UAE's 'very powerful' cyber defences can repel attacks, says Mistral AI boss

The chief executive of French artificial intelligence company Mistral AI, Arthur Mensch, has stated that the United Arab Emirates' robust cyber defenses are capable of effectively repelling cyber threats, particularly during times of geopolitical instability. Speaking at the AI Everything summit in Abu Dhabi, Mensch emphasized that the UAE's pursuit of technological sovereignty is crucial in establishing dependable and secure cyber capabilities.

He noted that cyber capabilities are essential for robust defense systems and that sovereignty is vital to wield defense systems without seeking permission.

Mensch's remarks follow reports from UAE authorities of a surge in cyber attacks, with the country facing approximately 640,000 attacks on September 15, attributed largely to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The UAE is currently encountering daily online threats, he affirmed.

Mensch elaborated on the significance of deploying powerful cyber models within the UAE under full control of Abu Dhabi authorities, stressing its importance for Abu Dhabi's defense systems. Furthermore, he expressed that Mistral AI is contemplating investments in UAE data centers, a move that would further strengthen the company's partnership with Abu Dhabi and amplify the nation's AI aspirations.

Mistral AI has already collaborated with Abu Dhabi entities, including AI giant G42, to develop advanced platforms and infrastructure and with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence for research and development in AI foundation models, talent development, and real-world AI solutions.

Recently, at the AI Everything summit, Mistral AI unveiled its latest AI model, Mistral Large 4, which is touted as one of the fastest globally and competes with the best open-source models from China.