Joint drive by Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, and Dubai Electronic Security Centre targets emerging digital crimes as October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month
DUBAI, Oct. 1, 2026 : The UAE Ministry of Interior has rolled out a nationwide cybersecurity initiative titled “UAE is Safe With Your Digital Awareness,” warning residents against increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes, including artificial intelligence-driven fraud and online exploitation targeting minors.
The campaign, launched alongside Dubai Police and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club, marks the start of global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October.
Senior security and cyber officials said the initiative aims to build digital resilience across all segments of society, setting a target of “zero victims” to organized cybercrime syndicates operating across borders.
Brigadier Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, emphasized that fraudsters are rapidly adopting advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to execute digital scams.
“Cybercrime represents a global challenge. Through this campaign and joint efforts with our partners, we seek to raise awareness of the risks and ways to prevent it,” Al Hajri said. “While awareness of different forms of cybercrime is already high in UAE society, we continue to strengthen public understanding and knowledge of data protection, with the goal of achieving zero victims of cybercrime gangs.”
The campaign places particular focus on vulnerable demographics, specifically juveniles and young children. Brigadier Dr. Abdulrahman Sharaf Al Maamari, Director of the Hemaya International Center at Dubai Police, warned of the rising risks facing minors who often spend up to seven hours a day on tablets and connected devices. Previous awareness outreach conducted by the center has engaged 11 million people, with educational activities set to expand throughout October.
DESC Executive Director of Cyber Security Systems and Services, Amer Sharaf, described public vigilance as an indispensable pillar of the nation’s cyber ecosystem.
“Knowledge is essential to counter misinformation and understand the methods used to hijack accounts and steal data,” Sharaf said, pointing out that defending critical digital spaces requires sustained public-private cooperation.
Colonel Dr. Engineer Ibrahim Humaid Al Mayahi, Director of the Digital Security Department at the Ministry of Interior, affirmed that the UAE maintains an advanced digital infrastructure, but stressed that community participation remains vital to closing vulnerabilities. Colonel Dr. Saud Al Khaldi, Assistant Director-General for Specialized Departments at Dubai Police’s Criminal Investigation wing, added that extensive preparatory workshops were conducted across public and private sectors to ensure the initiative reaches households, schools, and corporate institutions.
Security authorities urged residents to exercise caution with unsolicited links, practice robust authentication measures, and report suspicious online activity immediately through official government cybercrime portals.
