The United Arab Emirates is currently intercepting approximately 600,000 cyberattacks every day. This staggering volume translates to roughly 25,000 malicious attempts per hour, or about 416 attacks every second, as the nation’s digital infrastructure faces a relentless wave of sophisticated threats.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, explained that the nature of these incursions is evolving rapidly. Speaking to Al Bayan, he highlighted that attackers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to craft more complex operations that are significantly harder for traditional security systems to detect.
Despite the high frequency of these threats, the UAE’s robust cybersecurity framework allows authorities to neutralize them effectively. Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that these defensive measures ensure that critical services remain operational without disrupting residents or businesses.
The country’s overarching cybersecurity strategy is built upon proactive threat detection, advanced digital infrastructure, and continuous investment in cutting-edge security technologies. Furthermore, the government remains focused on the development of national talent and increasing public awareness regarding cybersecurity best practices.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti warned that threats targeting government entities and critical sectors are evolving as attackers use AI to enhance their operations. He noted that phishing remains a primary threat, alongside distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, ransomware, malware, and attempts to steal or erase sensitive data.
The Council also highlighted the growing risk posed by zero-day attacks, which exploit unknown software vulnerabilities before patches are available, as well as threats targeting digital supply chains. These risks necessitate constant vigilance across all sectors.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council continues to strengthen the country’s cyber resilience to safeguard the digital economy and protect critical infrastructure against emerging threats. Amid this heightened risk environment, the UAE cyber insurance market has reached a valuation of $70 million.