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UAE Cyber Quest final round begins

The National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) has officially announced details of the first annual UAE Cyber Quest programme.

Seventy-nine students, nine teachers and six Abu Dhabi- and Al Ain-based schools have been involved with the two-phase educational programme to date, which has culminated in a two-day elimination competition that began here on Tuesday.

Themed ‘Learn Today, Defend Tomorrow’, the 2014 edition of the programme saw participation of three Abu Dhabi-based schools (Al Hosn School, Al Samha School and Hamdan bin Mohammed School) in addition to three schools based in Al Ain (Al Dahma School, Al Maqam School and Zayed Al Awaal School). Programme organisers plan to engage with schools right across the emirates for future editions of UAE Cyber Quest.

“UAE Cyber Quest is the first national competition of its kind in the emirates and everyone involved — from the students themselves to the programme coordinators and teachers — are looking forward to the final event with great promise,” said Zayed Al Otaiba, Executive Director of Talent Development at the NESA.

“Ensuring the safety of the UAE’s critical digital infrastructure is a matter of national security — so too is fostering the development of the next generation of Emiratis who will protect it. Ultimately, it is our hope that this annual programme will accelerate education development and supply a welcome boost to the UAE’s ambitious plans to implement a full-fledged digital economy,” he added.

The 2014 competition represents the second phase of the UAE Cyber Quest programme. Ten teams competed in ‘Day One’ of the competition on Tuesday. Only four teams will progress through to ‘Day Two’ today before one team is crowned UAE Cyber Quest 2014 winners.

“Incorporating elements of information security into the national curriculum is critical in order to aid younger generations when navigating their way through an increasingly digital world and crucially, how to do so safely,” said Dr Najla Al Raway Al Naqbi, e-Learning Manager at the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

The first phase of UAE Cyber Quest saw teachers from participating schools attend a three-day workshop once a month for a period of three months. The nine teachers involved were briefed on the programme and were provided all necessary training to lead a four-week education programme with their students. The programme consists of a series of hands-on practical exercises in information technology and network security.