Crime

UAE teams up with Google to launch cybersecurity centre

Published

5 months ago

April 10, 2025

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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)

Related Topics:cybercrime cybersecurity Google uae uaecabinet

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Crime

UAE: Social media users referred to prosecution for breaking content rules

Published

51 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The National Media Office (NMO) has referred several social media users to the Federal Public Prosecution for posting content that violates UAE media laws.

Officials said a special monitoring team works 24/7 to detect violations, alert users about their mistakes, and give them a chance to correct them. Those who fail to comply face legal action.

The NMO explained that these steps are taken to:

Keep social media safe and respectful
Prevent the spread of harmful or misleading content
Protect community values and ethics

In March, the NMO had already reminded users to follow the UAE’s principles of respect, tolerance, and coexistence when posting online. It warned that anyone breaking these rules will be held accountable under UAE law.

Crime

Abu Dhabi Police warn residents: Don’t click fake traffic fine links

Published

24 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi Police have issued an urgent warning to motorists and residents after a scam message began circulating online, tricking people into believing they have a traffic violation.

The fake alert misuses an official police logo and provides a link to “check” the violation. But instead of leading to a government website, the link redirects to a hacker-controlled page operated by fraudsters in an Asian country. Victims risk losing personal data, banking details, and even money from their accounts.

Where the scam is spreading

According to police, the fraudulent link is being widely shared on WhatsApp, email, TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter).

The warning message being circulated online reads:

“Beware of any electronic message claiming you have a traffic fine and asking you to click a link to verify. These links are fake and run by scammers impersonating official websites.”

Why police are raising the alarm

Fraudsters exploit fake advertisements and misleading links to steal financial and personal data.
The bogus websites are designed to look like official portals but are in fact controlled by hackers.
Scammers harvest bank details, passwords, and security codes once users enter their information.

How to protect yourself

Verify the source: Open links only if you are 100% sure they are genuine.
Don’t share sensitive info: Never type your banking or personal details into suspicious links.
Use official apps only: Stick to government applications on the App Store or Google Play.
Enable two-step verification: Turn on 2FA for accounts like WhatsApp to stay safe.

What to do if you’re targeted

If you receive such a link or suspect fraud, report it immediately through:

Aman Service hotline: 8002626
SMS: 2828
Email: aman@adpolice.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi Police Smart App

Abu Dhabi Police reminded the public to remain vigilant online: “Do not click suspicious links. Protect your data, protect your money.”

Crime

Dubai launches Centre for Judicial Expertise to enhance efficiency and public trust in legal system

Published

1 day ago

August 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has announced the launch of the Dubai Centre for Judicial Expertise, an initiative guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The move marks a major step in strengthening the emirate’s judicial framework and reinforcing confidence in its legal system.

The new centre will provide courts with accredited experts from both the UAE and abroad, all working under unified standards for appointment, supervision, and performance evaluation. Officials said the establishment of the centre will ensure greater accuracy in expert reports, speed up case resolutions, and contribute to the development of highly skilled Emirati talent in specialised fields.

Strengthening Dubai’s global standing

Authorities emphasised that the initiative will not only enhance the quality of judicial processes but also support Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for living, working, and investing. By standardising expert services and expanding specialised expertise, the emirate aims to deliver fairer, faster, and more transparent judicial outcomes.

Key objectives of the Centre

Support Dubai’s judicial authorities with qualified national and international experts.
Improve the quality and efficiency of expert reports to enable accurate rulings and timely case resolution.
Train and develop specialised Emirati cadres across diverse fields of expertise.
Establish unified standards and procedures for the appointment, supervision, and evaluation of experts.
Build strong local and international partnerships for knowledge-sharing and expertise exchange.

Core functions

The Dubai Centre for Judicial Expertise will:

Receive and process requests from judicial authorities, appointing specialised experts tailored to each case.
Create an integrated legislative framework to govern expert work before Dubai courts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and transparency in reports.
Strengthen litigants’ trust in the judicial system by reinforcing the credibility of expert testimony.

The initiative is part of Dubai’s wider efforts to align its judicial system with global best practices while maintaining efficiency, integrity, and innovation at its core.