Kuwaiti Cybersecurity Expert Reveals UAE Fends Off 150,000 Daily Cyber Attacks

The UAE is spending around $544 million annually on cybersecurity as it faces roughly 150,000 cyber attack attempts daily. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, the country's head of cybersecurity, says this massive investment helps the nation stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats powered by AI and other emerging technologies.

Here's where it gets interesting. While hackers are using AI to launch more advanced attacks, the UAE is fighting fire with fire. The country deploys AI systems to predict, analyze, and detect cyber threats before they cause damage. Al Kuwaiti says this approach lets them handle the constant barrage of daily attacks with high efficiency.

The strategy seems to be working. The UAE now leads the global cybersecurity index published by the International Telecommunication Union. This ranking puts them ahead of traditional tech powerhouses, which is significant for a country that's rapidly digitizing its economy and government services.

But the UAE isn't just defending - it's building the rules of the game. Over the past two weeks, the country rolled out new national cybersecurity policies covering AI security, blockchain protection, and cloud computing sovereignty. These policies aim to strengthen digital governance across all sectors.

For businesses and investors, this matters because the UAE is positioning itself as a secure digital hub in the Middle East. Companies looking to expand into the region can expect robust cybersecurity infrastructure, but they'll also need to comply with increasingly comprehensive regulations.

The timing is crucial. As more countries digitize their economies, cyber attacks are becoming more frequent and damaging. The UAE's early investment in both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities could give it a competitive edge in attracting international businesses that prioritize data security.

Al Kuwaiti made these comments during the annual meetings of the Global Future Councils on Cybersecurity, highlighting how the UAE is sharing its approach with other nations facing similar digital transformation challenges.