MoTCIT and Sultan Qaboos University Launch “HADATHA” Cybersecurity Innovation Center
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), represented by the National Center for Information Safety, in strategic partnership with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), officially launched the “HADATHA” Cybersecurity Innovation Center. The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of MoTCIT for Communications and Information Technology, and in the presence of H.H. Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, along with several officials and representatives from related institutions.
The HADATHA Center aims to promote research, innovation, and development in the field of cybersecurity, enhance the educational ecosystem as a hub for innovation and R&D, and cultivate a culture of innovation among Omani youth. It also aspires to position Oman as a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation through the implementation of the Cybersecurity Industry Program and its outcomes. These include joint initiatives among relevant stakeholders to support innovation, attract promising investments for socio-economic development, localize technology in line with global advancements, and empower Omani youth with the skills to create competitive, exportable tech products in cybersecurity.
Badar bin Ali Al Salhi, Director General of the National Center for Information Safety at MoTCIT, stated that the center is a nurturing intellectual and scientific space for creativity and a launchpad for pioneering ideas in cybersecurity. “In an era of accelerating digital threats and escalating cyber challenges, local innovations in this domain are essential. The center is one of Oman’s ambitious national initiatives reflecting the country’s vision for a secure and prosperous digital economy built on innovation, excellence, and national capacity building,” he said.
Eng. Badar Al Salhi added that this launch comes at a time when global reports indicate that cybercrime losses may exceed USD 10 trillion annually by 2030, with the average cost of a single breach in the Middle East estimated at around USD 6.2 million. This necessitates accelerating local cybersecurity innovation to keep pace with rising threats.
He further explained that international market forecasts suggest that the global cybersecurity market is expected to exceed USD 500 billion by 2030, up from approximately USD 246 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 12.9% from 2025 to 2030. This rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for innovative cybersecurity solutions capable of adapting to evolving threats.
The Director General emphasized the importance of establishing national specialized centers like HADATHA, which serve as platforms for generating technical solutions, translating research from laboratories into market-ready applications, and boosting national competitiveness in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. The HADATHA Center for Cybersecurity Innovation aims to build bridges between government entities, the private sector, and universities, and to activate the National Cybersecurity Innovation Framework developed by the National Center for Information Safety, serving as a unified foundation for enhancing the innovation ecosystem and achieving national integration in cybersecurity.
Al Salhi concluded by saying that HADATHA is a practical step toward empowering local innovation and transforming it into added economic and security value. “The center’s success will depend on the effectiveness of partnerships among stakeholders, continued investment in cybersecurity solutions, and aligning academic research with market needs. The coming phase requires a focus on results, impact assessment, and expanding participation to build a sustainable national cybersecurity ecosystem.”
Dr. Mohammed bin Mani’ Bayt Suwailim, Director of the Communication and Information Research Center at SQU, highlighted that cybersecurity is a national responsibility in today’s digital age, beginning with individuals and extending to leadership. He stressed the need for vigilance amid the growing use of technology and smart applications, which expose data and information to cyber threats. “Embracing cybersecurity innovation is now essential to protect both personal and institutional digital assets