His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, directed the launch of the Dubai Cyber Index, the first of its kind in the world. The launch supports Dubai government entities in the Emirate with their cybersecurity efforts and establishes Dubai’s position as the safest city in cyberspace.
The launch of the Index highlights Dubai’s leadership in launching projects and initiatives that enhance the Emirate’s position as a global leader in innovation, safety and security. The Index identifies Dubai’s experience in these areas and positions the Emirate as a role model to be followed globally, showcasing Dubai’s secure base for the free flow of information. This has been achieved by laying the foundations of a free, safe and resilient online world for individual users and organizations.
The Index falls in line with the goals of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, to help protect Dubai from a wide range of cybersecurity risks with the aim of supporting the Emirate’s growth and its economy led by innovation in light of its rapid technological progress and digital transformation. The Index seeks to build a healthy competition among government entities in the field of cybersecurity, as well as develop its capabilities and excellence in this area.
The project includes enhancing the readiness of government entities in dealing with cyber crises and emergency scenarios. DESC also supports entities to setup specialized security operations centers to be able to connect to a global source of information and utilize advanced technologies of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analysis to anticipate potential cyber threats.
DESC developed the Index as part of its mandate and role based on its founding law, which includes setting and implementing the government information security policy in the Emirate of Dubai. It also includes monitoring compliance by government entities with the Information Security requirements issued by DESC and follow up implementation of these requirements to ensure effective and secure communication networks and information systems for government entities.
His Excellency Major General Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the Dubai Electronic Security Center said: “The Emirate of Dubai continues to consolidate its leadership in the cyber sector by uniting efforts between all government and private institutions and individuals to provide a secure cyber space. It also works to make Dubai the most electronically secure city in the world. The Index will measure the progress and readiness of government entities in the Emirate to assess its cyber risks and ensure that any threats are deterred.”
“The Dubai Cyber Index reassures levels of the overall security and standards of Dubai’s electronic infrastructure are raised. This is particularly important as we live in a world characterized by the development and speed of communication technologies and dependence on modern electronic technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of things and Big Data… as such there must be a supportive framework in place that promotes the security and safety of information systems ,” he added.
The Dubai Cyber Security strategy was launched to work in line with the technological advancements and smart transformation that has taken place in the Emirate that has brought with it a range of challenges and risks that require mobilizing plans in order to achieve the goals that Dubai aspires to. The Strategy aims to provide integrated protection against cyber risks and support innovation in cyberspace. Its implementation depends on the need for continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities to meet the goals of the strategy and achieve a secure cyber space for government and private sectors and individuals in Dubai.
The Dubai Electronic Security Center cooperates with all government entities in the Emirate to raise awareness of cybersecurity and take necessary precautions against cyber risks. It remains focused on ensuring the security and compatibility of information systems and communications networks in the Emirate, to be of the highest international standards.
July 8, 2020