HH Sheikh Mohammed launches ‘Dubai Cyber Security Strategy’

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum accompanied by Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, today launched the ‘Dubai Cyber Security Strategy’ that aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a world leader in innovation, safety and security.

The Strategy was launched in the presence of Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.E. Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai Lt. General Dahi Khalfan Tamim and Major General Talal Humaid Belhoul.

On the launch of the Strategy, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the UAE’s high ranking at both regional and international levels in providing security for individuals and organisations in the country. This is a result of the efforts of both federal and local governments in the UAE to build a safe and secure environment, which ensures the success of development goals. His Highness said that cyber security has become an essential requirement in the digital era as the world has become more connected with the spread of smart technologies. His Highness stressed the importance of developing strategies that enable us to maximise the benefits of technology and ensure our readiness to face any challenges it may bring us.  

HH Sheikh Mohammed said: "We have set ourselves firmly on a path of excellence and creativity in the UAE, and today with the launch of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy; we are adding a new achievement to the list of the government’s many accomplishments. This proves to the world that the more challenges we face, the more determined we are to achieve the highest excellence."

His Highness called for uniting the efforts of the government and private sector to ensure a secure cyberspace that makes Dubai digitally the safest city in the world.

"We want to harness technology to create a new reality in Dubai and a different life, a new model of development".

The launch of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy comes in line with the technological progress witnessed by the world, the smart transformation witnessed by the emirate of Dubai, and the accompanying challenges and risks that require mobilization of energies in order to achieve the objectives of the plan.

The Dubai Cyber Security Strategy aims to provide integrated protection against the dangers of cyberspace, support for innovation in cyberspace and the growth of the emirate and its economic prosperity.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for Dubai was the inspiration for the Dubai Plan 2021, a plan that maps out the targets for the next five years in the emirate. Two of the core components of the plan are to make Dubai the most secure place to live, while also creating a smart, integrated and connected city. In this regard, the strategic plan of the Dubai Electronic Security Center contributes to the accomplishment of these two objectives, but also to deal with electronic security threats, cyberattacks and all forms of cybercrime.

The plan addresses the aspirations of the wise leadership and ensures the electronic security of information and data systems in the emirate, and covers all government and private agencies, and individuals to enjoy the safe use of technology. Dubai Electronic Security Center cooperates with all government agencies in the Emirate to ensure that the level of electronic security is upgraded and that precautionary measures are taken to ensure that information security systems are in line with international standards.

The Dubai Cyber Security Strategy involves the implementation of five main domains.

Cyber Smart Nation
The first domain aims to raise public awareness on the importance of cyber security, ensuring the building of a society that is fully aware of the dangers of cybercrime, as well as to develop the skills and capabilities required to manage cyber security risks among government and private institutions and individuals in Dubai.

Innovation
The second domain concerned with innovation and scientific research in the field of electronic security and the establishment of an cyber space that is free, fair and secure, and encourages innovation in the Emirate of Dubai.

Cyber Security
The objective of the third domain is to build a secure cyberspace by establishing controls to protect the confidentiality, credibility, availability and privacy of data.

Cyber Resilience
The fourth domain will focus on maintaining the flexibility of cyberspace and ensuring the continuity and availability of IT systems in the event of any cyber-attacks. As well as, providing a platform for exchanging information and support in the management of incidents related to cyber security and advanced mechanisms to combat threats.

National and International Collaboration
The aim of this domain is to establish local and global partnerships to consolidate cooperation frameworks with different sectors at the global and local levels to confront threats and risks in cyberspace. Local cooperation is one of the main aspects of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's vision, Competing with leading countries around the world depends entirely on competencies and business approaches.

The next phase will witness a number of effective initiatives that will contribute to achieving the strategy's objectives and providing a secure cyberspace for users, making Dubai's cyber security experience a global model.