Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain’s National Cybersecurity Centre, chaired Thursday the fifth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity, held as part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain’s National Cybersecurity Centre and President of the current session.

The meeting was attended by Their Excellencies the officials responsible for cybersecurity authorities across the GCC states.

His Excellency Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) who underscored that, thanks to the vision of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, and their continuous support, the Cooperation Council member countries occupy a leading global position in the field of cybersecurity.

“The GCC countries have achieved advanced rankings and prestigious global ratings in specialised international indices, launched qualitative initiatives to develop national capabilities and qualify specialised competencies, reinforced the protection of data and digital infrastructure, as well as elevated the efficiency of response to cyber incidents and threats,” he added.

The GCC Secretary General extended his highest expressions of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the Committee’s meeting, and for the facilities and support Bahrain provides to ensure the success of the GCC’s work.

During his remarks, HE pointed to the recent developments and events in the region and the accompanying escalation of cyber risks and threats, stating that they demonstrated a high level of readiness and efficiency within the GCC cybersecurity ecosystem.

“Proactive measures and continuous coordination have contributed to protecting critical infrastructure, digital systems, and services, while bolstering the capacity to confront attacks and mitigate their impact with utmost competence,” HE highlighted, the Secretariat-General of the GCC States (SG-GCC) said in a statement.

“The standing and readiness achieved by the GCC states were not merely the result of individual efforts, but were built on a steadfast journey of joint Gulf action and the establishment of an integrated ecosystem of frameworks, policies, and coordination mechanisms.”

“This has translated into several significant successes, foremost among which are the adoption of the Executive Plan for the GCC Cybersecurity Strategy (2024–2028), the GCC International Cooperation Framework in the Field of Cybersecurity, the governance mechanism for information sharing on the Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform, and the annual organisation of joint Gulf cyber drills,” HE explained.

HE underlined that these accomplishments embody the GCC states’ vision that cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar of state security, safeguarding developmental and economic gains, and advancing the march of Gulf integration and digital transformation.

HE also indicated that the agenda of the 5th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity is rich with significant topics that will lead to achieving greater convergence among the GCC member states and driving the march toward broader and more comprehensive horizons.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed, Chief Executive of Bahrain’s National Cybersecurity Centre, affirmed that the meetings of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity represent a high-level platform for enhancing Gulf integration in the field of cybersecurity, unifying strategic visions and approaches, and supporting the coordination of joint efforts on priority issues.

He noted that these meetings contribute to formulating joint GCC initiatives and policies and enhancing the cyber readiness of GCC countries, contributing to building a secure and integrated Gulf system capable of efficiently and effectively addressing cybersecurity challenges and threats, and meeting the aspirations of GCC countries and their peoples, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed added that the current stage requires unifying Gulf positions and approaches towards various cybersecurity issues, in a way that supports the development of policies and frameworks governing joint action, consolidates Gulf integration in addressing rapidly evolving technological challenges, and enhances the protection of the national interests of GCC countries.

The meeting discussed items on the agenda of common interest and reviewed developments in joint GCC initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across GCC countries. It also discussed ways to develop mechanisms for coordination and cooperation, supporting Gulf aspirations to build a secure and trusted cyberspace that contributes to protecting common interests and supports sustainable development efforts in GCC countries.

Bahrain’s hosting of the fifth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity reflects the Kingdom’s advanced position in supporting joint GCC action. It also demonstrates GCC countries’ keenness to enhance integration and coordination in addressing cybersecurity challenges, contributing to consolidating an advanced Gulf cybersecurity system that supports security, stability and sustainable development.​ (Sources: Secretariat-General of Gulf Cooperation Council (SG-GCC); Bahrain News Agency (BNA); Photo © SG-GCC)