The UAE is joining forces with tech giant Google to open the first-ever Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. This big move shows how serious the country is about staying ahead in technology, fighting cybercrime, and becoming a world leader in digital safety.

The UAE Cabinet has officially approved the launch of the centre, which will be led by Google Cloud in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council. It’s all part of the country’s bigger plan to build a strong, safe digital future and to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

What Will the Centre Do?

• Protect against cyber threats: The centre will help shield government systems, businesses, and people from online attacks.
• Train local talent: Cybersecurity experts from Google Cloud’s Mandiant team will run special training programmes, including hands-on cyber-attack simulations and real-life response exercises.
• Support startups: Google Cloud will run an accelerator programme for 25 promising startups and offer up to $300,000 in cloud credits to top performers in Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 startup hub.

Why It Matters

Cybercrime is a global issue, and the UAE wants to stay ahead of the curve. Experts say that this new centre could help the UAE avoid nearly $7 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, create over 20,000 specialised jobs, and attract more than $1.4 billion in foreign investment.

Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said the partnership is key to building a secure digital future and training the next generation of cyber defenders.

Google Cloud’s Cristina Pitarch added that the UAE’s clear vision for cybersecurity is what makes this collaboration so important. She said the centre will be a place for both innovation and education, helping people and companies deal with digital threats using smart, AI-driven tools.

Big Picture

This project follows the recent visit of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the US, where he met with top tech leaders to build new partnerships focused on AI and digital growth.

The new centre will also work closely with universities, researchers, and global experts to share knowledge, drive innovation, and build a safer digital world.

(Source: DMO)

Sharjah is stepping up its fire safety game by turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies to prevent accidents before they happen. The emirate is currently exploring how advanced systems can be integrated into buildings to minimise fire risks and improve emergency response times, a major step toward creating safer urban environments.

The initiative is being led by the American University of Sharjah (AUS), where researchers from the College of Engineering are working with both local and international experts. Government agencies, including the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, are also playing a key role in supporting this research.

According to officials, the goal is not just to improve safety but to completely rethink how buildings are monitored and managed when it comes to fire hazards. AI systems could be used to detect potential risks, such as overheating equipment, electrical faults, or structural weaknesses, and then alert authorities before a situation becomes critical.

To further support this mission, the AUS College of Engineering has launched a two-day fire safety symposium in collaboration with the civil defence authority. The event, which brings together academics, engineers, safety experts, and government representatives, focuses on the latest advancements in AI-driven safety solutions and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios.

“Technology has the power to save lives, and we are committed to using it to build a safer Sharjah,” said a representative from the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority during the opening session. “By investing in research and innovation, we can stay ahead of potential dangers and ensure rapid response when needed.”

Discussions at the symposium also include topics like smart fire alarm systems, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring tools that could one day become standard in all new buildings across the UAE.

The findings from AUS’s research will be used to develop new fire prevention strategies and upgrade existing safety protocols in buildings throughout the emirate. Officials say that this proactive approach is part of Sharjah’s broader commitment to smart city development and public safety.

Fire Incident Statistics and Trends

Recent data underscores the importance of such initiatives: 

• In 2023, the UAE recorded over 500 fire incidents, resulting in significant economic losses. 
• Specifically, Fujairah experienced a 53% increase in residential fires in 2023 compared to the previous year, with nine fatalities and 90 injuries reported across 684 fire-related incidents. 
• Conversely, Sharjah reported a 20% decrease in fire incidents, attributed to enhanced fire safety measures and awareness campaigns. 

Economic Impact and Market Growth

The economic implications of fire incidents have spurred growth in the fire protection sector: 

• The UAE fire protection system market was valued at approximately $1.81 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass $4.11 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.53%. 
• In 2024, NAFFCO FZCO, a leading fire protection company, reported a 20% increase in sales, indicating heightened demand for fire safety equipment. 

Integrating AI for Enhanced Fire Safety

The integration of AI into fire safety systems is expected to provide several benefits:

• Early Detection: AI algorithms can analyse data from sensors to identify potential fire hazards before they escalate. 
• Predictive Maintenance: AI can forecast equipment failures, allowing for proactive maintenance of fire safety systems. 
• Efficient Emergency Response: AI can optimise evacuation routes and resource allocation during emergencies. 

Etihad Airways is expanding its footprint in Pakistan with a new route to Peshawar, aligning with the UAE’s introduction of a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistani nationals, a move expected to boost travel and tourism ties between the two countries.

Starting September 29, 2025, Etihad will launch direct flights between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, making it the airline’s fourth non-stop route to Pakistan, after Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

The UAE’s five-year visa, recently announced by Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, is seen as a significant step in facilitating easier travel for Pakistani tourists and families, especially with expanded flight options now in place.

Etihad will operate the Peshawar service with its Airbus A320 family aircraft, offering eight Business Class and 150 Economy seats. The route will begin with five weekly flights and increase to daily service from November 22, 2025.

“We are thrilled to further expand our presence in Pakistan with the launch of our daily service between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar. This new route reflects our commitment to providing vital connectivity for travellers between Pakistan and the Gulf, Africa, Europe, and North America,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.

Etihad is also ramping up operations to Karachi, increasing frequency to 17 flights a week starting October 1. The Peshawar launch follows the addition of Addis Ababa to the network and marks Etihad’s 16th new destination in 2025, alongside new routes to Prague, Warsaw, Algiers, Tunis, and Atlanta.

The carrier is also increasing frequencies to major European hubs including Paris, Milan, Manchester, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Madrid.