Securing GCC Robotics: NineTenths Joins ISASecure for OT Cybersecurity
Zeta42 · 31 October 2026
Saudi tech leader NineTenths joins ISASecure to fortify OT cybersecurity across critical GCC energy, water, and manufacturing infrastructure using ISA/IEC 62443 standards.
The Convergence of Autonomous Tech and Industrial Cybersecurity in the GCC
As the Gulf region accelerates its adoption of smart manufacturing, drones, and advanced robotics, the physical and digital worlds are merging faster than ever. This rapid evolution brings incredible operational efficiencies but also expands the attack surface of critical infrastructure. A major step forward in addressing this challenge was recently announced as Saudi Arabia-based technology firm NineTenths officially joined ISASecure.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for securing operational technology (OT) and industrial automation and control systems (IACS) across key GCC sectors like energy, water, petrochemicals, and manufacturing.
Why ISA/IEC 62443 Certification is Critical for Autonomous Systems
NineTenths is known for combining advanced emerging technologies—such as unmanned aerial systems (drones), robotics, and infrastructure inspection—with engineering expertise. Because these technologies interact directly with physical environments, securing them requires more than traditional IT cybersecurity; it demands robust OT cybersecurity built on international frameworks.
By joining ISASecure, NineTenths aligns its solutions directly with the globally recognized ISA/IEC 62443 standards. This alignment ensures that as autonomous systems inspect pipelines, survey terrain, or manage water facilities, their communication protocols and control systems are certified resilient against cyber threats.
“Our continued focus on OT cybersecurity from mission to maintenance ensures protection for the full OT security lifecycle,” said Naif AlZahrani, vice president of operation at NineTenths, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting GCC organizations under Saudi Vision 2030.
Building a Secure-by-Design Future for GCC Robotics
At Zeta42 in Abu Dhabi, we closely monitor these developments because they reflect a critical paradigm shift in advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. Developing intelligent algorithms or deploying fleets of drones is no longer just about software performance or mechanical endurance. Modern industrial engineering demands a secure-by-design mindset from day one.
When training the next generation of innovators in the UAE and the broader region, we emphasize that robotics, AI, and cybersecurity are deeply interconnected. Initiatives like NineTenths joining ISASecure validate this educational thesis: to safely scale autonomous infrastructure in the Middle East, we must validate cyber-conformance at every layer of the automation stack.
Strategic Takeaways for GCC Industrial Leaders
- Unified Standards: Adopting ISA/IEC 62443 provides a standardized blueprint for protecting critical utility and petrochemical assets from cyber-physical threats.
- Full-Lifecycle Focus: Safe operations require security continuity “from mission to maintenance,” integrating defensive protocols from initial drone deployment through long-term asset management.
- Regional Resilience: Collaborative alliances within ISASecure empower regional players to exchange expertise, enhancing cybersecurity readiness across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider GCC.
Source: industrialcyber.co