The Cybersecurity Council (CSC) has warned the public against publishing or sharing sensitive or personal information on social media platforms, stressing that such practices can expose individuals to fraud and privacy breaches.

The Council said that personal data shared online can be exploited to design targeted scams and may result in violations of privacy in cyberspace. It urged users to exercise caution when posting information, noting that responsible online behaviour plays a critical role in reducing cyberattacks and fraudulent activities targeting individuals, companies and institutions.

According to the CSC, approximately 40 per cent of social media users have experienced privacy violations as a result of oversharing personal details about their lives and families. It cautioned that irresponsible sharing significantly increases the risk of theft, cyber fraud and identity theft.

The Council emphasised that even seemingly minor details shared publicly can be used in fraudulent schemes. Users were advised not to disclose home or workplace addresses, personal phone numbers, travel plans, or private family photographs.

Highlighting the importance of individual responsibility, the CSC stressed the need to safeguard personal data and secure social media accounts and mobile devices used for personal and professional purposes. It urged users to keep software updated, limit access to cameras, microphones and location services, create strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and adopt safe online practices.

The Council further advised the public to verify secure methods of sharing information, avoid unsecured platforms, monitor accounts regularly and exercise caution when responding to incoming messages, particularly as fraudsters increasingly employ advanced technologies to obtain financial and personal data.

Concluding its advisory, the CSC said cybersecurity remains a major challenge in the digital landscape and that preventive measures, responsible conduct and ongoing awareness are essential to addressing risks arising from rapid technological advancement.

The warning comes as part of the “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, launched by the Council for the second consecutive year on social media platforms. The initiative supports the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen trust in the national digital ecosystem, promote cybersecurity culture and enhance digital awareness among families and individuals.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

• Local and Emirati productions
• Arab series and films
• International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said. 

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

• Enhance local production capabilities
• Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
• Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.

The Middle East is on track to attract more than $100 billion (Dh370 billion) a year in major investments by 2026, spanning energy, renewables, healthcare, digital infrastructure and manufacturing, according to a new industry outlook by Grand View Research (GVR).

Despite the global shift towards cleaner energy, the region, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is expected to remain a global powerhouse in oil and gas, while rapidly scaling renewable energy, digital transformation and healthcare innovation.

Oil and gas remain central, with a tech-driven twist

The UAE and its Gulf neighbours currently account for around 30 per cent of global oil production and 17–18 per cent of gas output, cementing the region’s role as a key energy supplier.

While global oil demand growth is expected to remain modest through 2026, gas demand is forecast to rise by around 3.5 per cent, driven by power generation, industrial expansion and LNG exports.

“The Middle East’s oil and gas sector remains a market anchor, but technology adoption and LNG expansion will define competitiveness over the next few years,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at Grand View Research.

Across the UAE, producers are increasingly deploying AI, IoT, drones and robotics to cut costs and improve operational efficiency, alongside investments in carbon capture, storage and early-stage hydrogen projects under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.

Renewables and battery storage gain pace

Renewable energy is expanding rapidly across the Gulf, with falling solar auction prices making clean energy increasingly competitive. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are mandating battery storage alongside new solar and wind projects, helping stabilise power grids as renewable capacity grows.

Dubai has announced plans for multi-gigawatt renewable additions by 2030, while Saudi Arabia continues to roll out large-scale solar and hydrogen projects under Vision 2030.

Healthcare becomes an economic growth engine

Healthcare is also emerging as a strategic investment sector. In 2023, Dubai welcomed more than 690,000 medical tourists, generating over Dh1 billion in healthcare revenue and boosting related sectors such as hospitality and travel.

The UAE’s National Digital Health Strategy, which integrates platforms like Riayati, Malaffi and Nabidh, has consolidated more than 1.9 billion medical records across 3,000 facilities, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital healthcare.

Data centres, cloud and advanced manufacturing

Digital infrastructure is another major growth driver. The GCC data centre market is expected to grow at around 13 per cent annually through 2030, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia accounting for up to 70 per cent of new capacity.

Cloud adoption is accelerating too, with nearly 75 per cent of organisations expected to rely mainly on cloud platforms by 2026, boosting demand for cybersecurity, AI and enterprise digital tools.

By 2026, GVR expects the region’s economy to reflect balanced diversification, combining energy leadership with rapid growth in renewables, healthcare, digital systems and advanced manufacturing.

“The scale of investment shows how the Middle East is shifting from resource reliance to technology-enabled growth,” Dash said.