Qatar’s Rapid Digital Growth Opens Doors to Cyber Attacks
By Mirza Bahić
As Qatar’s rapid digitization fuels its transformation, the nation faces rising cyber threats, with over 5.1 million attacks in 2022 alone, prompting the launch of the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030 to solidify its position as a global leader in cybersecurity.
As Qatar embarks on a rapid journey towards becoming a fully digital society, the country reaps the benefits of swift technological advancements. However, the faster it digitalizes, the greater the risks it faces from cyber threats. The exponential growth of Qatar’s digital infrastructure and services, while beneficial, has also made it a prime target for cyberattacks.
Qatar’s cybersecurity market, which surpassed USD 1 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.6% through 2026. With over 5.1 million internal and external cyber-attacks recorded in 2022 and around 45,000 intrusion attempts successfully thwarted, the urgency to strengthen cybersecurity defenses has never been more pressing. The country’s ambitions to transition into a knowledge-based economy by 2030, coupled with its status as one of the top cloud users in the Middle East, underscore the critical need for a secure digital infrastructure.
With over 5.1 million internal and external cyber-attacks recorded in 2022, the urgency to strengthen cybersecurity defenses has never been more pressing
Cybersecurity: A Growing Concern
The fast pace of digitization in Qatar, much like in other Gulf countries, has outpaced the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures. As recently reported by Deutsche Welle, the Middle East is a “hotbed for data breaches, primarily due to rapid digitization outpacing cybersecurity infrastructure,” in the words of Mohammed Soliman, director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. His concerns are echoed by Joyce Hakmeh from Chatham House, who notes that although Qatar is leading the charge in public service digitization and SME growth, this progress often leaves security measures lagging behind.
Qatar’s vulnerability is exacerbated by its status as a top performer in the region. Ranked among the top three Arab nations in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) alongside Saudi Arabia and Oman, Qatar has achieved global recognition for its proactive cybersecurity efforts. In 2024, Qatar attained a ‘role-model’ classification on the GCI, solidifying its position as a leader in cybersecurity at the international level.
Qatar’s cybersecurity market, which surpassed USD 1 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.6% through 2026
The Impact of the FIFA World Cup
Qatar’s international recognition as a cybersecurity leader was further cemented during the FIFA World Cup 2022, a major event that placed the country’s digital infrastructure under intense scrutiny. The successful management of cybersecurity during such a high-profile event demonstrated Qatar’s capability to safeguard its critical infrastructure from malicious cyber actors. This event also highlighted the importance of safeguarding not only computers but also a wide range of electronic systems that are critical for smooth operations during global events.
According to Alya Al Kuwari from the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), cybersecurity is a comprehensive set of procedures designed to protect systems, networks, software, devices, and data from cyber threats, with safety and confidentiality being the core principles. The NCSA also emphasizes that ensuring the accuracy of information and protecting it from unauthorized access is key to maintaining national security. Real-life tests in the form of events like the FIFA World Cup underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, particularly in the protection of critical institutions such as government departments, hospitals, and private companies.
The greatest risk still lies in users’ lack of awareness, with phishing and cyber fraud rising from 12.5% in 2017 to 53% in 2022
Core Pillars Supporting the National Cybersecurity Strategy
To address the rising cyber threats and ensure a secure digital environment, Qatar has recently launched the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030, a comprehensive framework designed to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges. Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, this strategy aims to position the country as a global leader in cybersecurity while ensuring the safe and secure use of current and emerging technologies.
The strategy is built around five key pillars: strengthening the cybersecurity and resilience of critical national infrastructure, developing legislation and regulatory frameworks, fostering a thriving digital economy, promoting research and innovation in cybersecurity, and encouraging regional and international collaboration. A significant focus is placed on cloud security, as most of Qatar’s data are stored in cloud spaces, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT), including smart home devices such as door locks, surveillance systems, and home automation technologies, introduces new layers of complexity in securing Qatar’s digital ecosystem.
The National Cyber Security Academy, established in 2024, is set to play a vital role in training professionals both in Qatar and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The academy is part of Qatar’s broader efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of managing the increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges posed by the digital age.
A key player on the international stage
Qatar’s proactive stance on cybersecurity is further exemplified by the establishment of its National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) in 2021, alongside Bahrain. This move marked an important milestone in Qatar’s journey to building a resilient cyber defense infrastructure. In addition to domestic efforts, Qatar has also been a key player on the international stage. In 2022, Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed a Joint Statement of Intent on Cybersecurity Cooperation (JSOI), aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity policy, strategy, and information sharing.
Throughout 2024, Qatar has continued to strengthen its international partnerships. The NCSA represented Qatar in global forums, such as the Open-ended Working Group on the Security of Information and Communication Technology at the United Nations, and played an active role in the Executive Committee for Cyber Security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Addressing User Awareness and Education
Despite Qatar’s significant investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, one of the most persistent challenges remains the lack of user awareness. In 2017, phishing and cyber fraud accounted for 12.5% of all cybercrimes in Qatar. By 2022, that number had skyrocketed to 53%. This alarming rise highlights the need for comprehensive public education programs focused on increasing awareness about cyber risks and promoting safer online practices.
According to Al Kuwari cybersecurity is to be treated as a “national duty” in Qatar as one’s lack of awareness not only puts that person or organization at risk but also affects their surroundings, community, and the country. Simple measures, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and installing reliable antivirus software, can go a long way in reducing the risk of cyber-attacks.
Cloud security has become indispensable as most of Qatar’s data are stored in cloud spaces, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access or theft
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Qatar’s rapid digital transformation offers immense opportunities, it also presents challenges in ensuring the security of its digital landscape. The rise of smart cities, IoT devices, and AI-driven systems introduces new vulnerabilities that Qatar must address as it continues its digital journey. The complexity of these systems means that a one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity will no longer suffice. Instead, Qatar must invest in adaptable, forward-looking security solutions that can evolve alongside technological advancements.
At the same time, Qatar’s role as a regional leader in cybersecurity offers significant opportunities for collaboration with its GCC neighbors. The shared responsibility model emphasized in the National Cyber Security Strategy highlights the importance of fostering trust and cooperation between the government, private sector, and international partners. This collaborative approach will be critical in maintaining Qatar’s position as a global leader in cybersecurity and ensuring the continued protection of its digital infrastructure.
Harmonizing Progress and Security in Qatar’s Digital Odyssey
Qatar’s swift march toward digitization is reshaping its economy and infrastructure, but it also opens doors to potential cyber threats. The country’s National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030 lays out a clear roadmap for tackling these challenges, from developing a resilient cyber infrastructure to fostering international cooperation. As Qatar looks toward 2030 and beyond, its efforts to balance innovation with security will be critical to the success of its digital transformation and the safety of its citizens.
The journey ahead is not without its hurdles, but with continued investment in cybersecurity, public awareness, and regional partnerships, Qatar is well-positioned to lead the Middle East in the safe and secure use of digital technologies.
National Cyber Security Strategy highlights the importance of fostering trust and cooperation between the government, private sector, and international partners
