The United Arab Emirates has recorded a sharp increase in cyberattacks amid recent regional tensions, with artificial intelligence increasingly being used to make digital threats more sophisticated, according to the head of the country’s Cyber Security Council.
Chairman of UAE Cyber Security Council Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti said hostile actors, including Iran, have been using AI tools such as ChatGPT and other platforms to support cyber operations.
These operations include reconnaissance, vulnerability detection, phishing attacks and the creation of malicious software.
Al Kuwaiti said the UAE is currently facing between 500,000 and 700,000 cyberattacks each day, particularly against strategic sectors. However, he said the country’s cyber defense systems have been able to detect and contain most threats before they cause damage.
He said artificial intelligence has become a central part of modern cyber warfare, allowing attackers to launch faster, more convincing and lower-cost operations, including deepfake content and online disinformation campaigns.
To counter the threats, the UAE has strengthened its cyber defenses through a national framework focused on monitoring, analysis, rapid response and preparedness.
Measures include the use of a zero-trust security model, the activation of the National Cyber Security Operations Centre, advanced threat intelligence systems and nationwide cyber crisis simulation exercises.
Al Kuwaiti said authorities are also sharing security alerts in real time with government agencies and key sectors to shorten response times and protect essential services.
Despite the rising number and complexity of cyberattacks, he said the country’s proactive strategy continues to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Al Kuwaiti also urged the public to remain alert, saying individuals are the first line of defense against cyber threats.
He advised residents not to click suspicious links, avoid sharing passwords or verification codes, enable multi-factor authentication, keep their devices updated and avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
He also warned against spreading unverified information, particularly during periods of tension, saying misinformation and manipulated media are increasingly being used as tools in cyber and information warfare.
