GCC Nations Prioritize Cybersecurity Amid Smart Infrastructure Expansion

• •GCC nations are set to invest over USD 907 billion in smart infrastructure by 2032.
• •The integration of AI and IoT in critical sectors is increasing cybersecurity risks.
• •A skilled workforce in cybersecurity and operational technology is essential for resilience.

As Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations invest over USD 907 billion in smart infrastructure by 2032, cybersecurity readiness is increasingly critical. The integration of AI, IoT, and connected systems in sectors like telecom, utilities, and transportation is exposing operational technology to greater cyber threats. The convergence of IT and operational technology is complicating cybersecurity efforts, necessitating a workforce skilled in both areas. Major projects under Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE's digital economy initiatives are driving this transformation. Organizations that enhance workforce readiness alongside infrastructure modernization are likely to achieve better operational resilience. The urgency for cybersecurity professionals is rising as the complexity of these systems increases.