The CyberFirst UAE Summit 2026 has highlighted a significant rise in cyber incidents across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), prompting urgent calls for a cohesive cybersecurity strategy. The document provides a justification for the fact that there has been a reported 40% increase in such incidents year-on-year, making the summit a pivotal event for addressing these pressing challenges.
Cybersecurity as a National Imperative
During the summit, HE Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, articulated the evolving nature of cybersecurity, stating that it has transcended its traditional role as a technical function to become a national imperative. He emphasized that robust cybersecurity measures are essential for fostering economic growth and maintaining public trust in digital infrastructures.
Collaboration Among Decision-Makers
The summit provided a vital platform for collaboration among decision-makers and industry leaders, facilitating discussions on aligning strategies and sharing critical intelligence. As cyber threats continue to escalate, the need for a unified approach to cybersecurity in the region has never been more apparent. This makes events like the CyberFirst UAE Summit crucial for future resilience.
The recent CyberFirst UAE Summit underscored the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, coinciding with the UAE's introduction of new regulations for the digital finance sector. For more details, see the full article here.







