- published 9/8/25 10:33 AM •
- updated •
- 2 MIN
UAE Strengthens Its Cybersecurity Leadership with New World Records: Cyber Security Council concludes its participation in GISEC Global 2025
The 14th edition of the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC Global 2025), the largest cybersecurity exhibition in the Middle East and Africa, concluded after three dynamic days of discussions, exhibitions, and demonstrations focused on the latest security innovations and solutions. This year’s event placed particular emphasis on the future of cybersecurity amid rising cyber threats, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cyber defense, and the development of cutting-edge digital solutions to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council actively participated in GISEC Global 2025 through a wide range of activities, showcasing emerging technologies and innovative security solutions. the event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featured the Council’s participation in Activities and discussions focused on leveraging AI to build secure and resilient digital infrastructures.
The Council’s main exhibition platform, "Pulse", attracted a remarkable turnout of public figures, visitors, and cybersecurity experts from both public and private sectors. The platform offered a live demonstration environment, simulating real-world cyber threat scenarios and response strategies, and presenting infrastructure models from celebrated institutions.
The Council’s booth at GISEC Global 2025 also featured interactive experiences allowing visitors to engage directly with leading cybersecurity specialists. Informative screens also displayed highlighted key Council initiatives such as the "Cyber Pulse" project, the CyberE71 startup incubator program, and the "Cyber Crystal Ball", a platform for international cyber threat intelligence sharing. Additionally, the Council presented its National Governance and Compliance Platform and the related cybersecurity policy framework aligned with the UAE's National Cybersecurity Strategy.
During the event, the UAE Cybersecurity Council signed several strategic agreements. His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, signed a cooperation agreement with the National Cybersecurity Center of the Dominican Republic. Another agreement was signed between CTF UAE and "42 Abu Dhabi". Several Memoranda of Understanding were also signed between private sector entities, reinforcing the Council’s strategy of fostering public-private partnerships.
The council, during the event, announced the development of the UAE’s first national cybersecurity guidelines for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an initiative led in collaboration with "Digital Reach", the leading cybersecurity and digital transformation company, and "Shieldworkz", specializing in operational systems security, IoT protection, and drone security technologies.
Under the leadership of H.E Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, the Council team participated in numerous panels addressing diverse cyber threats, risks associated with emerging technologies, particularly AI, and strategies to ensure secure digital transformation in light of global challenges. Topics also included blockchain, the metaverse, and fostering international cooperation to enhance cyber resilience in the age of the digital revolution.
UAE cyber security also exhibited the Cyber Escape Room experience and launch of the second version of international cybersecurity drill led by the UAE Cybersecurity Council in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this drill involved delegations from over 130 countries, competing in four cyber threat simulation scenarios, The first three places in this cyber drill were won by competitors from Egypt, Lebanon and Belarus, respectively.
H.E Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized the importance of GISEC Global 2025 in addressing global shifts and geopolitical tensions while securing a sustainable digital future. He stated: "GISEC 2025 is a landmark event for staying ahead in the digital age and fostering collaboration, especially given the challenges posed by AI and other advanced technologies. As digital transformation accelerates, international cooperation becomes more critical than ever". He added: "We are committed to protecting our digital assets by investing in advanced technology and developing national cyber talent".
"Investing in cybersecurity is investing in the future", said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU. He added: "The Global Cyber Drill 2025 is a timely reminder of the need for foresight and early action for countries striving to build resilient digital economies. We are committed to support countries through institutional and human capacity building: I invite everyone to act now for a safer digital tomorrow. My profound appreciation goes to the UAE Cyber Security Council for their support and generosity and for being an example of partnership and innovation in the face of evolving cyber threats".
The exhibition halls at GISEC Global 2025 hosted simulations and workshops by entities such as SANS Institute and GISEC Academy, as well as platforms for innovation and startups. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, celebrated GISEC Global 2025 success, noting that: "As one of the top three cybersecurity shows in the world, GISEC Global 2025’s multilateral partnership with the global cyber community - anchored by the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - ensures that as AI technologies advance, we remain committed to fostering open innovation and knowledge exchange. This collective approach strengthens the cybersecurity ecosystem, making it not only resilient but also adaptive and future-ready".
Summary
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As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the “Cyber Pulse” initiative, launched by the Cyber Security Council, the Council warned about the risks posed by fake applications, which may serve as gateways for data and personal information theft, as well as fraud and cyber extortion. The campaign emphasized that avoiding the download of such applications and verifying sources can help users minimize risks and limit fraudsters’ access to user data. The Council explained that the risks posed by fake applications are not limited to data theft. They may also be used to lure victims and subsequently blackmail them after obtaining sensitive information, images, or financial data, exploiting the trust of users who download these applications without sufficient verification. Statistics indicate that, in 2025, approximately 73% of institutions were exposed to forms of cyber fraud through fake applications and other malicious digital tools, while more than 200 fake applications were identified and downloaded over 40 million times via the Google Play Store. The Cyber Security Council also confirmed that distinguishing between a legitimate and a fake application is possible through a set of measures often overlooked by users.
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