How Artificial intelligence and digital transformation are changing the Middle EastOrganizations face the dual challenge of leveraging new technologies while maintaining data and systems security. Huawei is positioning itself at the forefront of these efforts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, combining global expertise with local compliance to help businesses and governments navigate cybersecurity and artificial intelligence adoption.
Sultan Mahmoud, Huawei's Northern Gulf security director, said the Chinese technology company is adapting its strategy to the changing needs of the region and what the next wave will be Cybersecurity based on artificial intelligence will look like.
Huawei's approach starts with compliance. “One of Huawei's founding principles is to ensure compliance with international standards, industry best practices, customer requirements and local laws and regulations,” Sultan said.
“We have legal advisers in all countries who understand local laws and regulations and help us work locally to ensure compliance.”
The changing threat landscape, especially the rise of AI-powered cyberattacks, makes the task more challenging: “Fight fire with fire,” Sultan said.
“Huawei fully believes in the power of AI. Cybercriminals use AI extensively, but we also use AI to improve our security tools. AI allows for deeper analysis of user behavior and can even detect reconnaissance attempts in the early stages before they develop into full-fledged attacks.”
Huawei implements a “security by design” approach. Sultan said: “Everything that comes out of Huawei must meet our core security standards, which are based on global industry standards and best practices. Our research and development process includes multiple levels of testing, and we have an independent cybersecurity laboratory that tests products as if we were customers, and to ensure that our customers receive the most reliable products”.
With more than 3,800 cybersecurity experts on staff, Huawei says its systems are designed to evolve with the rapidly changing situation.
When asked about the biggest security gaps in the Gulf countries, Sultan responded understatedly: “I wouldn’t say there are gaps as such, but there are always challenges and opportunities for improvement. Talent shortage is a big problem. When it comes to AI, the industry needs to continue to work together on standards that will help enterprises safely implement AI.”
Digital sovereignty is another priority. “Data is the new oil,” Sultan said. “As Gulf countries transition from an oil-based economy to a digital economy based on values and data, it is absolutely important that data remains secure. “Huawei fully respects local laws and values, supports the creation of local sovereign infrastructure, and can help customers build their own sovereign artificial intelligence.”
Sultan added that ahead of the third version of Huawei's cybersecurity strategy – Cybersecurity 3.0. “Our core mission is to ensure our customers' shared success through the capabilities we have developed over the past 30 years.
“Over the next three to five years, we will focus on artificial intelligence security, data security, computer security, cyber-physical systems and quantum security—a phase we call ‘intelligentization’—to help customers safely embrace digital transformation.”
Huawei hopes to position itself as a partner to governments and businesses in the Gulf region as the region quickly moves into a data-driven future, from compliance to advanced AI security.
Sultan said: “We continue to monitor threats, technological evolution and expand our capabilities. This is the way to ensure the safety of our customers while leveraging artificial intelligence and digitalization.”
