UAE Cybersecurity Report 2025 Highlights Growing AI-Powered Threats and Asset Vulnerabilities
The UAE Cyber Security Council and CPX have released the State of the UAE Cybersecurity Report 2025, revealing alarming insights into the country’s cybersecurity landscape. The report indicates that over 223,800 assets hosted within the UAE remain exposed to potential cyber threats, with nearly half of critical vulnerabilities persisting unaddressed for more than five years.
These findings emphasize the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI-driven attacks. The report underscores the UAE’s growing geopolitical and technological significance, making it a key target for cybercriminals and state-sponsored threat actors.
AI-Driven Threats and Rising Cybersecurity Challenges
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, addressed the importance of enhancing cybersecurity defenses. He stated, “As we stand on the cusp of a new era powered by emerging technologies, the rise in AI-driven attacks and widening cyber capabilities demand stricter vigilance to secure the future.”
The report highlights the increasing use of AI tools in cyber-attacks, enabling attackers to refine phishing strategies, deploy deepfake technology, and enhance social engineering tactics. The combination of AI-powered automation and cybercrime has resulted in a rise in cyber incidents, particularly in key sectors such as government, finance, and energy.
Most Targeted Sectors and Key Cyber Threats
The UAE’s government, financial, and energy sectors have been identified as the primary targets for cybercriminals and state-sponsored attackers. The report outlines the leading causes of cyber incidents, which include:
- Misconfigurations (32%) – Incorrect security settings, leading to system vulnerabilities.
- Improper Usage and Unlawful Activity (19%) – Unauthorized access, fraudulent transactions, and insider threats.
- Drive-by Downloads – Malicious software installations without user consent.
- Phishing Attacks and Web Server Compromises – Increasingly sophisticated AI-powered scams and system breaches.
Financial Impact: The Middle East Ranks Second in Data Breach Costs
The Middle East, including the UAE, ranks second globally in terms of data breach costs. This highlights the region’s appeal as a target for cybercriminals seeking financial gain from breaches. The increasing economic prosperity of the Gulf region has made organizations in the UAE a prime focus for data theft and ransomware attacks.
While cyber threats continue to escalate, one positive trend identified in the report is a sharp decline in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. From the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024, DDoS incidents in the UAE fell dramatically from 58,538 to just 2,301.
Cybercrime and Ransomware on the Rise
Despite the reduction in DDoS attacks, the UAE has witnessed a 58% increase in ransomware group activity, further demonstrating the evolving threat landscape. Cybercriminals are leveraging advanced tactics to infiltrate systems, encrypt critical data, and demand ransom payments.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the necessity of global collaboration, innovation, and commitment to strengthen the UAE’s cybersecurity framework. He stated, “The path forward requires international collaboration, innovation, and commitment. Together, we will continue building a secure and prosperous digital UAE, where innovation flourishes, opportunities thrive, and our systems remain resilient in the face of any challenge.”
Strategies to Strengthen Cybersecurity Resilience
The State of the UAE Cybersecurity Report 2025 provides an overview of the unique cybersecurity challenges the country faces, particularly the emergence of AI-powered cyber threats. The report outlines best practices to mitigate risks, urging organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including:
- Cybersecurity Awareness and Education Initiatives – Encouraging cybersecurity training and awareness programs across all sectors.
- Regular Cybersecurity Audits and Compliance Checks – Conducting routine evaluations to ensure organizations adhere to security standards.
- Asset Inventory Management – Maintaining a comprehensive record of all digital assets to monitor potential vulnerabilities.
- 24/7 Security Operations Centers (SOC) – Establishing dedicated teams to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time.
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Implementation – Deploying AI-powered threat detection solutions to enhance endpoint security.
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Functions – Developing intelligence-driven approaches to detect and counteract cyber threats.
- AI Governance Frameworks – Creating regulations to govern the ethical and secure use of AI technologies in cybersecurity.
The Future of UAE’s Cybersecurity Landscape
As the UAE continues its rapid digital transformation, the need for stronger cybersecurity strategies becomes more pressing. Government agencies, private enterprises, and individual users must work together to ensure the nation’s digital infrastructure remains resilient, secure, and prepared to counter evolving cyber threats.
By implementing advanced cybersecurity frameworks and fostering a culture of digital safety, the UAE aims to maintain its position as a global leader in technological innovation while safeguarding its digital assets from future threats.
