OT Security First Forum: A Pioneering Gathering for Cyber Resilience
On February 4, 2026, the Rosewood Abu Dhabi will host the OT Security First Forum, under the auspices of the UAE Cyber Security Council. This event will gather prominent figures including senior government officials, regulators, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and industry leaders to tackle a pressing issue of our time: the security of operational technology (OT) environments critical to national energy and utilities infrastructure.
The Context of Digital Transformation in the UAE
The UAE is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, with a strong focus on the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). This merging has significantly altered the threat landscape, exposing essential systems to complex cyber risks. The OT Security First Forum is distinguished as the region’s sole platform dedicated to national initiatives aimed at enhancing OT security, leveraging AI-driven threat automation, and establishing a Cyber Centre of Excellence. This reinforces the UAE’s commitment to protecting vital infrastructures.
Key Focus Areas of the Forum
The discussions at the forum will center around the safeguarding of Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments. Strategic topics will include OT risk management, AI-powered threat detection and response, and cyber resilience specifically targeting the energy and utilities sectors. Additional focus will be placed on supply chain security, regulatory compliance, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. By merging state-of-the-art OT technologies with localized expertise, the OT Security First Forum aims to translate conversations into actionable strategies that enhance overall cyber resilience.
Insights from Leading Cybersecurity Experts
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized the significance of the forum by stating, “As we stand at the brink of a new digital era, the melding of IT and OT has eroded traditional security boundaries. This new landscape links the physical and digital realms in ways that require a modern approach to security.” He described the OT Security First Forum as a crucial junction for collaboration, designed to unite government officials and industry leaders to strengthen the energy and utilities sector—a cornerstone of both economic stability and national security.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti further highlighted the forum’s goal: “By gathering the brightest minds in Abu Dhabi, we will not only discuss strategies but will also expedite the implementation of robust, AI-driven security frameworks. This collective initiative bolsters our defenses against intricate hybrid threats, ensuring that the UAE’s ambitious path toward energy diversification and smart city development remains both secure and seamless.”
A Platform for Decision-Makers in Cybersecurity
The OT Security First Forum is poised to attract essential decision-makers from government agencies, energy producers, utility providers, infrastructure operators, technology innovators, and cybersecurity experts from the region. This positions the UAE at the forefront of creating a secure and resilient digital future.
Partnerships and Industry Support
Several leading industry partners and sponsors, including Yokogawa, Seclab, and Dragos, are supporting the forum. Their contributions are vital in enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure throughout the region.
