The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is under constant siege from cyber threats, facing over 200,000 cyberattacks daily, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah bearing the brunt of nearly 60% of these assaults. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, revealed these alarming statistics during his presentation at Gitex Global 2025. Dubai leads as the most targeted emirate, accounting for 21% of attacks, followed by Abu Dhabi (19%) and Sharjah (18%). Other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain also face significant threats, albeit to a lesser extent. Government entities are the primary targets, absorbing 34.9% of the attacks, while financial firms, energy sectors, and healthcare organizations also face substantial risks. Despite the relentless onslaught, the UAE has demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully defending both public and private sector organizations. The average duration of a cyberattack in the UAE is significantly shorter than the global average, standing at 18.53 minutes compared to 60 minutes worldwide. However, the financial impact remains severe, with the Middle East experiencing an average data breach cost of $7.92 million in 2024, far exceeding the global average of $4.88 million. Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the evolving nature of cyber threats, warning that they outpace the ability of enterprises to adapt. He highlighted a recent ransomware attack on a private healthcare facility that resulted in the exfiltration of 8 terabytes of data. To combat these challenges, the UAE is fostering a cyber-resilient culture, conducting global cyber drills with over 133 countries, and integrating advanced technologies like AI into its defense strategies. Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed the importance of anticipating and countering cyber threats to safeguard the economy, national security, and society. Global losses from cyberattacks reached $10.5 trillion in 2024 and are projected to soar to $15.6 trillion by 2029, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
UAE faces 200,000 daily cyberattacks; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah most targeted
