Dr. Khaled Al-Zamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), affirmed that CITRA believes protecting the digital space is a national responsibility, no less important than protecting land and maritime borders.
He made this statement during the opening of the “Hackathon – Kuwait Cybersecurity League", organized by Dawrat in cooperation with Zone, under the sponsorship of CITRA, with wide participation from university and school students, professionals, and enthusiasts in the field.
Dr. Al-Zamel added that this league is not merely a technical competition, but a platform to discover minds with passion and creativity, aspiring to become leading cybersecurity experts in the region and the world.
He pointed out that this event marks the beginning of a generation armed with knowledge, standing at the forefront to protect their homeland and safeguard their digital achievements, emphasizing that cybersecurity has become the first line of defense for nations, societies, and economies.
He further explained that CITRA continues to support initiatives that enable youth to develop their skills in digital security, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation—so they may become leaders of digital transformation.
Dr. Al-Zamel noted that this league is not just a competition, but a message declaring that the Kuwait of tomorrow is protected by the minds of its youth and the efforts of its loyal citizens—and that digital transformation cannot be achieved through technology alone, but through dedication, awareness, and national commitment.
He also praised the significant role of the organizing company, which presented an exemplary model of cooperation between the public and private sectors to build a safer and more digital Kuwait.
For his part, Mohammed Al-Surai, CEO of Dawrat, emphasized the importance of such initiatives that bring together young people and national talents to enhance their skills in digital protection and build a generation capable of facing cyberattacks with professionalism and innovation.
Al-Surai added that the world today is engaged in an ongoing confrontation with cyber threats, noting that according to recent statistics, there are over 2,200 cyberattacks daily worldwide—equivalent to one attack every 39 seconds. These figures highlight that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, starting with awareness and culminating in innovation and collaboration.
He also noted that the first edition of the hackathon was a great success, with over 480 participants from various universities and institutions, producing ideas and talents that continue to make progress in technology and cybersecurity fields.
The event includes financial prizes and nominations for the winning teams to participate in the regional cybersecurity competition in the Arab Republic of Egypt, featuring more than 20 Arab and foreign countries.
It also features specialized workshops in ethical hacking and technical training, conducted in cooperation with international experts, under the organizational, technical, and judging supervision of Dawrat and its international partners specialized in hosting such events.