DESC Unveils SARAAB and Cybersecurity Initiatives
The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has unveiled three cybersecurity initiatives at GISEC Global 2026. The announcements focus on deepfake detection, cybersecurity skills, and information security compliance.
At the centre of the launch is SARAAB, an open-source artificial intelligence model designed to detect deepfake videos. An Emirati team at DESC developed the model. Moreover, DESC says SARAAB is the first model of its kind developed by a government entity in the Arab region.
GISEC Global 2026 runs from September 16 to 18 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. DESC is participating as the event’s Official Government Cybersecurity Partner.
SARAAB Targets Deepfake Detection
SARAAB uses AI to identify synthetic elements within video content. According to DESC, the model analyses facial features and can highlight manipulated areas through a heat map.
Furthermore, Hassan Majid Alkhazraji, Senior Artificial Intelligence Executive at DESC, said the model can analyse an entire video even when manipulation appears only in part of the footage. He told Khaleej Times that SARAAB has a reported accuracy rate of 91 %.
DESC plans to make SARAAB available through developer platforms. This will allow AI engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and researchers to test the model and contribute to its development.
Khaleej Times reported that DESC plans to deploy SARAAB on Hugging Face. However, the model’s public release depends on the planned launch timeline. DESC has said the technology will support efforts to address growing risks to digital trust from increasingly sophisticated deepfakes.
Dubai Introduces Cyber Skills Framework
Alongside SARAAB, DESC launched the Dubai Cyber Skills Framework. The framework provides a common reference for cybersecurity qualifications, certifications, training pathways, and career development.
Furthermore, it is designed for cybersecurity professionals, employers, academic institutions, and training providers. The framework also establishes a common methodology for assessing and developing professional competencies.
DESC says the framework aligns competency development with internationally recognised standards. As a result, organisations can use a shared structure when assessing cybersecurity capabilities and professional development.
The initiative also reflects the growing demand for specialised cybersecurity skills. Meanwhile, DESC is continuing other workforce initiatives through GISEC, including the Dubai Cyber Challenge and the School of Cyber Defence.
ISR Programme Targets Security Compliance
The third initiative is the ISR Auditor Certification Programme. The programme is designed for auditors and information security professionals who assess compliance with Dubai’s Information Security Regulation.
In particular, the programme focuses on practical auditing and evidence assessment. It also establishes consistent methods and clearly defined standards for information security audits.
Consequently, DESC expects the programme to support greater consistency and efficiency in auditing practices across Dubai. The initiative complements the Cyber Skills Framework by addressing a specialised professional function within information security.
Together, the three initiatives extend DESC’s focus across technology, professional skills, and regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, SARAAB adds an open-source AI component to Dubai’s wider cybersecurity efforts as synthetic media becomes a growing digital security concern.
