In the face of increasing global cybersecurity risks, Dubai remains committed to combating cyber issues and hazards with effective solutions. The emirate has demonstrated remarkable progress in security, earning top rankings worldwide, particularly in the critical domain of cybersecurity. To safeguard the city-state against numerous cybersecurity threats and promote economic growth, Dubai has formulated the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy. This strategic plan is part of the emirate’s broader efforts to expedite technological advancements and embrace digital transformation.
Additionally, the UAE has enacted a new legislation, Federal Decree legislation No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrime, which became effective on January 2, 2022. This law establishes a comprehensive legal framework aimed at addressing concerns related to the misuse and abuse of internet technology. Its primary objective is to enhance security against online crimes perpetrated through information technology, networks, and platforms. The legislation defines various offenses and their corresponding penalties, encompassing actions such as hacking, attacking, or tampering with government information systems and data, dissemination of false information, and spreading harmful content that jeopardizes the interests and security of the UAE. Furthermore, the law includes provisions regarding offenses such as creating or modifying robots to disseminate false data, forging electronic documents, infringing upon others’ privacy, tampering with medical data, bank accounts, and confidential codes, among many others.
In line with these milestones, the Gartner Security & Risk Management summit was recently held in Dubai on February 27-28, 2023. It prioritized the acceleration of security evolution and highlighted key security strategies. These strategies encompass establishing agile security programs, fostering a security-aware culture centered around human factors, devolving risk ownership, and implementing a simplified cybersecurity mesh architecture.