the Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing Platform, and the annual organization of joint GCC cyber exercises.
He stated that these achievements embody the GCC states’ vision that cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar for the security of the GCC, the protection of its developmental and economic gains, and the advancement of the Gulf’s integration and digital transformation process.
He also clarified that the agenda of the fifth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee on Cybersecurity is filled with many important topics that will contribute to achieving greater convergence among GCC member states and propel their cooperation to broader and more comprehensive horizons. (End) K.N.A. / M.A.K.
