UAE cyber security chief visits key operations centres as Eid Al Fitr begins

[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]

Even on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the UAE’s cybersecurity teams were on high alert.

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Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, accompanied by a delegation from the UAE Cyber Security Council, carried out visits to key cyber operations centres, including at e& UAE and Abu Dhabi Police, as well as across government entities, critical sectors, and private partners.

Check out the photos below, as shared by Cyber Security Council:

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This comes as cyber threats escalate in the region, with experts reporting a surge in newly registered domains exploiting keywords tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Over 8,000 fraudulent websites have been identified in the past month, targeting individuals and businesses alike.

“What is worrying is that more than 200 fake domains have precisely impersonated a prominent GCC oil company, a few major Gulf banks, and government services, putting savings, identity, and personal data at risk,” Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director of UAE-based Rayad Group, told Khaleej Times.

"The average GCC resident cannot distinguish these fake websites from legitimate ones — that's the terrifying reality we're facing," noted Ayub, adding, "Major institutions have been cloned with such precision that even cybersecurity professionals are being deceived. One wrong click, one credential entered on a fake site, and life savings could vanish in minutes."

The warnings follow last week’s advisory from the UAE Cyber Security Council about wiper malware, one of the most destructive types of malicious software, designed to erase data and disrupt systems. Authorities stressed the importance of adopting robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard users and organisations.

Written by

Elizabeth Gonzales

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.