The power of partnership: How the UAE is securing cyberspace

A rapid shift to a digitally connected economy has opened the doors to innovation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — but it has also increased the nation's vulnerability to cyberattacks. As smart cities, artificial intelligence (AI) integration and 5G networks take shape, the attack surface continues to grow. This has made the UAE a high-value target for sophisticated actors, including advanced persistent threat groups and cybercriminals.

The State of the UAE Cybersecurity Report 2025, developed by the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and cybersecurity firm CPX, reveals that threat actors are increasingly using AI to launch phishing attacks, deploy misinformation at scale and breach critical infrastructure. These AI-enabled threats demand an equally intelligent and coordinated response.

The UAE has developed a powerful national cybersecurity model that brings together government, industry and society. This public-private-people partnership is driving a coordinated response to today’s evolving cyber risks – one that is practical, inclusive and already making an impact.

This holistic approach recognizes that cybersecurity is not the responsibility of the government alone. This partnership model channels the strengths of government, business and the public to build cyber awareness and cyber-resilience at every level.

The UAE government is laying a strong foundation for national cybersecurity through four major initiatives that prioritize coordination, foresight and regulation:

Established in 2020 to oversee the implementation of the UAE’s national cybersecurity strategy, the council brings together government agencies, private sector entities and academic institutions to coordinate efforts and share best practices on cybersecurity. Its mission is to enhance readiness across economic, educational, health and social sectors, deploying innovative security solutions to counter threats and elevate the UAE's competitiveness and global leadership.

This strategy outlines a comprehensive framework for enhancing national cybersecurity capabilities. It focuses on areas such as policy and governance, capacity building and international collaboration.

The UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) sets rigorous standards for data collection, processing and storage, closely aligning with global regulations such as Europe's GDPR. The country’s Cybersecurity Law also emphasizes protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data, making compliance a top priority for businesses.

This global initiative is aimed at cyberthreat intelligence-sharing developed under the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) and in partnership with global technology partners, led by the UAE Cybersecurity Council. It addresses the lack of secure, actionable information exchange among international partners, which is one of the most pressing challenges in cyberthreat intelligence.

The private sector plays a crucial role in the UAE's cybersecurity landscape. Companies are increasingly investing in advanced technologies and cybersecurity solutions to protect their operations and customer data.

By investing in advanced technologies, for example, private enterprises can adopt cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning and blockchain to enhance their cybersecurity defences. Companies can also form strategic partnerships with cybersecurity firms and research institutions to stay ahead of emerging threats. These collaborations can involve sharing threat intelligence, conducting joint research and developing innovative solutions.

Private sector training and development is also crucial. Enterprises should invest in training programmes to upskill their workforce in cybersecurity.

The success of the UAE's national cybersecurity efforts also hinges on the active participation of the general public.

Through public campaigns, the government and private sector work together to raise awareness and educate citizens and residents about the importance of cybersecurity. More schools and universities are also embedding cybersecurity into curricula to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

The government is also encouraging public-private partnerships to develop community-based cybersecurity programmes. This could involve workshops, seminars, hackathons and cyber drills, which engage the public and foster a culture of cyber-resilience.

The UAE’s national cybersecurity partnership model is already showing results. The nation ranks highly in the Global Cybersecurity Index and has built a strong track record in managing high-profile cyberthreats. This will encourage global cybersecurity firms to choose the UAE as a base for regional innovation, drawn by its stability, clarity of vision and collaborative approach.

The UAE government's commitment to innovation, the private sector's investment in advanced technologies and the public's growing awareness of cybersecurity threats will collectively drive national cybersecurity capabilities to new heights.

The evolving cybersecurity landscape in the UAE is a testament to the power of collaboration. As the digital world continues to expand, nations must evolve from reactive defence to proactive collaboration. The UAE’s public-private-people partnership model demonstrates that national cybersecurity is strongest when it transcends silos. It’s a framework not only for national protection, but for global inspiration and for digital trust in the age of AI.