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UAE warns: 70% of smart home devices vulnerable to cyberattacks

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The UAE is stepping up efforts to protect households from rising cyber threats, with the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) warning that as many as 70% of smart home devices could be vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured.

From voice assistants and surveillance cameras to smart lighting and air conditioning systems, connected devices are becoming attractive targets for cybercriminals. Officials say weak security awareness among users and reliance on default settings often leave homes exposed.

Everyday risks at home

The CSC highlighted several risky behaviours, including:

  • Leaving voice assistants permanently active and connected to unsecured networks
  • Sharing the home Wi-Fi password with guests
  • Failing to update device software regularly

The council also issued a particular warning about baby monitors, which are increasingly common in households. If left unsecured, these devices can be hacked, allowing intruders to record conversations, track movements, or even communicate directly with children and family members.

Steps to stay safe

To reduce risks, the CSC recommends:

  • Using strong, unique passwords for smart devices
  • Keeping systems updated with the latest software
  • Managing all devices through a single central hub to reduce entry points
  • Switching off voice assistants when not in use
  • Enabling built-in privacy and security settings
  • Creating a separate Wi-Fi network for smart devices, distinct from the main household internet

Raising awareness

As part of its ongoing Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, the CSC is dedicating this week to educating families on smart home security. The campaign focuses on the importance of system updates and simple, practical steps to help UAE residents safeguard their digital spaces.

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.

Events

Gitex 2025: Parkin activates ‘Code X’ rates to ease traffic at venue

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As Gitex Global 2025 opens in Dubai on Monday, October 13, Parkin has activated its Major Events Parking tariff (Code X) to manage heavy traffic around the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The decision aims to ensure a smoother experience for visitors attending the world’s largest tech and startup showcase, which runs until October 17. 

Parking around DWTC will cost Dh25 per hour during the event.

Parkin has urged visitors to use public transport and plan trips through the RTA’s Shail app. Commuters should ensure their nol cards have enough balance, at least Dh15 for Silver class and Dh30 for Gold class, for a round trip.

This year’s Gitex, spread across DWTC and Dubai Harbour, features more than 6,500 exhibitors and 1,800 startups from over 180 countries, spotlighting how AI, quantum computing, and sustainable tech are reshaping global industries.

Gitex Global 2025 runs from October 13 to 17 in Dubai.


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Education

UAE and Google give students free access to AI tools to boost learning

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The UAE Government has teamed up with Google to offer university students a free one-year subscription to Google Gemini Pro, a state-of-the-art AI tool designed to make learning smarter, faster, and more fun.

This initiative isn’t just about tech; it’s about empowering students and families with tools that make studying, researching, and exploring ideas easier. Whether it’s summarising lecture notes, creating interactive quizzes, generating mini podcasts, or even turning text and images into short videos, Google Gemini Pro opens up a world of possibilities.

Learning Made Smarter
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said the UAE is committed to giving students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. “We are equipping our youth and society with AI tools that boost creativity, efficiency, and innovation,” he said.

Anthony Nakache, Google’s Managing Director for MENA, added that searches for AI and study topics in the UAE have jumped by 110% in the last two months, showing a growing excitement among students and teachers to explore new ways of learning.

Fun Features for Students

  • Gemini 2.5 Pro: Tackle research, brainstorm ideas, or create projects with an advanced AI assistant.
  • Deep Research: Quickly gather information from hundreds of sources to make studying easier.
  • NotebookLM: Organise thoughts, notes, and lectures, now with audio and video overviews.
  • Veo 3: Turn text or pictures into engaging short videos with sound—perfect for projects or presentations.
  • 2TB Storage: Keep all your notes, photos, and schoolwork in one safe place.

How Families Can Support Students
Parents and siblings can encourage students to take advantage of this tool to boost study habits, organise projects, and explore creativity safely and productively. It’s an opportunity for families to get involved in learning together, using AI as a helpful assistant rather than a replacement for effort.

How to Join
Students aged 18 and above can register for 12 months of free access using their personal email until 9 December 2025. For more details, visit www.gemini.google/students.

With Google Gemini Pro, the UAE is not only preparing students for a high-tech future but also creating exciting ways for families to engage in learning, creativity, and discovery together.

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Business

From AI robots to drones: Dubai’s Gitex 2025 brings the future to everyone

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Get ready, Dubai, the future is landing next week.
From self-driving shuttles and AI-powered gadgets to talking robots and flying taxis, this year’s Gitex Global promises to feel more like a sci-fi movie than a trade show.

The region’s biggest tech festival returns for its 45th edition from October 13–17, spread across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour.

What started in 1981 as a small exhibition with 46 stalls is now the world’s largest tech and startup show, pulling in:

  • 6,500+ tech companies
  • 1,800 startups
  • 1,200 investors
  • Visitors from 180+ countries

So if you’ve ever wondered what’s next in our digital lives, from the phone in your hand to the car you’ll drive (or won’t need to drive), Gitex is where you’ll see it first.

Why It Matters to You

Gitex isn’t just for tech pros. It’s where ordinary people can peek into the future:

  • Try the latest AI tools that could soon power your office or school.
  • See robot assistants that might deliver packages or even take care of patients.
  • Explore smart city solutions that make life in Dubai smoother and greener.
  • Watch drones and flying taxis that could cut commutes from hours to minutes.

Big Names, Big Reveals

The heavyweights, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Huawei, AWS, Dell, AMD, Alibaba Cloud, will showcase what’s next in AI, cloud tech and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, younger disruptors like Cerebras, Datadog, Tenstorrent and Qualcomm will highlight how the tiny chips inside our devices are getting smarter and faster, crucial for the next wave of AI.

Dubai’s Digital Government on Display

At the Digital Dubai Pavilion, you’ll see how the city is using technology to make daily life easier:

  • Paperless services that save time at government counters
  • Predictive analytics for better traffic and urban planning
  • Blockchain solutions that make transactions more secure
  • AI chatbots that could soon handle most routine queries

Where Startups Shine

Over at Dubai Harbour, Expand North Star, the world’s biggest startup gathering, will connect founders and investors from 100+ countries.

Expect to see healthcare robots, climate tech solutions, space innovations and new fintech apps that might one day be as common as your food-delivery app.

A Festival With a Legacy

For long-time Dubai residents, Gitex is more than an expo.
In the ’80s, it was where many locals first saw personal computers.
In the 2000s, it introduced smartphones to the region.
Now, it’s the place where you can discover how AI, robotics, green tech and quantum computing are shaping the next decade.

Event details

What: Gitex Global 2025
When:
October 13–17
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre & Dubai Harbour

If you’re a student curious about future careers, a startup founder hunting for investors, or just someone who loves to see the latest gadgets before they hit the market, Gitex is your window into the future.

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