Moro Hub, the cloud data hub for Digital DEWA, the digital arm of the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kaspersky to enhance cybersecurity resilience against existing and emerging threats.
DEWA created Digital DEWA to harness AI and digital transformation as part of the Dubai 10X initiative. Moro Hub was established in 2018 to support it through a purpose-built, industry-accredited cloud data hub.
When DEWA launched Digital DEWA, it became the world’s first digital utility to use autonomous systems for renewable energy, storage, expansion, AI adoption and providing digital services.
Digital DEWA has four “pillars”:
- Solar energy: One of DEWA’s key projects is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
- Energy storage: Digital DEWA seeks to operate a renewable energy network using innovative energy storage technologies, including solar and hydroelectric, as well as testing new technologies, such as different batteries and energy from hydrogen.
- AI: Through the Rammas AI project, Dubai will be the first city to provide electricity and water services based on AI. DEWA will deploy machine learning to augment customer experience, support employee services and productivity enhancement, and optimise core grid operations.
- Digital services: Digital DEWA will expand digital services through Moro Hub. This pillar goes beyond cloud computing to provide global, standardised services and multiple solutions from a single location, according to the highest quality standards, to enhance the customer experience.
The new partnership will combine its cybersecurity practices and services with Kaspersky’s technologies to strengthen the UAE’s cybersecurity resilience and foster digital trust in the wider region.
Proactive approach against surging threats
The agreement is also intended to signify a proactive approach towards addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges, particularly within operational technologies and industrial IoT, where there has been a surge in threats in recent years.
The MoU was signed by Dr Ahmed Alketbi, CISO of DEWA and Moro Hub, and Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky, during the Kaspersky Cyber Immunity Conference 2024.
Mohammad Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub, said: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity for our clients and stakeholders. Moro Hub has always been committed to enhancing cybersecurity awareness and preparedness, and this partnership is another step forward to cement the security ecosystem in the UAE and beyond.”
Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky, said: “Our combined efforts will help the UAE navigate through the evolving threat landscape with confidence. By leveraging our global expertise and commitment toward education, this collaboration is setting new benchmarks in cybersecurity excellence while serving as an example of trust and reliability for organisations facing the challenges of the digital world.”
