The Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, Muhammad Al Kuwaiti, addressed concerns regarding the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) among residents. While residents are allowed to use VPNs, Al Kuwaiti emphasized that misuse of these networks poses a significant problem.

In 2023, the UAE recorded the highest number of VPN application downloads in the past four years, according to the Global VPN Adoption Index by Atlas VPN. However, under Decree Law No (34) of 2021, the misuse of VPNs for illegal activities or to bypass government-imposed restrictions constitutes a serious offense, punishable by imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2 million.

Despite these regulations, VPN usage remains common among UAE residents, particularly for accessing blocked websites and communication apps. The UAE witnessed a surge in VPN app downloads, with 6.1 million downloads in the previous year alone.

Al Kuwaiti highlighted the growing cybersecurity risks, noting that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly utilized by cybercriminals to craft sophisticated phishing emails and infiltrate systems. However, he also emphasized the role of AI in defending against cyber threats, aligning with the UAE's goal of becoming an AI-driven nation by 2071.

In managing cybersecurity risks, the UAE aims to create flexible policies that foster business growth while safeguarding critical infrastructure. Through proactive measures and collaboration with partners, the UAE endeavors to maintain a secure and thriving digital environment amidst evolving cyber threats.