Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has formally welcomed a delegation from the UAE Cyber Security Council and endorsed the construction of the National Cloud’s backup data centres in the region. The meeting, held on 25 July 2026, signals a strategic push to fortify the nation’s digital backbone and accelerate its transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
A Meeting of Digital Guardians
The delegation was led by Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government. Accompanying Sheikh Hamdan was Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the session, the leadership reviewed the region’s growing role in national cybersecurity infrastructure and discussed plans to expand the CyberE71 business growth and innovation programme.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that locating the backup data centres in Al Dhafra directly strengthens the UAE’s digital infrastructure. The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect critical government and commercial data from cyber threats while supporting the country’s ambition to build a diversified, innovation-driven economy.
What the National Cloud Backup Centres Mean
The new facilities will serve as a redundant, secure repository for the nation’s cloud-based data. Backup data centres are essential for ensuring continuity of government services and private-sector operations in the event of a cyberattack, natural disaster, or technical failure. By placing them in Al Dhafra—a region with significant strategic depth—the UAE is enhancing its resilience against both physical and digital disruptions.
Key features of the project include:
- Redundant storage to prevent data loss.
- Enhanced encryption and physical security measures.
- Integration with existing national cybersecurity frameworks.
- Capacity to support future growth in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Sparking Innovation in Al Dhafra
Beyond infrastructure, the meeting highlighted plans to expand CyberE71, an innovation programme aimed at nurturing tech talent. The programme will now reach entrepreneurs, school students, and university students in Al Dhafra Region, offering mentorship, funding, and technical resources to transform ideas into market-ready solutions.
Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti noted that empowering local youth is central to the UAE’s cybersecurity strategy. “A nation’s digital defence is only as strong as its next generation of innovators,” he said during the briefing.
Broader Implications for the UAE’s Digital Future
This announcement comes amid a sustained national push to position the UAE as a global leader in cybersecurity and digital governance. The establishment of the Al Dhafra backup centres complements existing investments in smart city infrastructure, AI research, and the UAE’s overall cyber defence framework.
For residents and businesses, the move means more reliable digital services and stronger protection for personal and financial data. It also signals that the government is proactively investing in long-term security, even as cyber threats evolve globally.
What’s Next
The Cyber Security Council is expected to release a timeline for the construction and operational launch of the Al Dhafra data centres in the coming months. Meanwhile, the CyberE71 expansion will roll out through schools and universities in the region, with applications opening later this year.
For those interested in participating in CyberE71 or learning more about the National Cloud initiative, the UAE Cyber Security Council’s official website will serve as the primary resource for updates and registration details.