Page 53 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

REGIONAL NEWS

UAE Cybersecurity Council Issues National Warning on Unverified Mobile Apps

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a nationwide alert unverified apps to spread malware, commit identity theft, and gain
urging citizens and residents to avoid downloading unverified unauthorized access to personal information. This trend has been
mobile applications, warning that such apps pose severe risks especially pronounced during times of increased online activity.
including malware, financial theft, and data breaches. With daily Council’s Key Recommendations
cyberattacks in the UAE reaching nearly 200,000 in 2025, the • Download only from trusted platforms: Apple App Store, Google
Council emphasized that malicious apps are increasingly being Play Store, or official provider websites.
used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data and exploit users, • Review app permissions carefully: Reject apps demanding
particularly during holidays and major national events. The surge excessive access to contacts, messages, or location data.
in attacks has heightened the need for caution. Criminals exploit • Keep devices updated: Apply regular operating system and app
security patches.
• Be cautious with links: Avoid opening files or links from unknown
or suspicious sources.
• Leverage awareness campaigns: The Council’s “Cyber Pulse”
initiative educates the public on safe digital practices.
The Emirates has seen a 63% year-on-year increase in detected
mobile vulnerabilities, particularly in finance, healthcare, and
logistics sectors. Strict regulatory frameworks, including the UAE
Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and National Electronic
Security Authority (NESA) requirements, obligate organizations
to maintain strong cybersecurity practices or face penalties.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank has moved away from weaker SMS/
email OTPs, mandating more secure app-based verification.
This latest warning underscores the UAE’s push to make
cybersecurity a shared responsibility across society. By adopting
the Council’s safety measures, both individuals and businesses can
mitigate risks and contribute to a more secure digital ecosystem.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council’s alert is not just precautionary
but a direct response to escalating digital threats. Reinforced by
regulatory safeguards and public education, it reflects the nation’s
broader commitment to building a secure and resilient digital
environment.

SDAIA Highlights Saudi Arabia’s Global Role in AI-Driven Digital Transformation

Dr. Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait, Director of the National and reducing 500 million kilograms of carbon emissions between
Information Center (NIC) at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence 2018 and 2020 — generating annual savings exceeding SAR17
Authority (SDAIA), underscored the transformative global role billion. SDAIA has also launched the National Strategy for Data
of data- and AI-driven digital transformation during his remarks and AI as part of Vision 2030, aiming to position the Kingdom as
at the closing conference of the GREAT FUTURES initiative, held a global leader in AI economies. Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress
alongside the Saudi-UK Strategic Partnership Council’s fifth is evident in the 2024 Open Data Inventory (ODIN) by Open Data
meeting. Dr. Al-Wagait emphasized that AI and data technologies Watch, where the Kingdom advanced 28 places to rank 41st
are reshaping economies, societies, and governments worldwide globally and climbed to 9th among G20 nations. Dr. Al-Wagait
by erasing borders, driving innovation, and transforming daily life. further stressed the importance of international cooperation in
He highlighted “super apps” as a defining example, citing Saudi tackling challenges such as AI governance, cybersecurity, data
Arabia’s Tawakkalna platform, which now serves over 34 million privacy, and global supply-chain risks. He noted that Saudi Arabia
users with more than 1,000 services from 140+ providers. He also has taken a leadership role by establishing the International Center
pointed to the Absher platform, which significantly cut government for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh
office congestion while saving around 560 million sheets of paper under UNESCO’s auspices as a Category 2 Center.
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