Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has announced the commencement of the second phase of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy.
The objective of this initiative is to establish a secure and safe cyberspace while strengthening the digital infrastructure of the city.
The launch of this strategy demonstrates the dedication of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, a part of Digital Dubai, in safeguarding the digital ecosystem and accelerating the process of digital transformation and smart city initiatives. The latest phase of the strategy aligns with the Cybersecurity Pillar of Digital Dubai’s Strategy.
Sheikh Hamdan stated, “The second cycle of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy aims to enhance Dubai’s digital infrastructure and reinforce the emirate’s digital economy. With a strong emphasis on securing our cyberspace, the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy 2023 is designed to meet future needs and enhance our digital defense capabilities by nurturing talent and fostering strategic partnerships.”
“Given the constantly evolving challenges and risks, it is crucial that we continue to prioritise the development of cybersecurity. Staying up-to-date with rapid changes and emerging trends requires flexibility, innovation, proactivity, and heightened digital awareness,” he added.
Dubai has emerged as a global leader in cybersecurity by implementing secure digital systems and adopting advanced technical solutions that align with the latest global advancements in cyberspace. Through these efforts, the emirate ensures that businesses and individuals reach unprecedented levels of development, growth, and excellence.
The launch of the second cycle of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy is in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen the city’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge technology. This endeavour plays a crucial role in establishing a society that prioritises development, safety, happiness, well-being, and prosperity. Furthermore, the strategy aims to position Dubai as a global leader in cybersecurity.
Dubai Cyber Security Strategy: Four main pillars
The new strategy introduces four key pillars: a cyber-secure society, an incubator city for innovation, a resilient cyber city, and active cyber collaboration.
These pillars align with the leadership’s vision and future aspirations to strengthen Dubai’s leading position in the field of cybersecurity. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, the strategy aims to enhance resilience, foster partnerships, and build upon the achievements of the initial strategy in 2017.
Pillar 1: Enabling a cyber-secure society. The strategy seeks to nurture cyber skills and facilitate accessible cybersecurity.
Pillar 2: The incubator city for innovation. This focuses on advancing cybersecurity research, fostering an innovation ecosystem, ensuring the secure adoption of emerging technologies, and bolstering the assurance ecosystem.
Pillar 3: Building a resilient cyber city. This aims to shape cyberspace governance, expand the resilient cyber ecosystem, establish effective cyber crisis and incident response mechanisms, and fortify resilient cyber infrastructure.
Pillar 4: Ensuring active cyber collaboration. Furthermore, the new strategy emphasises the significance of fostering local collaborations and actively contributing to international cybersecurity efforts.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said, “The new cycle of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy places significant emphasis on accelerating digital transformation in the emirate. Recognising the vital role of cyber security in the success of the digital transformation strategy, this comprehensive approach caters to the requirements of the government, private sector, and society at large.
Yousuf Al Shaibani, CEO of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, said, “With the introduction of this ambitious strategy, the Centre is eager to harness all its capabilities and resources to ensure a safe and reliable cyberspace. We are committed to taking the necessary measures to support Dubai’s digital infrastructure and safeguard it against cyber security risks. By doing so, we will foster a cyber-secure society, establish an incubator city for innovation, and create a resilient cyber city, while actively promoting cyber collaboration. These efforts will enhance the emirate’s prosperity, reinforce its global position as a leader in the digital economy and stimulate business, innovation and creativity.”
The vision and objectives of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy 2023 closely align with national strategies and government policies on the digital economy and cybersecurity. These strategies seek to advance society, foster prosperity, promote happiness, and work towards establishing a sustainable and active knowledge-based economy within the next 50 years.
