The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has announced a significant partnership with global payments technology leader Mastercard, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the trust and resilience of the UAE’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. The collaboration aims to advance the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities by exchanging global best practices and supporting the development of forward-thinking policies.
The agreement was unveiled during the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai, coinciding with the launch of a joint report that analyzes the current state of cybersecurity within the UAE.
A Strategic Alliance For Digital Safety
This partnership will see Mastercard leverage its extensive global expertise in combating cybercrime and fraud to help fortify the UAE’s cybersecurity posture. Since 2018, Mastercard has invested $10.7 billion in cybersecurity acquisitions and advanced solutions. Its AI-powered tools have been instrumental in preventing an estimated $70 billion in fraudulent transactions worldwide over the last decade.
The collaboration is a proactive response to the escalating threat of cybercrime, which Cybersecurity Ventures projects will cost the global economy $15.6 trillion by 2029. The CSC has previously highlighted that the UAE contends with over 200,000 cyberattacks daily, with more than a third aimed at government entities.
Unveiling The UAE Cyber Threat Landscape
The newly released UAE Cyber Threat Insights Report underscores the growing complexity of threats facing organizations. It details the sophisticated techniques and diverse objectives of malicious actors, who are increasingly prioritizing critical sectors and high-value national assets.
The report also acknowledges the UAE government’s sustained efforts to strengthen national cyber resilience. It points to the importance of deeper public-private coordination as a key strategy for improving collective preparedness and cementing the nation’s position as a global leader in cybersecurity.
Leadership Voices on a Secure Digital Future
Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, commented on the alliance, “As the UAE advances its digital transformation, exposure to cybercrime grows, with risks to critical sectors escalating exponentially, driven by AI and other threats. In this rapidly evolving landscape, CSC and Mastercard share an unwavering commitment to building a secure and prosperous digital future.”
He added, “We aim to use the company’s global know-how and advanced technology to bolster the UAE’s cybersecurity framework, enhance the country’s readiness to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks and consolidate its leadership in this space.”
Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard, stated, “At Mastercard, we are dedicated to safeguarding the UAE’s digital ecosystem in line with the ‘UAE 2031’ vision and the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The MoU with the UAE Cyber Security Council reinforces our position as a trusted partner, technology provider and policy advisor to the UAE government and a thought leader in the field of cybersecurity.”
About The UAE Cyber Security Council
The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) was established to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and create a safe and strong cyber infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. The council is responsible for proposing, developing, and updating cybersecurity policies, legislation, and standards to protect the interests of the nation and its entities from cyber threats.
Source: Gulf Business
