All articles - UAE

Abu Dhabi officially gives cyber offence industry a makeover

After several months under the radar, the existence of D14 spin-off CPX, revealed by Intelligence Online is now official. CPX, still part of D14 and Group 42, promises a fresh start for Emirati cybersecurities.

The Agencies' Gazette
Israeli anti-missile system, Turkish-Kazakh cooperation, Macron decorates special forces

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community from London to Paris via Nur-Sultan.

Israel/GulfRiyadh, Abu Dhabi and Manama eye Tel Aviv's anti-missile shield

Turkey/KazakhstanKazakh and Turkish military intelligence services strengthen rapprochement

FrancePresident Emmanuel Macron and Special Forces' love-in continues

US cyber firm NetAbstraction turns to French consultant Marc Kassis to break into Gulf

NetAbstraction, the US cyber misattribution firm founded by former NSA officer Barbara Hunt, has the Middle East in its sights. It has been putting its best foot forward at the GISEC fair in Dubai with a renewed team and with the help of French cyber business developer Marc Kassis.

UK cyber specialists lose ground as Bahrain strengthens its links with the UAE

The close friendship between Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyan ("MBZ") and Bahrain's Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has brought a number of leading Israeli cyber firms to Manama, just as the leading British cyber advisers are leaving.

Leonardo Bellodi, the Italian helping the UAE present its anti-money laundering credentials

The ENI veteran and former Libyan Investment Authority adviser is now in charge of the UAE's international dialogue on anti-money laundering. A role that has become all the more critical as Russian money pours into the country following sanctions from the West.

Emirati cyber offensive business to be switched from Digital14 to CPX

In the latest development in the power struggle taking place in the Al Nahyan clan, cyber security company Digital14 is about to be reorganised. In line with a now well-established routine, it will be succeeded by a new Emirati cyber offensive avatar.

In view of Ukraine, Kazakhstan is ramping up its defence agreements and contracts

While the majority of Central Asian countries remain cautiously neutral on the war in Ukraine, Kazakhstan appears to have become the key focal point in the region for European and Asian countries. While maintaining a measured impartiality, Nur-Sultan has continued to reorganise and modernise its internal security and defence apparatus.

Serbia not fussy in choice of partners to boost national digital programme

The Belgrade government is as happy to call on China and the US as it is on the Emirati firm G42 to develop its digital and technological arsenal, largely funded by its Chinese partner. The UAE cloud firm, itself traditionally close to Beijing, has also turned westward for new opportunities.

Ex-Circinus executives forge new careers in Abu Dhabi

Circinus, which used to monitor social media for the UAE, has fallen from grace since its owner, Republican Party sponsor Eliot Broidy, ran afoul of foreign lobbying laws. But former executives of the company, including ex-CIA officers, continue to prosper both in Abu Dhabi and in Eastern Europe.

Pro-UAE Yemenis enlist services of adviser in Washington

The Southern Transitional Council, which readily asserts its position among Yemen's anti-Houthi forces, has sent an envoy to the US capital to advocate on its behalf and report back to both Aden and Abu Dhabi.

UAE's Digital14 reshuffles top line-up as it draws closer to EDGE Group

The Emirati firm has quietly begun to overhaul its management as it continues to align itself with the state-owned defence group, all the while forming closer ties with Israeli cyber specialists.

Britain's UAE-focused PR firm Brunswick sets sights on Saudi Arabia

The PR firm which handles UAE's cultural soft power has hired Canadian Gulf cultural heritage expert France Desmarais, the brains behind the promotion of Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Gate development, as Abu Dhabi and Riyadh jostle for a place on the world's cultural heritage map.

Manar Military Consultancy opens up Emirati market for French naval defence industry

The advisory firm founded by former French special forces operator Freddy Riaud is trying to win a contract with the UAE's Tawazun to conduct a preliminary study for the future construction of an ammunition recycling plant.

France's Yogosha moves in as UAE readies to launch bug bounty platform

The French start-up, whose international aspirations have primarily taken it to the United Arab Emirates, will be launching a new investment round with help from Ryder & Davis.

Ali Al Shamsi sent to Washington to draw up anti-Houthi axis

The Emirati spymaster has been picked to discuss with top US security officials ways to counter Yemen's pro-Iran Houthi militia as the UAE urges Israel to join the alliance, not the least by means of its US contacts.