UAE's first line of cyber defence is 'the community,' says Al Kuwaiti

Dubai – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is intensifying its efforts to become a leading "AI nation," but requires global cooperation to combat advanced cyber threats, according to the country's top cybersecurity official, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti. Speaking at the GISEC Global 2026, Al Kuwaiti emphasized that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, with the community serving as the first line of defense.

The UAE government's cybersecurity head highlighted that the nation has encountered 800,000 cyber-attacks during an ongoing regional crisis, targeting critical infrastructures such as energy, telecommunications, and aviation. He further stressed the importance of capacity building, a strong human element, and information sharing among government agencies, private-sector partners, and international allies for effective cybersecurity.

Al Kuwaiti also pointed out that over 85% of cyber threats originate from incorrect or unintended clicks by end-users. He urged the integration of cyber security education in schools, particularly for women, youth, and children, as the initial step towards fostering a culture of cyber security. Additionally, the UAE is gearing up for the upcoming technological advancements in quantum computing, ensuring that its AI and cyber resilience strategy remains resilient and adaptive.