The UAE Cybersecurity Council has revealed that the country has faced more than 800,000 cyberattacks a day in recent months, highlighting a sharp rise in attempts to breach digital systems.

The figures underscore the need to develop an advanced and resilient defence framework to protect the country’s critical infrastructure and strengthen public confidence in digital services.

The UAE’s cybersecurity initiatives in 2026 form part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure secure digital transformation and develop advanced protective infrastructure. The strategy aims to address growing threats, ensure business and service continuity, and increase trust in the digital environment.

Developments this year show that cybersecurity has become a key pillar of the UAE’s digital transformation, evolving alongside the expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and smart infrastructure. The approach focuses primarily on prevention, preparedness and early threat detection rather than simply responding after attacks occur.

Strengthening digital sovereignty with launch of UAE Cyber Factory

In May 2026, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, in collaboration with CPX Holding, launched the UAE Cyber Factory.

The initiative aims to reinforce the UAE’s leading position in digital technology, enhance cyber independence and sovereignty, and develop advanced AI-powered capabilities to predict, detect and counter sophisticated cyberattacks.

The centre operates as an integrated, home-grown ecosystem, enabling cybersecurity technologies and solutions to be developed within the country. This will reduce reliance on foreign technologies and strengthen proactive preparedness against threats.

In May 2026, the UAE Cybersecurity Council announced that the country had recorded more than 800,000 cyberattacks a day over the preceding months. The figure highlights the importance of strengthening advanced defence systems to protect critical infrastructure and boost confidence in digital services.

As part of these efforts, the UAE has prioritised the development of domestic cybersecurity capabilities through strategic partnerships, knowledge transfer and the exchange of specialist expertise.

Specialised cybersecurity centre launched in Abu Dhabi

During Make it in the Emirates 2026, the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Dell Technologies announced the launch of a specialised Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.

Using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and cloud computing, the centre will provide real-time cyberthreat detection and rapid incident response.

The initiatives ultimately aim to strengthen the UAE’s cyber resilience, protect digital infrastructure and ensure the security of smart services against increasingly sophisticated threats.