Brief
UAE launches digital awareness campaign to counter AI‑driven fraud and deepfakes
The initiative, announced in Dubai on 30 September, aims to educate the public on emerging cyber‑crime techniques.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Arab Emirates announced a new cyber‑awareness drive on 30 September, warning that artificial‑intelligence tools are enabling fraudsters to create deepfakes, fake‑job ads and other online scams.
What happened
Officials from the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre unveiled the "UAE Safe Through Your Digital Awareness" campaign at the Dubai Police Officers Club. The programme coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed each October, and targets the public with information on data protection, account security and the latest fraud tactics.
What the reports add
Gulf News reported that Dubai Police have already identified advanced AI‑driven phishing, data‑breach and deepfake operations, and that criminals are using AI to produce convincing fraudulent webpages and advertisements. The outlet also noted that the campaign will focus on educating citizens about how fraudsters exploit new electronic and digital technologies.
What was said
Brigadier Saeed Mohammed Al Hajeri, director of the General Department of Criminal Investigations at Dubai Police, told Gulf News that the goal is to achieve "zero victims of cyber gangs" and that the initiative is designed to familiarise the public with the methods used by fraudsters.
How it came about
The launch follows earlier UAE efforts to combat cybercrime, including the regional anti‑fraud initiative reported on 27 September and Dubai's introduction of the open‑source deep‑fake detector SARAAB on 16 September. These steps reflect a broader strategy to counter the rise in AI‑enabled threats highlighted in recent IBM research on UAE cyber‑risk.
Key facts
- The UAE launched the "UAE Safe Through Your Digital Awareness" campaign on 30 September 2026. (gulfnews.com)
- The campaign is a joint effort by the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre. (gulfnews.com)
- Brigadier Saeed Mohammed Al Hajeri said the aim is to reach zero victims of cyber gangs. (gulfnews.com)
Timeline
- 2026-09-16 — Dubai launched SARAAB, an open‑source AI deep‑fake detector.
- 2026-09-27 — UAE announced a regional anti‑fraud initiative.
- 2026-09-30 — UAE unveiled the digital awareness campaign.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE launches cybersecurity awareness campaign to combat AI-powered deepfakes, fake jobs and online fraud”
