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The Qatar News Agency reported that the seminar, held on the final day of Milipol Qatar 2026, emphasised the need to move beyond traditional governance-focused cybersecurity toward enabling business functions while embedding protection requirements directly into commercial and technical processes. Speakers highlighted developing robust risk management mechanisms and rapid response protocols to digital threats as essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure. This approach aims to reduce disruptions and maintain operational resilience across government and private sector entities.
Sarah Al-Mawlawi, director of the information security department at Ooredoo Qatar, stressed the importance of evolving the role of cybersecurity departments. She advocated surpassing conventional practices centered on governance and risk management in favor of empowering business units and incorporating security needs into core operations. Al-Mawlawi noted that such integration would better align protective measures with overall organizational goals.
Khalid Al-Nasr, acting assistant director of the information security department at the National Cyber Security Agency, underscored the value of independent information security units in promoting proactive risk handling, according to the agency. He called for clear definitions of responsibilities and escalation procedures to minimize confusion in crisis situations. Al-Nasr further recommended incorporating cybersecurity into business continuity, disaster recovery and crisis management plans. In his presentation, he said the handling of cyber attacks, especially those targeting government entities, should not be limited to restoring the information technology infrastructure, but should include ensuring the continuity of vital government services or restoring them within acceptable time frames.
Dr. Maryam Ahmed Al-Faihani, director of the cybersecurity department at the Qatar Central Bank, described cybersecurity as a collective responsibility that demands building an institutional culture attuned to digital risks. She urged alignment of protection initiatives with each institution’s strategic objectives to enhance overall effectiveness. Al-Faihani’s remarks reinforced the seminar’s focus on shared accountability across sectors.
The three-day Milipol Qatar 2026 exhibition and conference, which concluded on October 22 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, featured multiple sessions on cybersecurity as a core theme alongside smart borders and civil defence, according to the event’s official programme. The National Cyber Security Agency served as a diamond sponsor, operating a dedicated pavilion to showcase its services and initiatives. A Peninsula Qatar report detailed how the agency has launched the National Cyber Risk Management Framework and an enterprise version to strengthen defenses nationwide.
Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki, president of the National Cyber Security Agency, said in a statement that participation in the event supports strengthening partnerships with government and private entities, as securing digital space has become a strategic duty for trust, continuity and adaptability. The agency’s efforts include awareness programs, training and workshops delivered year-round to various segments of society. These activities complement the seminar discussions by promoting practical implementation of the recommended cybersecurity enhancements.
