Khalifa Fund launches cybersecurity accelerator as UAE boosts digital resilience – Fast Company Middle East
Publish Date: 2026-06-30 06:02:00
Source Domain: fastcompanyme.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has launched a national accelerator program dedicated to cybersecurity startups, as the UAE intensifies efforts to strengthen its digital economy and build a globally competitive cybersecurity ecosystem.
Developed in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council and supported by CyberE71, the initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs develop scalable cybersecurity solutions while accelerating the growth of homegrown technology companies.
The program was announced during an event at MZN Hub Al Ain, attended by Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, and Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
The accelerator builds on an existing memorandum of understanding between KFED and the UAE Cyber Security Council, expanding their collaboration to support entrepreneurship, foster innovation and strengthen the country’s cybersecurity sector.
Through the program, participating startups will receive specialized mentorship, business support, and access to industry experts, investors, and strategic partners. The initiative aims to help founders develop innovative products, enhance commercial readiness and scale their businesses in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
The program also leverages CyberE71’s expertise to provide entrepreneurs with access to specialized knowledge, market opportunities, and partnerships that can help emerging companies compete both locally and internationally.
“Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical sector; it has become a strategic driver of the digital economy and one of the fundamental pillars of the security and sustainability of societies,” said Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti.
He added that the program reflects the UAE’s ambition to build an integrated national ecosystem that not only safeguards digital infrastructure but also enables entrepreneurs to develop cybersecurity technologies capable of serving global markets.
Al Kuwaiti said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between national institutions can help transform innovative ideas into high-growth businesses while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for advanced cybersecurity technologies.
Mouza Al Nasri said the accelerator aligns with the Khalifa Fund’s broader mission of supporting entrepreneurs and enabling startups to scale across strategic sectors.
“The launch of this program reflects the Khalifa Fund’s leading role in supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in collaboration with its strategic partners, while fostering the growth of startups across various sectors, including cybersecurity,” she said.
Al Nasri added that the initiative will contribute to economic diversification by strengthening the capabilities of emerging businesses, creating new opportunities for innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati cybersecurity companies.
The program is expected to help cultivate a new generation of UAE-based cybersecurity firms capable of developing solutions for both domestic and international markets. Beyond supporting individual startups, the initiative reinforces the country’s long-term strategy of positioning cybersecurity as a key pillar of economic growth, digital resilience and technological innovation.
