The UAE is facing around 600,000 cyberattacks every day, with the figure rising to about 800,000 during the peak of the ongoing war, according to Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government.
The warning comes as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and move beyond conventional online crime. Al Kuwaiti said attacks are now capable of targeting the digital systems that support essential services, making cybersecurity an increasingly important part of national security.
He identified three broad threats facing the UAE: cybercrime, cyberterrorism and cyberwarfare.
Cybercrime remains a major challenge
Cybercrime covers a wide range of malicious activities, including theft, fraud, espionage and the spread of harmful or misleading information.
As more services move online, criminals have more opportunities to target individuals, businesses and organisations. The objective can range from stealing information and money to gaining access to sensitive systems.
The scale of attacks being detected also reflects the growing dependence on digital infrastructure. For the UAE, where government services, businesses and daily activities are highly connected, maintaining strong cyber defences has become increasingly important.
Al Kuwaiti’s warning also highlights the need for people to remain cautious when using digital platforms. Suspicious links, unexpected messages and unfamiliar applications can provide opportunities for attackers to obtain personal or financial information.
Cyberterrorism targets people and society
The second threat identified by Al Kuwaiti is cyberterrorism.
He said technology, social media, online games and other digital platforms can be used to spread false ideas, undermine social cohesion and encourage radicalisation.
The threat has also evolved. Rather than relying only on organised groups, extremist influence can reach individuals directly online. Al Kuwaiti pointed to the growing concern around the so-called “lone wolf” model, in which a person can become radicalised and potentially act independently.
He also raised concerns about young people spending increasing amounts of time online. Violent content and online environments can influence how children understand the difference between virtual experiences and real-world behaviour.
For this reason, cybersecurity awareness cannot be limited to government agencies or technical specialists. Families, schools and communities also have an important role in helping young people navigate the online world safely.
Cyberwarfare could disrupt critical infrastructure
The third threat, cyberwarfare, presents a more direct risk to the functioning of essential services.
Al Kuwaiti warned that attackers are increasingly seeking to disrupt or destroy the digital infrastructure behind critical sectors. These include electricity, water, aviation and energy, all of which depend heavily on interconnected digital systems.
A successful attack does not necessarily require a large or complicated programme to cause disruption. A malicious piece of software entering a critical system could potentially affect an airport or interfere with an essential service.
The cybersecurity chief described the possibility of an attack affecting aircraft as one of the most serious threats facing the UAE.
The concern comes as modern infrastructure becomes increasingly dependent on technology. From airports and energy networks to water systems, digital controls now play an important role in keeping essential services operating.
AI makes misinformation harder to detect
Artificial intelligence is adding another layer to the cybersecurity challenge.
Al Kuwaiti warned that modern technology is making it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish authentic information from manipulated or fabricated content.
AI can make false material appear convincing, increasing the risk of people being misled online. This makes digital awareness particularly important when people receive messages, links or information that could involve money or personal details.
The cybersecurity chief urged people to verify information before clicking links, opening applications or acting on messages.
His advice is especially relevant as AI becomes more widely used across society. The UAE is continuing to adopt technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics and drones, bringing new opportunities as well as new security considerations.
UAE takes a whole of society approach
Al Kuwaiti stressed that technology will continue to change, but the individual remains an important part of cybersecurity.
He said society itself is the first line of defence, highlighting the importance of awareness among residents, parents and children.
The UAE’s approach therefore extends beyond government cybersecurity teams. Public awareness initiatives are designed to encourage people to recognise potential threats and make safer decisions online.
The Cyber Run initiative, for example, has been used to take cybersecurity awareness into communities and encourage conversations about online safety, cybercrime and responsible digital behaviour.
For residents, the message is straightforward: pause, verify and think twice before acting online.
With around 600,000 cyberattacks facing the country each day, cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical issue. It is increasingly linked to the protection of essential services, critical infrastructure and society as a whole.
As technology continues to evolve, the UAE’s ability to stay ahead of cyber threats will depend not only on advanced security systems but also on an informed and cautious public.