As digital conversations continue to shape public opinion and daily life, the Abu Dhabi Police have issued a strong reminder to residents: Verify before you share.

The authority has called on the community to rely on credible news sources and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation, especially on social media platforms, warning that such actions can have real-world consequences and go against the values of responsible citizenship.

A Community Responsibility

In their advisory, the police stressed that every member of society plays a key role in maintaining public order and social harmony. Sharing unverified news, even unintentionally, can mislead others and spark unnecessary fear or confusion.

“Disseminating false information contradicts the values of positive citizenship and the social responsibility we all share,” the police said in a statement, urging the public to think critically before passing along content online.

The Harm of Misinformation

Authorities noted that rumours, particularly when circulated widely on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), can disrupt public safety, damage reputations, and contribute to mistrust in official communication.

To curb the spread of such content, the public is being encouraged to rely on trusted news outlets and verified government platforms for information.

Legal Consequences and Public Awareness

The warning also serves as a reminder of the legal implications under UAE law, which penalises the spread of fake news and false information that threatens national security or public interest.

Abu Dhabi Police continue to run awareness campaigns to educate residents on responsible digital behaviour, urging people to be part of the solution in the fight against misinformation.

“Accuracy saves lives,” the statement added.

“Let’s work together to ensure that our digital spaces remain safe, honest, and constructive for all.”

(Source: GN)

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)

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has issued a warning to the public and the financial services community over a recruitment scam falsely using the name of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFCA).

According to the DFSA, scammers have been impersonating DIFCA employees on professional networking platforms, claiming to offer internships. Victims were contacted online, interviewed virtually, and later sent fake job offers and forged employment contracts.

In one reported case, the scammers went as far as providing a fake tenancy contract for accommodation in Dubai and requested payments of Dh6,365 for the apartment deposit and Dh903 for visa and administrative fees. The victim, believing the offer was legitimate, made the payments.

The fraudsters made their communication appear official by:

• Using a fake email address: difca.recruitment.difc@collector.org, masked to appear as difca.recruitment@difc.ae;
• Falsely displaying the DIFCA name and branding, including the unauthorised use of logos and stamps.

The DFSA has confirmed that these communications were fraudulent and not issued by the DIFCA. It stressed that DIFCA does not request payment for accommodation or visa fees as part of its recruitment process.

“These emails and job offers are fake. Do not respond to such messages or send any money,” the DFSA advised in its official alert.

The authority urged anyone who receives suspicious communications claiming to be from the DIFCA or the DIFC to verify the legitimacy via official DFSA channels.

Consumers are also encouraged to consult the DFSA’s:

• Alerts page for scam warnings
• Guidance on how to avoid being scammed
• Public Register to check if a firm or individual is authorised

If you suspect a scam or receive suspicious documents claiming to be from the DIFCA, DIFC, or any DFSA-regulated entity, you are advised to contact the DFSA immediately.

(Source: www.dfsa.ae)