On 11 October 2018, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, the Vice Chancellor of SQU, received in his office Eva Skornickova, Data Protection and IT Security Compliance Advisor based in Prague, Czech Republic and held discussions on issues related to data protection and cyber security. Representatives from the Centre for Information Systems, Information and Communication Research Centre, and researchers from the Information Systems Department of the College of Economics & Political Science at SQU also attended the meeting.

The two sides discussed about contemporary challenges and issues related to data protection and security faced by companies, educational institutions and government organizations in the era of digital revolution. Skornickova underscored the need for strict government regulations and a centralized authority to implement proper data protection and security. The two sides felt that it is imperative organizations understand their sensitive data risk, where the data is, how it is being used, where it is going, its value and how it is protected. They agreed on establishing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The cooperation will be activated through the Centre for Information Systems at SQU and will be expanded to the relevant academic departments and units.

Eva Skornickova, lawyer and specialist in data protection and cyber security is an expert in the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that substantially changes the rules of personal data protection from 2018, and introduces massive penalties for breaching them. She assists leading professionals and companies to prevent risks and addresses any issues connected with GDPR legislation by means of information technologies cloud applications mobile and online services. Skornickova serves as a member of the Working Group for the personal data protection legislation at the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic.