The UAE is in the process of formulating a robust strategy geared towards fortifying measures against digital crime for the ensuing 50 years, as conveyed by a top official.

This strategic endeavor aims to enhance the nation’s resilience at its zenith, fortifying its capacities to tackle escalating digital challenges. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, the lead at the UAE Cybersecurity Council, which serves as the Emirates’ main digital safety unit, made these remarks on a recent Wednesday.

Reflecting upon the UAE’s centennial aspirations for 2071, Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the nation’s determination to harness technology for humanity’s ultimate benefit, considering global transformations and potentialities.

The discourse took place during a forum organized jointly by the UAE Cybersecurity Council and KPMG Lower Gulf.

The establishment of the Cybersecurity Council was a directive from the Cabinet in late 2020, in response to the growing number of threats targeting digital systems globally.

This council holds the mandate for formulating cybersecurity-related regulations, pending the Cabinet’s nod.

Recent data spotlighted a significant surge in email phishing threats in the UAE, with an uptick of 77% noted in this year’s second quarter, as revealed in an August report by Kaspersky, the security firm.

The report also highlighted an evolution in digital tactics, suggesting they are becoming more intricate.

As per an upcoming report by the Cybersecurity Council and KPMG, the expansion of immersive virtual reality technologies is poised to merge reality and fiction. This transition is expected to see enterprises flourish in the digital domain, making data the pivotal asset.

The same report hints at a future where robots will be integral to daily life, ranging from personal assistance to intricate systems, and artificial intelligence’s role in shaping the forthcoming eras. Advanced machinery might even gain the ability to discern human cognition and manipulate genetic sequences.

The vision for 2071 revolves around ensuring the equilibrium of the tangible and digital realms to elevate life quality and overall contentment.

For the UAE, adapting its cybersecurity guidelines to resonate with the upcoming five decades becomes pivotal, as per the insights from the report.

With projections indicating the global populace nearing 9.7 billion by 2050, challenges like climate-induced threats to food resources, population shifts, and environmental degradation become paramount.

Furthermore, the forecasted 50% surge in global energy consumption by 2050 emphasizes the growing relevance of sustainable and proficient energy sources.

Addressing these challenges necessitates proactive and comprehensive strategies, Dr. Al Kuwaiti mentioned.

However, in the face of these hurdles, Dr. Al Kuwaiti expressed optimism. He listed an array of promising technological breakthroughs, including AI, hyper-connectivity, bioengineering, quantum computing, space-age solutions, robotics, sophisticated manufacturing processes, augmented reality, and nuclear fusion.