UAE Ministry Launches Cybercrime Awareness Campaign
The UAE Ministry of Interior has launched a nationwide digital awareness campaign to combat electronic and cybercrime. The initiative, titled “UAE is Safe With Your Digital Awareness,” began on September 30, 2026. It coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed each October.
The campaign brings together the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre. Together, the organisations aim to improve public awareness of cyber threats, fraud methods and digital risks.
Campaign Targets Emerging Cyber Threats
The campaign focuses on the changing tactics used by cybercriminals. In particular, officials highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence in fraud, misinformation, account hijacking and data theft.
Brigadier Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, said the campaign will explain common fraud techniques. Furthermore, he said the initiative seeks to strengthen public knowledge of data protection and prevention methods.
Amer Sharaf, Executive Director of the Cyber Security Systems and Services Sector at the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, also stressed the role of awareness. He noted that knowledge can help people identify misinformation, account takeover attempts and data theft.
Meanwhile, officials are paying particular attention to children and young people. Brigadier Abdulrahman Sharaf said recent awareness messages had reached 11 million people. The campaign will expand these efforts throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
AI Raises New Cybersecurity Challenges
Artificial intelligence has introduced new methods for digital fraud. Consequently, criminals can create more convincing fraudulent content, impersonation attempts and deepfakes.
Dubai Police has also expanded its digital forensics capabilities. The department can examine faces, voices and videos to identify potential AI manipulation. Officials say increasingly realistic synthetic media creates additional challenges for investigators.
Colonel Dr Ibrahim Humaid Al Mayahi, Director of the Digital Security Department at the Ministry of Interior, said cybersecurity requires cooperation between authorities and the public. He described individuals as key partners in preventing and responding to cybercrime.
The Ministry has also urged victims to report cybercrime rather than remain silent. Therefore, public reporting remains an important part of the UAE’s broader cybersecurity response.
Public and Private Sectors Join Effort
The campaign includes participation from government and private-sector partners. According to Colonel Dr Saud Al Khaldi, preparations involved workshops to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.
The campaign will also address different segments of society through targeted awareness activities. Moreover, officials plan to highlight emerging threats linked to new technologies and changing criminal tactics.
The Ministry’s wider cybersecurity efforts include its Cybercrime Platform. The platform provides services for reporting cybercrime, submitting information, and obtaining guidance on cyber threats.
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues through October, the campaign will focus on practical awareness and prevention. Ultimately, the initiative reflects the UAE’s approach of combining digital security capabilities with public education to reduce cybercrime risks.
