The National Cyber Security Academy in Doha, Qatar, is set to launch this year with the goal of enhancing cybersecurity and digital safety indicators in Qatar. The academy is an initiative of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and aims to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by training national cadres in cybersecurity and raising awareness about cybersecurity risks to various groups in the country. The Director of National Cyber Security Enablement and Excellence Affairs at NCSA, Khalid Al Hashmi, emphasized the importance of the academy in contributing to the development of a secure cyber environment.
The National Cyber Security Academy will offer a range of training programs, including short-term courses and certificates of participation, to develop the skills of employees in various sectors. Collaborating with global companies, the academy will provide unique programs in technology fields to keep up with the latest technologies. Specialized programs for professionals in information systems and cybersecurity fields, as well as government personnel, will be offered to enhance their capabilities. Additionally, executive managers will be prepared to face global and local cybersecurity challenges in their institutions.
The cooperation between NCSA and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education will be instrumental in establishing the academy and providing cybersecurity courses for students in schools. The cybersecurity curriculum will be implemented from first grade to grade twelve in both private and government schools, tailored to each age group and educational stage. The aim is to raise awareness of cybersecurity concepts and equip Qatari youth with the skills to navigate technology efficiently and safely.
The National Cyber Security Academy will combine theoretical education with practical training, focusing on handling devices and technology related to cybersecurity practices, and protection against breaches across different programming languages. Trainees will experience real-life scenarios and apply their skills to face cybersecurity risks and challenges confidently. The academy will act as a leading regional hub for cybersecurity education and training, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in preserving institutions’ systems, productivity, and efficiency.
Established by Amiri Resolution No.1 of 2021, the National Cyber Security Agency reports directly to the Council of Ministers and is led by His Excellency Abdul Rahman Ali Muhammad Al Farahid Al Maliki. The agency’s mission is to enhance cybersecurity and digital safety indicators in Qatar through initiatives like the National Cyber Security Academy, which will provide essential training and awareness programs to support the development of a secure cyber environment in the country. By qualifying and training national cadres in cybersecurity and collaborating with global partners, the academy aims to become a regional center for research, development, innovation, and support for local institutions in Qatar.