KUWAIT CITY, Oct 18: Safeguarding digital infrastructure is as critical as defending Kuwait’s land and maritime borders, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) Dr. Khaled Al-Zamel said on Saturday.

Speaking at the launch of the Kuwait Cyber League Hackathon, organized by Dawrat in collaboration with Zain and under CITRA’s sponsorship, Dr. Al-Zamel emphasized that cybersecurity now represents the first line of defense for modern nations.

“This league is not merely a technical competition,” he said. “It is a platform to discover minds filled with passion, innovation, and the potential to become regional and global cybersecurity leaders.”

The event, which drew wide participation from students, tech professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts, aims to bolster digital literacy and national cyber resilience. Dr. Al-Zamel underlined that CITRA continues to support initiatives empowering youth to excel in digital security, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation—positioning them as future leaders of Kuwait’s digital transformation.

“This is not just a contest, but a national message: tomorrow’s Kuwait will be protected by the minds and dedication of its youth,” he added. “Digital transformation is not solely about technology—it requires awareness, commitment, and a strong sense of national responsibility.”

Dr. Al-Zamel also praised the organizers for showcasing an exemplary model of public-private sector collaboration to build a safer digital Kuwait.

In his remarks, Mohammad Al-Suraye, CEO of Dawrat, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of uniting national talents to strengthen Kuwait’s digital defenses.

“The world faces a relentless wave of cyber threats,” Al-Suraye said, citing global statistics showing over 2,200 cyberattacks per day, or one every 39 seconds. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that starts with awareness and ends with innovation and collaboration.”

He noted that the first edition of the hackathon saw significant success, attracting more than 480 participants from various universities and institutions. Many of them, he said, demonstrated exceptional ideas and talent that will continue to contribute to the tech and cybersecurity sectors.

The hackathon features cash prizes and opportunities for winning teams to be nominated for participation in a regional cybersecurity competition in Egypt, which will include teams from over 20 Arab and foreign countries.

Participants will also engage in specialized workshops on ethical hacking and receive technical training in partnership with international cybersecurity experts. The event is being conducted under the technical and organizational supervision of Dawrat and its global partners specializing in such events.