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.

Etihad Rail has finally revealed the first routes on its much-anticipated passenger network, and Dubai is right at the heart of it. The opening phase, set to launch in 2026, will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, creating a major rail corridor linking the UAE’s key commercial hubs with the east coast.

The initial rollout will focus on high-demand routes, starting with frequent services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, followed by a direct connection to Fujairah. More routes and stations are expected to come online later in 2026 and beyond as demand grows.

For Dubai commuters, it’s all about saving on travel time. Journeys between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to take around one hour, while trips from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take about 90 minutes. Trains will run at speeds of up to 200 km/h and carry up to 400 passengers, offering a fast alternative to increasingly congested highways.

The Abu Dhabi–Dubai route is expected to see the most frequent services. The Fujairah connection, meanwhile, is designed to boost tourism and improve access to the UAE’s east coast.

Station locations were chosen based on population density and connectivity.

The first passenger stations will be located in Mohamed bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi), Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai), and Sakamkam near Al Hilal City (Fujairah), marking a major step toward a nationwide rail network that could reshape how people move across the UAE.