The Director General of Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Ahmed Mohammed al-Mutawa al-Hammadi, emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in addressing cybersecurity challenges during the final day of the Global Security Forum 2026 held in Doha. Highlighting the evolving global landscape, he noted that shifting international relations amid a move toward a multipolar world have increased the strategic importance of forging alliances based on shared interests to safeguard state sovereignty and security.

Al-Hammadi pointed out that rapid digitalization across vital state functions, coupled with the proliferation of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, has transformed the cybersecurity environment. While these advances offer potential advantages, they have also heightened strategic risks by increasing the complexity and frequency of cyberattacks, including automated threats targeting supply chains. He cited escalating costs related to data breaches and cybercrime, which have reached trillions of dollars globally, posing significant risks to national and international security.

In response to these challenges, al-Hammadi stressed the importance of exchanging knowledge and lessons learned among nations. Despite being a relatively new entity, the NCSA has established multiple bilateral agreements with key partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. The agency aims to expand such collaborations to improve policy development, protect critical national infrastructure, develop institutional and human capacity, and deepen operational and executive cooperation.

At the regional level, the NCSA works within frameworks of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League to harmonize cybersecurity policies, strategies, and standards. This alignment is deemed vital for establishing a unified regional approach to counter persistent threats to critical infrastructure in the Gulf and surrounding areas.

Internationally, al-Hammadi noted the agency’s active participation in various organizations and initiatives, including the United Nations’ global incident response teams, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the International Telecommunication Union, and the Common Criteria framework. These platforms facilitate the development of global standards, rules for conduct in cyberspace, and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing worldwide cyber readiness.

Al-Hammadi concluded by underscoring that expanding the diversity and scope of communication channels for cybersecurity dialogue enhances the exchange of valuable experiences and solutions. He argued that practical implementation of cooperative initiatives and comprehensive frameworks is essential to effectively protect national interests, preserve sovereignty, and promote prosperity amid growing cyber threats in the digital era.