Qatar expands global cybersecurity footprint as NCSA concludes youth summer camp

DOHA, Qatar: Qatar has reinforced its position as a growing hub for digital innovation and cybersecurity with the conclusion of the third edition of the 20-day Youth Cyber Security Camp.

The programme equipped young participants with practical online defence skills while supporting Qatar’s 2030 strategic vision to develop human capital and build a digitally resilient society.

Nearly 400 Students Participate

The summer camp was organised by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.

Nearly 400 students aged 13 to 17 from public and private schools took part in the programme, including students from Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys.

Officials Attend Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including NCSA President Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education HE Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Nuaimi, along with NCSA partners, industry leaders and participating students.

During the ceremony, Eng. Al Malki honoured the agency’s partners, speakers and experts, as well as winners of the Consultation Corner Competition and Best Projects awards.

Camp Expands Global Reach

Responding to strong demand, the camp introduced daily virtual sessions for the first time, attracting more than 1,000 international students.

Officials said the virtual programme expanded the camp’s international reach while strengthening Qatar’s efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness and digital inclusion.

More Than 50 Hours of Cybersecurity Training

The Youth Cyber Security Camp provided more than 50 hours of practical training across 15 core cybersecurity areas.

The training covered topics including:

Web fundamentals
Attack analysis
Network security
Cyber defence
Ethical hacking

Students also participated in 15 interactive activities, designed to encourage teamwork, engagement and stronger connections among participants.

Students Develop 80 Cybersecurity Projects

As part of the programme, participants developed 80 graduation projects addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.

The projects allowed students to apply the skills gained during intensive training and demonstrate their ability to develop practical, solution-oriented approaches to digital security threats.

Students Highlight Learning Experience

Participants praised the hands-on nature of the programme and the opportunity to learn from cybersecurity experts.

One student said the panel sessions provided valuable insights into real-world cybersecurity challenges and encouraged them to consider a future career in the field.
Another participant highlighted the experience of working under real-time pressure, saying it strengthened their problem-solving skills and taught them how to approach complex digital threats creatively.

Qatar Strengthens Cybersecurity Talent Development

The successful completion of the Youth Cyber Security Camp highlights Qatar’s continued focus on developing young cybersecurity talent.

Through practical training, international participation, interactive activities and project-based learning, the programme aims to prepare a new generation with the skills needed to contribute to a secure, innovative and digitally resilient future.