Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The National Cybersecurity Authority of Saudi Arabia has launched the Fourth GCC Cybersecurity Exercise in Riyadh. This drill brings together cybersecurity experts from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the GCC General Secretariat. It aims to strengthen digital resilience and boost cooperation across the region.
The multi-day exercise focuses on improving cyber readiness and sharing knowledge. In particular, it tests how member states respond to complex cyber threats. Officials said the event shows the Gulf’s commitment to protecting its digital infrastructure through joint action.
Simulated threats drive practical skills
Participants engage in hands-on simulations that mirror real cyberattacks. These exercises help teams detect, contain, and recover from threats. They also allow teams to review their responses and learn from each scenario.
Importantly, the drill uses a custom platform built with SITE, the Saudi Information Technology Company. The system recreates current cyberattack methods and enables secure, real-time practice. As a result, participants gain experience with modern threat landscapes.
Coordination builds on regional strategy
The exercise supports the 2024 GCC cybersecurity strategy launched in Doha. That strategy introduced the GCC Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing Platform. It aims to make regional threat response faster and more connected.
With this fourth drill, the Gulf continues to build on its progress. These efforts highlight that cybersecurity is not only a technical issue, but also key to economic and national stability.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Cyber Coordination as Gulf Imperative
The Fourth GCC Cybersecurity Drill reflects a maturing vision for regional cyber readiness. By practicing together in real-time scenarios, Gulf states are not only improving their technical responses—they are creating a shared security mindset.
This exercise shows that strategic unity in cyberspace is now essential. As threats become more global, so must the defenses. By anchoring cybersecurity in cooperation, the GCC is positioning itself to better protect its economies, infrastructure, and citizens.
