The UAE and Saudi Arabia will enhance cybersecurity during 2024

During 2024, the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved an advanced ranking in the global cybersecurity index issued by the International Telecommunication Union, which reflects the two countries’ commitment to enhancing the protection of technical infrastructure, supporting sustainable digital transformation, and consolidating the trends of the knowledge economy, according to a new research paper prepared by the Interregional Center. Strategic Analytics, based in Abu Dhabi.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, the UAE was ranked in the highest category in the world (leading model) in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, which confirms that the country provides a secure and advanced digital infrastructure, keeping pace with its ambitions in digital transformation and strengthening its position as a global center for innovation and technology, while Saudi Arabia obtained the “Leading model” classification in the top category of the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.

According to Interregional, cybersecurity is considered a top priority in the UAE for strategic and vital reasons related to technological development, national security, and the digital economy, as the country relies heavily on digital infrastructure in vital sectors such as: energy, transportation, communications, and financial services.

The UAE seeks to be a global center for the digital economy, and with increasing reliance on modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing, the need to protect data and digital transactions from cyber attacks doubles.

The UAE works to enhance confidence in the digital environment by protecting data and systems, which enhances the confidence of investors, commercial partners, and citizens in the country’s digital environment, and contributes to attracting foreign investment.

Interregional stated that the UAE has launched many initiatives to enhance cybersecurity, the most important of which are: the establishment of the National Electronic Security Authority and the UAE Cybersecurity Strategy to enhance digital protection. The country also invests in research, development, and building national competencies in the field of cybersecurity, making it a model in confronting cyber threats and protecting its growing digital economy.

The size of the cybersecurity market in the UAE is estimated at approximately 2.1 billion dirhams in 2024, with expectations to grow to 3.9 billion dirhams in 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.72%, which reflects the commitment of government institutions and companies to protect their digital assets.

Interregional said: “Digital threats have witnessed profound transformations driven by technological advancement, making the cybersecurity industry a rapidly growing sector. The evolving threat landscape, including the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, has led to governments increasing their interest in strengthening their presence in the cybersecurity industry.”