Dubai launched the “Dubai Cyber Index” in July 2020. Developed by the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), this initiative aims to support the efforts of the Dubai Government to ensure the highest cybersecurity standards, thereby paving the way for a safe cyberspace. The first initiative of its kind in the world was launched by the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai – Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
This initiative highlights Dubai leadership’s keenness to launch projects and initiatives that enhance the Emirate’s position as a global leader in innovation, safety, and security, intending to position it as an international role model for cybersecurity. It aims to create a strong foundation for a free, safe, and resilient online world for both individual users and organizations as well as keen on promoting healthy competition among government entities in the field of cybersecurity, encouraging excellence and in the process driving rapid technological progress and digital transformation.
Major General Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the Dubai Electronic Center, says, “Dubai continues to reinforce its leadership in the digital and cyber sector by consolidating the efforts of all government and private institutions and individuals to provide secure cyberspace. It also seeks to make Dubai the most electronically secure city in the world. The Index will measure the progress and readiness of the government entities to assess cyber risks and deter threats”.
Aim of the Index
The Dubai Cyber Security Strategy launched in 2017, ensures high security commensurate with the technological advancements and transformations and preparedness to deal with challenges and risks that crop up during such a massive transformation. “The Dubai Cyber Index will further raise the security and safety standards of Dubai’s electronic infrastructure. This is particularly important as the world we live in is characterized by a constantly evolving communication technology landscape and is increasingly dependent on advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Big Data. It is critical to creating a robust supportive framework to ensure the security and safety of information systems,” said Al Falasi.
The DESC monitors government entities to ensure compliance with its Information Security requirements and effective and secure communication networks and information systems, thus setting up the highest benchmark of cybersecurity in the Emirate. They are also well versed in supporting entities in setting up specialized security operation centers and utilizing advanced Artificial Intelligence technologies and Big Data analysis to anticipate potential cyber threats.