UAE Cybersecurity Council has announced that the national cyber system successfully thwarted organised cyber attacks that targeted the country’s digital infrastructure and vital sectors in an attempt to destabilise operations and disrupt essential services. The announcement was made in Abu Dhabi on 21st February, 2026, highlighting the rapid and coordinated response that prevented significant impact on government platforms and critical services. Authorities confirmed that the attacks were systematic in nature and directed at strategic national assets, reflecting the increasing complexity and persistence of hostile cyber activity aimed at essential digital environments.
According to the Council, the attacks involved multiple vectors, including attempts to infiltrate networks, deploy ransomware, and execute coordinated phishing campaigns targeting national platforms. Officials also disclosed that the perpetrators sought to exploit artificial intelligence technologies to develop more sophisticated offensive tools, marking a notable evolution in the methods used to conduct digital intrusions. The use of advanced techniques indicates a deliberate effort to bypass conventional safeguards and leverage emerging technologies to scale malicious operations. Despite the complexity of the attempts, the UAE’s cyber defence infrastructure detected, analysed, and neutralised the threats before they could compromise core systems or interrupt public services. The Council emphasised that the national cybersecurity and cyber defence system operates around the clock with high efficiency, supported by continuous monitoring, rapid threat assessment, and integrated response mechanisms.
In its statement, UAE Cybersecurity Council reaffirmed that the safety of individuals, the protection of personal data, and the uninterrupted continuity of critical services remain top priorities. The national cyber framework functions in close cooperation with service providers, government entities, international partners, and specialised organisations to strengthen protective measures and ensure rapid recovery capabilities. Strategic partnerships and advanced international technical expertise are leveraged to enhance defensive readiness, improve intelligence sharing, and reinforce resilience across public and private sector networks. Authorities noted that this collaborative model plays a central role in mitigating risks and sustaining operational stability, particularly as digital transformation accelerates across industries and public institutions.
The Council reiterated its full commitment to safeguarding the digital domain and preserving national stability by rejecting any attempts to target critical infrastructure and civil services. It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cyber activity or potential threats through officially approved channels to help maintain the security of the nation’s digital environment. Officials stressed that collective awareness and timely reporting are essential components of a resilient cybersecurity posture, ensuring that institutions can continue delivering services under all circumstances. The incident underscores the importance of sustained investment in cyber defence capabilities and proactive threat detection to address the evolving landscape of organised cyber activity targeting essential systems.
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