Dubai is rapidly transforming into a super-connected digital city, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in people’s daily lives. Emphasizing this sentiment, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, director-general of Digital Dubai, underscored the need for embracing local cloud technology to enhance security measures across the city. With the proliferation of digital services and the increasing reliance on personal data, cybersecurity has become paramount to Dubai’s success in its digital transformation in recent years. The UAE has invested billions of dirhams in modernizing its infrastructure and is at the forefront of adopting new technologies and policies aimed at enhancing cybersecurity.
According to the International Data Corporation, the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region are projected to spend over $238 billion on information and communications technology (ICT) by 2024. This underscores the region’s commitment to integrating technology into various sectors and advancing towards a more streamlined digital future. Industry leaders, including Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, and other executives from prominent companies, spoke at the Envision conference, shedding light on the importance of cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives.
Al Mansoori emphasized the urgent need to simplify cybersecurity tools and make them accessible to the wider community to effectively secure cyberspace. He highlighted the success of UAE Pass, a government solution utilizing facial recognition for secure transactions, as an inspiration for integrating cybersecurity into daily routines. Additionally, he advocated for the adoption of local cloud solutions to ensure the highest level of privacy and security in a rapidly evolving software industry.
Jasim Al Awadi, chief ICT officer of Du, echoed the importance of local cloud infrastructure to support the growing technological advancements globally. He emphasized the significance of sovereign requirements for government entities and the critical role that local cloud solutions play in meeting those needs. Du has taken strides to lead in technology adoption, with plans to be among the first telecom firms in the UAE to roll out 6G technology. The transition to 6G is part of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority’s (TDRA) roadmap to enable digital transmission of human senses and further enhance AI capabilities.
As industry leaders and government entities collaborate to enhance cybersecurity and technological advancements, the future of Dubai as a super-connected digital city looks promising. With a focus on local cloud adoption and cybersecurity awareness, Dubai is well-positioned to continue its digital transformation journey and set new benchmarks for innovation and economic growth. Embracing advancements like 6G technology will further solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in the digital landscape, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and seamless digital experiences for residents and businesses alike.
