Enhancing Dubai's Cybersecurity Landscape: Key Initiatives from GISEC Global 2025

The Dubai Electronic Security Centre announced the launch of a series of innovative initiatives and projects to strengthen the emirate’s digital security and cyber infrastructure and advance the development of specialised talent in the sector. The announcements were made during the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC Global 2025), held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6-8, where the Centre participates as the official Government Cybersecurity Partner.

 Zero Trust Assessment Tool and Guideline

Among the new initiatives is the Zero Trust Assessment Tool and Guideline, a significant leap in securing Dubai’s government networks. It also includes a comprehensive guide for implementing the Zero Trust model, emphasising continuous identity and access rights verification.

This practical tool assists organisations and local entities in transitioning to a Zero Trust framework. It ensures the protection of critical systems and data in complex and dynamic technological environments, thereby reducing the risk of breaches and insider threats.

The guideline will be implemented across several government entities in Dubai using advanced technologies, including multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, continuous digital traffic monitoring, and data classification based on sensitivity levels.

These measures minimise cyberattack exposure and ensure swift response to breach attempts, despite challenges such as integrating the new system with existing infrastructure and maintaining a seamless user experience.

ETHAQ Plus Initiative

The Dubai Electronic Security Centre also launched the advanced "Ethaq Plus" initiative to elevate digital trust and enable secure, reliable organisational transactions. The service provides certified digital certificates to protect data and communications, verify authenticity, and support the adoption of trusted digital identities and advanced security models that reduce cyber risks at the institutional level.

Information Security Officers Certification Program

As part of its efforts to develop national talent, the Centre introduced the ISR Officer Certification Program to equip individuals across various government sectors with the knowledge and skills to implement information security regulations effectively. The program also helps cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity officers, strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Dubai’s government operations.

Readiness for Quantum Technologies

In preparation for future threats arising from advancements in quantum computing, DESC launched the Post-Quantum Cryptography Guideline. This guide prepares Dubai’s digital infrastructure to counter emerging quantum-based threats. The initiative marks a strategic step to ensure Dubai’s digital defences remain at the forefront, safeguarding the city’s smart data, services, and thriving digital future.

H.E. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive of the Dubai Electronic Security Center, said: "At the Dubai Electronic Security Center, we are committed to fostering a resilient and secure cyber environment driven by innovation and proactive adaptability to evolving challenges. The new projects we unveiled at GISEC Global 2025 reflect our vision to build a trusted, sustainable digital infrastructure aligned with Dubai’s future goal of becoming the smartest and safest city in the world."

Al Shaibani added, "By adopting concepts like Zero Trust and developing advanced national platforms, we reaffirm our commitment to providing strategic solutions that support government and private entities in protecting their critical data and services, enabling them to accelerate digital transformation with confidence and efficiency. We also believe that investing in national talent is the cornerstone of cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity leaders capable of ensuring the sustainability of Dubai’s digital security."

Specialised Cybersecurity Challenges

The Center launched the latest edition of the Dubai Cyber Challenge during the event, dedicated to Dubai government entities. The challenge aims to assess and enhance participants’ cybersecurity skills while promoting compliance with the Centre’s Information Security Regulations (ISR).

The competition features over 30 carefully designed tasks simulating commonly used government applications and services in Dubai. With varying difficulty levels, the challenges allow participants to test their cybersecurity abilities across diverse scenarios.

Additionally, DESC is hosting the School of Cyber Defence Championship in partnership with TechFirm, which has attracted over 300 applications from university students across the UAE.

Participants compete in an advanced environment simulating real-world cybersecurity challenges, responding to cyberattacks and identifying security vulnerabilities. Winners will receive valuable prizes worth over AED 130,000, supporting the development of their skills and careers in cybersecurity.