KUWAIT: Protecting the digital domain is no less critical than safeguarding land and maritime borders, Chairman of the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) Dr Khaled Al-Zamel affirmed. Speaking at the launch of the “Hackathon – Kuwait Cybersecurity League,” organized by Dorat in cooperation with Zone and sponsored by CITRA, Al-Zamel said national cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a pillar of national resilience. The event drew wide participation from university and school students, professionals and enthusiasts.
Al-Zamel stressed that the league is more than a technical competition — it is a platform to identify talented minds with passion, innovation and ambition to lead the region and the world in cybersecurity. He said the initiative marks the emergence of a generation equipped with knowledge and readiness to defend their homelands and protect digital achievements, noting that cybersecurity has become the first line of defense for states, societies and economies.
He affirmed CITRA’s continued support for initiatives that empower young people to build their skills in digital security, artificial intelligence and technological innovation so they can lead the country’s digital transformation. “This league is not just a competition arena, but a message that tomorrow’s Kuwait is protected by the minds of its youth and the efforts of its loyal sons,” he said. “Digital transformation cannot be achieved by technology alone, but through dedication, awareness and national commitment.”
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, Dr Khaled Al-Zamil
KUWAIT: Participants are seen during the launch of the ‘Hackathon – Kuwait Cybersecurity League’ event on Saturday.- KUNA photos
Al-Zamel also praised the role of the organizing company, describing it as a model of successful cooperation between the public and private sectors to build a safer, more digital Kuwait. For his part, Mohammed Al-Suraiya, CEO of Dorat, underscored the importance of initiatives that bring together national cadres and youth to enhance digital defense capabilities and build a generation capable of countering cyberattacks professionally and innovatively. He warned that the world is currently in an open confrontation with cyber threats, citing recent statistics that record more than 2,200 cyberattacks per day — equivalent to one every 39 seconds.
These figures, he said, highlight that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that begins with awareness and culminates in innovation and cooperation. He noted that the first edition of the hackathon achieved notable success, attracting more than 480 participants from various universities and institutions. Participants emerged with ideas and talents that continue to grow in the fields of technology and cybersecurity.
The event includes financial prizes and will nominate winning teams to compete in the regional cybersecurity championship in Egypt, with the participation of more than 20 Arab and foreign countries. It also features specialized workshops in ethical hacking and technical training, conducted in cooperation with leading international experts and supervised by Dorat and global partners experienced in hosting such events. — KUNA
