The UAE has bolstered its defenses through a comprehensive national cybersecurity framework.
Dubai: The UAE has witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks amid recent regional tensions, with artificial intelligence tools increasingly being leveraged to heighten the sophistication of these digital threats, according to the head of the country’s Cyber Security Council.
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, stated that hostile actors, including Iran, have employed AI tools such as ChatGPT and other platforms to support cyber operations—ranging from reconnaissance and vulnerability detection to phishing campaigns and the development of malicious software.
According to Emarat Al Youm, Dr. Al Kuwaiti stated that the UAE is currently facing between 500,000 and 700,000 cyberattacks daily, particularly targeting strategic sectors. He emphasized that the country’s national cybersecurity systems are proactively detecting and neutralizing most threats.
He added that artificial intelligence has evolved into a central element of modern cyber warfare rather than merely a supporting tool, allowing attackers to carry out faster, more convincing, and lower-cost operations, including deepfake attacks and disinformation campaigns.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti noted that the UAE has reinforced its cybersecurity posture through an integrated national framework emphasizing monitoring, analysis, rapid response, and continuous readiness.
Key measures include implementing a zero-trust security model, activating the National Cyber Security Operations Centre, deploying advanced threat intelligence systems, and conducting nationwide cyber crisis simulation exercises.
He added that authorities also share security alerts with government entities and critical sectors in real time, reducing response times and ensuring service continuity.
Despite the growing volume and sophistication of cyberattacks, Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that the country’s proactive approach effectively safeguards critical infrastructure and essential services.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti also urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that individuals are the first line of defense. He advised residents to avoid clicking on unknown links, refrain from sharing passwords or verification codes, enable multi-factor authentication, keep systems regularly updated, and steer clear of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
He further called on the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid sharing unverified content, especially during periods of heightened tension, cautioning that misinformation and manipulated media are increasingly used as part of cyber and information warfare.
“In times of tension, your awareness must be faster than phishing attempts, calmer than rumours, and more precise than fabricated content,” he said.
