In partnership with the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW), Raytheon Company will conduct  the “UAE Security Forum: Bridging the Cybersecurity Talent Gap”, a one-day event in Abu Dhabi on February 21, 2016.

The Forum, organized and hosted by AGSIW, will bring together government leaders, academics and private-sector professionals for discussions on issues of cybersecurity and the need to develop a national workforce in this critical field. The company has established a strategic partnership with AGSIW to address the global need for cybersecurity capabilities and talent.

“As a global leader in cybersecurity with more than 30 years of experience, I believe we have the responsibility to help address this international security challenge,” said Dave Wajsgras (photo), President of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services.

“This dialogue in Abu Dhabi is part of a larger effort we’re launching to further support allies of the United States to secure their cyber space by developing the next generation of cybersecurity experts and leaders,” he added.

H.E Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba, former U.S. Ambassador to the UAE and President of AGSIW, said one of her organization’s strategies is “to bring together policymakers and experts from the United States and our Gulf partners to foster understanding and solutions to a myriad of complex problems and challenges.” She also said given the increasing, global threats of cyber-crime and cyber warfare, “we understand the high importance placed by UAE leaders on establishing a world-class cyber defense capability.”

“This inaugural Forum is the first of this partnership’s efforts to assist the Emirates in elevating cyber issues and ultimately develop cybersecurity solutions that will protect their citizens and their nation,” said Chris Davis, Raytheon’s Business Leader for the UAE.

Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions.

With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems  integration, capabilities in C5I (command, control, communications, computing, cyber and intelligence), sensing, effects and mission support services.