The UAE has been ranked among the world's most advanced economies in cybersecurity, earning Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This places the Emirates alongside 45 other leading nations — including the USA, United Kingdom, and Germany — as a global role model for protecting cyberspace.
What the Global Cybersecurity Index Measures
The ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index evaluated 194 countries across five critical pillars: workforce and labour force capabilities, education and training infrastructure, legal frameworks, electronic and communication technologies, and international cooperation. Countries awarded Tier 1 status scored at least 95 out of 100, demonstrating a government-driven, fully coordinated approach to cybersecurity across every dimension.
The UAE's strong performance across all five pillars reflects the breadth and depth of its national digital-security strategy — not merely technical investment, but a comprehensive, whole-of-government commitment.
UAE's Cybersecurity Vision
Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, credited the result to the country's long-term digital transformation agenda. The UAE Cybersecurity Council was established in 2020 and has since been responsible for formulating and enforcing policies that reinforce the nation's online defences.
Al Kuwaiti also revealed the scale of the threat the UAE continues to face: in the first quarter of 2024 alone, the country successfully prevented 71 million cyber threats, while approximately 50,000 cyberattacks target the UAE every single day.
Ransomware, Breaches, and Privacy Threats
Despite the UAE's top-tier ranking, the ITU report acknowledged that global cybersecurity risks continue to grow. Ransomware attacks targeting government services, breaches in critical industries, and large-scale privacy violations remain persistent challenges worldwide. The UAE's Tier 1 classification signals that it has the frameworks, talent, and infrastructure to confront these evolving threats at the highest level.
UAE as a Global Cybersecurity Powerhouse
This recognition further strengthens the UAE's strategic position as a leading global technology hub and cybersecurity powerhouse. Alongside Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the UK, the UAE is one of only four countries to have retained a top-tier ranking since the 2020 edition of the index — a testament to the consistency and ambition of its national cybersecurity programme.
