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RACE Model: Building Cyber Resiliency and Mitigating Network Risks by Going Back to Basics

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2 years ago

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HUAWEI CYBERSECURITY

By H.E. Dr. Mohamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government, and Dr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia

Jim Rohn once famously said, “Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value.” Resilience is key to surviving in today’s world full of emerging technologies and hot-button buzzwords. It is a race towards all that is good, towards cyber survivability, a race of the utmost urgency and importance. As such, cybersecurity and, in particular, cyber resiliency is more than just having an incident response plan or a computer security policy. It is about ensuring that your entire security posture can withstand a wide range of threats, which includes hybrid, blended attack vectors that can transcend time and space through the interplay of physical, cyber, and virtual planes that take apart traditional brick-and-mortar aspects of any organizations and cross-borders jurisdiction.

Hence, we need to design a more holistic security framework by integrating cyber and physical security measures, hardening critical systems, and creating cross-functional teams and multi-disciplinary teams that will involve team members not only from our own organization but also from other stakeholders in our ecosystem that can address risks from multiple angles. Indeed, designing an auto-adaptable, self-evolving security framework that will evolve alongside the volatile and rapidly evolving threat landscape will be crucial to maintaining cyber resiliency and, therefore, safeguarding the business in the new intelligent era. But, without a doubt, there’s an urgent need to prioritize building cyber resiliency above all other matters.

Leonardo Da Vinci said, “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough. We must apply. Being willing is not enough. We must do.”  To build resilience, having a lofty mission statement with an ambitious plan is definitely not enough; the efforts must be grounded in the practicality of getting our hands dirty and being able to paddle in and out of the mudflats regardless of how much the mud will engulf you.

Figure 1 shows our proposed RACE model as a simple four-part process to look at how organizations can build cyber-resiliency with a feasible and actionable plan to achieve our objective of securing any organization by going back to basics. By going back to basics and doing them well, it will at least address 90% of the problems that most organizations are facing today. The solution needs not to be complex nor flamboyant; it just needs to be practical, and if one can cut through the levels of complexity and zero in on the crux of the problem and put in place basic security controls that are effective and efficient, it will lay the groundwork for success.

Borrowing the analogy of racing, would you be driving a race car that has a manual gearbox for full control and is tuned for the race track, or would you just take any car straight from the garage untuned for the conditions of the race track and relying on the car’s automatic gearbox to take care of the driving? Thus, it is clear that returning to basics and tuning your security measures for accuracy and precision is a much better bet than pouring huge investments into advanced systems and mechanics, building layers and layers of security indiscriminately.

Being accurate and precise will enable us to build quantifiability into our cybersecurity program. Accuracy and precision are both ways to measure results. Accuracy measures how close results are to the true or known value, while precision, on the other hand, measures how close results are to one another or, in other words, how well our defenses are designed and executed. This is our motivation behind the development of the RACE model. The subsequent paragraph will describe each key component of the model in greater detail.

Figure 1: The RACE model, a simple 4-part plan for building cyber resilience

Firstly, resiliency in modern cybersecurity speaks to the capability to provide value for the customer. In simplistic terms, it is to provide robustness and survivability of the organization’s cyber footprint in the face of adversaries and threats, meet compliance needs for business governance while excelling and providing a competitive advantage, using whatever security capabilities are based on established best practices, processes, and frameworks that achieve repeatable results. Figure 2 below summarizes what it takes to build cyber resilience and the value it brings to the table, taking into consideration the interplay between being compliance and building capabilities to support the resiliency of the entire information infrastructure that supports the business of an organization.

Figure 2: Building trust, enhancing cyber resilience, and mitigating risks in action

Next, awareness refers not only to imbuing a culture of cybersecurity among all the staff in an organization to the extent that basic cyber hygiene can be practiced but also to targeting the team focusing on delivery and maintaining ICT and security services within the organization so that they pay attention to cementing their core competencies and fundamentals. Hereby, it is recommended that harnessing risks and hedging your bet against the barrage of threats based on a risk-based approach is the best way, given that resources on hand are always scarce, limited, and, to some extent, expensive. Given that is the case, we have identified five basic core fundamentals that every cybersecurity team in any organization needs to build up on their basics (and manage them well) based on common cybersecurity issues faced, as depicted in Figure 3. While it may seem simple, the devil is always in the details to ensure a job is done well.

Figure 3: Managing five common risks (end-to-end) comprehensively as a basis for building cyber resilience

One man, organization, or country cannot resolve cybersecurity issues alone. It takes an entire village to address cybersecurity issues as they affect everyone if anything goes awry. Cybersecurity is a team sport, and all the stakeholders within the ecosystem must contribute towards addressing the elephant in the room, as shown in Figure 4. We always find strength in numbers because “united we stand, divided we fall.” We see the Blackhat community is doing that exactly, and that is why they are always a step ahead of the good guys every time, thereby summarizing the urgency to Collaborate as a key differentiating measure.

 Figure 4: Cybersecurity is a team sport. So, who is on the team?

Last but not least, we need to bring everything together to build or Engineer the process, putting the cogwheels into their rightful places to drive the engine forward. We have identified five key fundamental security measures that, if done diligently, will be key to building an end-to-end resilient system and reducing network risks. 

As shown in Figure 3, the five key fundamental security measures are 1) software integrity protection, 2) security configuration, 3) digital certification management, 4) vulnerability remediation, and 5) product lifecycle management. Take “Security configuration” as an example. To engineer and address the risk brought about by system misconfiguration, we need to break it down into its elements or identify its Work Breakdown Structure or WBS, which is a key step for planning project tasks and allocating resources.

Figure 5: Security Configuration Example: Optimize the Security Configuration Baseline based on Service Scenarios

Figure 5 summarizes typical work done to break down “security configuration” into its WBS. While this figure does not depict the complete picture, it does show a deep dive into each piece of work. One should keep working on breaking it down until the project scope and all the tasks required to complete the project can be visualized in one snapshot.

In conclusion, we have distilled the entire RACE model in detail in this paper. Achieving RACE is key to building resiliency for any organization. The important thing to note is to keep it simple and go back to basics. Build an auto-evolving, adaptable security framework based on the strategy that is designed to shape-shift alongside emerging blended, hybrid threats by leveraging on actionable intelligence, building resilience, and fostering collaboration so that individuals, organizations, and nations. Establishing public-private partnerships (PPP) with governmental entities and authorities enables public sector players, such as the UAE Cyber Security Council, to act as the fulcrum for coordinating and pooling resources and intelligence. This will enable our modern society to defend against today’s threat and safeguard one’s digital journey by addressing the challenges of tomorrow’s Age of Intelligence.

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ALEC Partners with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to Launch Hydrological Mangrove Restoration Project in Abu Dhabi

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6 hours ago

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October 19, 2026

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ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC – SPC (ALEC), part of ALEC Holdings PJSC (ALEC Holdings) has signed an agreement with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to support a first-of-its-kind mangrove hydrological restoration pilot in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The three-year project will explore whether restoring the natural hydrological conditions of a mangrove area in need of restoration can help the ecosystem return to long-term ecological health. In doing so, the initiative will examine the underlying conditions required to secure the future health and resilience of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove habitats.

EAD will lead the scientific planning and implementation of the project, including site selection, ecological and hydrological assessments, identification of the required restoration interventions, and the monitoring and reporting of project outcomes.

The pilot will establish baseline information for the selected site and track progress against defined restoration and biodiversity indicators. Its findings are expected to strengthen scientific understanding of mangrove hydrology in Abu Dhabi and help inform the planning of future ecosystem restoration initiatives.

The project supports the science-led restoration objectives of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and complements the UAE’s national climate and biodiversity targets. By examining the conditions needed for mangrove habitats to recover and thrive, it will contribute to a broader understanding of how protection, hydrological restoration and long-term monitoring can work together to deliver durable ecological outcomes.

Earlier in 2026, ALEC signed the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Pledge, committing to support the conservation and restoration of mangroves and other blue carbon ecosystems, advance science-based restoration, and reduce its impact on nature.

 This partnership marks ALEC’s first flagship nature restoration investment with measurable biodiversity outcomes and forms part of ALEC’s broader commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into its sustainability strategy and contributing to nature-positive outcomes in the regions where it operates.

Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said, “We welcome ALEC’s support for this pilot, which reflects the kind of long-term, science-based commitment the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was established to encourage. The findings will strengthen our understanding of how mangrove sites respond to restored hydrological conditions and will inform how we plan future restoration in the emirate. Through this pilot, we aim to build the scientific evidence needed for long-term solutions that safeguard Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, a defining feature of the emirate’s natural heritage.”

Sean McQue, Managing Director – ALEC, said, “Abu Dhabi is a capital defined by extraordinary ambition, creating next-generation cultural and visitor experiences while protecting the natural heritage that gives the emirate its identity. For ALEC, this partnership is an important step in turning our commitment to nature into tangible action. As our first biodiversity restoration investment, the project enables us to contribute directly to the protection and restoration of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove ecosystems, while supporting a science-led approach that will generate measurable biodiversity outcomes. Through this pilot, we are supporting the development of the knowledge, evidence and practical understanding needed to help these vital ecosystems recover and thrive. In doing so, we are proud to support Abu Dhabi’s ambition to protect its natural heritage and contribute to a more resilient future for the emirate.”

As a company whose activities interact with land, water and ecosystems across the built environment value chain, ALEC recognises the importance of supporting the protection and enhancement of natural habitats. Through this partnership, the company will support the collection of ecological baseline data, monitoring of biodiversity indicators and conservation of a priority coastal ecosystem.

The collaboration will also create opportunities for employees across the ALEC Holdings group to participate in environmental awareness, education and structured volunteering activities associated with the project. These are expected to include citizen-science monitoring and other forms of community engagement.

The signing follows the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Meeting, which took place on 8 October 2026 at Rixos Saadiyat Hotel in Abu Dhabi. ALEC participated in the meeting, which brought partners together to review their collective impact and consider future opportunities to support the health and resilience of the emirate’s mangroves.

-Ends-

Photo Caption: (R) Maitha Mohammed Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director – Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity at Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and (L) Sean McQue, Managing Director at ALEC

About the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)

Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.

About ALEC Holdings PJSC  

ALEC Holdings PJSC (“ALEC Holdings”), part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, is a leading diversified engineering and construction group operating in the UAE and KSA. The Company builds and provides construction solutions that set industry benchmarks for innovation, quality, reliability and operational excellence. 

ALEC Holdings offers its clients complete turnkey solutions in construction, MEP, fitout, marine, oil & gas, modular construction, energy efficiency and solar projects, heavy equipment rental, technology systems and asset maintenance. With these capabilities, the Company successfully serves a diverse range of sectors including airports, data centers, retail, hotels & resorts, high-rise buildings, and themed projects. 

For more information, please visit https://alec.ae/.  

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Five Strategies from Government HR and Youth Thought Leaders to Shape the Future of Work

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6 hours ago

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October 19, 2026

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Government and public sector leaders from across the GCC will gather in Abu Dhabi on 20th and 21st October 2026 for the 14th Annual GCC GOV HR & Youth Summit and Awards, taking place at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. Organised by QNA International, the region’s most exclusive B2B public sector HR platform will bring together CHROs, People Leaders, policymakers and change agents under the theme Time of Opportunities: Uncovering the New Realities of Work.

As governments across the GCC advance their national transformation agendas, the challenge is no longer simply to modernise systems or introduce new technologies, but to build institutions that can translate innovation into meaningful outcomes for people. This requires a more integrated approach to workforce transformation, one that brings together digital capability, adaptive leadership, employee experience and a culture of continuous learning.

Ahead of the event, Advisory Board Members and speakers have shared the shifts they expect to define government work across the region.

From Measuring Volume to Measuring Impact

His Highness Captain Shaikh Abdulaziz Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director of Excellence Awards Branch, Ajman Police, UAE, said: “Government excellence requires a shift from measuring the volume of achievements to measuring impact, added value, and the capacity for anticipation and adaptation.”

His Excellency Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Executive Director Of Support Services, Government Entity, UAE, added: “The future of government support services is not about doing the same things faster; it is about doing things differently and creating greater value for people.”

For HR, that means a new role. Brigadier Rashid Nasser Rashid Abdullah, Director of the General Department of Human Resources, Dubai Police, UAE, said: “The biggest shift facing government HR leaders in the GCC today is moving from managing workforces to unlocking leaders.” He added: “Our job is no longer to plan for one future, but to build institutions ready for many, and people who are trusted to learn, adapt, and take initiative.”

Dr. Ebrahim Al Khajeh, Human Resources Director, Abu Dhabi Customs, UAE, named the same turning point: “The shift from traditional HR to strategic workforce transformation.”

These themes reflect the Summit’s focus areas of Human-Centric Government and Disruptive Leadership.

AI, Accountability and Trust

His Excellency Mohamed Al Marzooqi said: “Our greatest challenge is not adopting AI; it is preparing our people and our institutions to work differently because of AI.”

Maitha A. Balfaqeeh, Senior Vice President of Shared Services, ADNOC Gas, UAE, said: “Technology and AI are fundamentally reshaping the role of shared services — moving them from primarily transactional functions to becoming more intelligent, predictive, and employee-centric.”

Iman Khalid Al Marzouqi, Group Chief Support Services Officer, Alpha Dhabi Holding, UAE, said: “HR leaders must help shape how AI is used, how decisions affecting people are made, and who remains accountable.”

These conversations connect to the Summit’s focus areas of AI-First Workforce, Agentic Intelligence, Workforce Intelligence and Trust, Talent, and Resilience.

National Talent and the Next Generation

From Saudi Arabia, Reem AlRehaili, Chief of Corporate Services, ARDARA (PIF), Saudi Arabia, said: “Vision 2030 asks us to do more than increase the number of Saudis in the workforce, it asks us to build their capability.” She added: “The most powerful thing we can offer is not a package. It is a purpose.”

Dr. Ebrahim Al Khajeh said: “Government organizations are increasingly prioritizing national talent development, digital skills, and leadership capabilities rather than simply filling vacancies.”

His Highness Captain Shaikh Abdulaziz Sultan Al Nuaimi said: “Young professionals are essential partners in shaping the future of government work, with their digital skills, capacity for innovation, and ability to adapt rapidly.”

Iman Khalid Al Marzouqi said: “We need to understand their strengths, give them meaningful responsibility, and provide mentors who are personally invested in their progress.”

Advising young professionals, Maitha Ahmed Balfaqeeh said: “Future leaders need to understand the business, not only their own function.” Reem AlRehaili’s message to young women entering the workforce was: “The door is open. What matters now is what you do once you walk through it.”

These perspectives are at the heart of the Summit’s Nationalization 2.0, Workforce 2035 and GCC Next-Gen Leaders tracks.

Why This Summit, Why Now

Brigadier Rashid Nasser Rashid Abdullah said: “This Summit matters now because change is moving faster than institutions can respond, and the UAE has chosen not to wait.”

Sidh N.C., Director of QNA International, said: “The voices ahead of this year’s Summit point in one direction: government HR in the GCC is moving from administering the workforce to leading change. Over two days in Abu Dhabi, we will bring together the leaders, the ideas and the young talent shaping the next chapter of public service across the region.”

The 14th Annual GCC GOV HR & Youth Summit and Awards 2026  will provide a platform for public sector leaders to exchange practical insights, challenge established approaches and explore how government HR can evolve from a support function into a strategic driver of institutional performance, national talent development and long-term public value.

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The Limited-Edition ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle Is Now Available in the UAE

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3 days ago

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October 16, 2026

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ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that the limited-edition ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle is now available in the UAE for AED 10,999 through the ASUS UAE eShop and participating retailers. Celebrating two decades of ROG, the collection brings together an upgraded gaming handheld, a wearable virtual display and coordinated protective accessories in a complete setup designed to move from home to wherever players choose to game.

A new chapter for an anniversary handheld

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 combines a translucent black chassis with gold-accented internal details and an exclusive 20th anniversary badge. The design offers a glimpse inside the device while giving the collection a distinctive identity for ROG enthusiasts and collectors.

A 7.4-inch ROG Nebula HDR OLED display delivers rich contrast, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,400 nits of peak HDR brightness. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage, the handheld brings PC gaming into a portable format. TMR joysticks designed to resist drift, a transforming D-pad and refined face buttons provide greater flexibility and control across different game styles.

A big screen experience that travels with you

The included ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses connect directly to the handheld through a single USB-C cable, creating a virtual screen of up to 171 inches viewed from four metres away. Micro-OLED displays and sound by Bose bring games closer, whether players are relaxing at home or travelling. The glasses support a 240Hz refresh rate with Frame Rate Boost enabled, while Follow Mode and Anchor Mode allow the virtual screen to move with the player’s head or remain fixed in place.

Matching black-and-gold accents connect the glasses to the anniversary design, while Command Center integration provides convenient access to their settings from the handheld.

Designed to carry the whole experience

The custom dbrand Killswitch adds everyday protection, a kickstand, ROG-branded joystick grips and an exclusive skin featuring a circuit pattern inspired by the handheld’s internals. A custom Pelican Protector Case, finished with ROG-red latches and a 20th anniversary badge, keeps the device and accessories together during travel. A 68W adapter completes the bundle.

Availability and pricing

The limited-edition ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle is available now for AED 10,999 through the ASUS UAE eShop and participating retailers including Geekay, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, Amazon UAE, Emax, Jumbo and Carrefour. Stock and availability may vary by retailer.

UAE gamers can also join the ROG Elite Program to take part in activities, earn points and explore rewards while staying connected to the ROG community.

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