Qatar Cybersecurity Developments in 2024

The cybersecurity sector in Qatar is very dynamic. Qatar’s National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) is the government agency leading the efforts in the sector.  Since its creation in 2021, the NCSA has elevated Qatar’s international role by participating in multilateral initiatives, and also for its bilateral cooperation efforts with allies.

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) signed a Joint Statement of Intent on Cybersecurity Cooperation (JSOI) to strengthen DHS’s and NCSA’s cooperation on cybersecurity policy, strategy, and information sharing.  In February  2024, NCSA hosted the Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans - U.S Department of Homeland Security - to discuss bilateral collaboration on cybersecurity and to deepen the partnership between the U.S. and Qatar.  During 2024, NCSA has represented Qatar in specialized forums such as the Open-ended Working Group on the Security of Information and Communication Technology at the United Nations, and the Executive Committee for Cyber Security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

NCSA is Qatar’s Cybersecurity and Information Security compliance body, and it awards compliance certifications, including the National Information Assurance (NIA) certification, and the Qatar Common Criteria Scheme (QCCS) for IT security evaluation and certification.  In February 2024, the NCSA organized a conference on the safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), taking a leading role in the adoption of AI for Qatari Government entities.  In July 2024, the NCSA established the National Cyber Security Academy.  This educational institution will serve as a training hub for professionals in Qatar and in the GCC region.

In a period where regional tensions are high, cyber actors and cybercriminal groups pose an important threat to Qatar’s infrastructure.  Qatari Government agencies and the NCSA are open to solutions that help mitigate risk and protect its information.

For more information about the cybersecurity sector in Qatar, please contact Office.Doha@trade.gov or Juan.Catril@trade.gov at the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.