Abu Dhabi, February 22, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that it had successfully prevented a series of organized cyberattacks targeting the country’s digital infrastructure and critical sectors, according to the state news agency WAM.
The attacks, which authorities described as “terrorist in nature,” reportedly involved attempts to infiltrate government networks, deploy ransomware, and launch systematic phishing campaigns against national platforms. Officials said the perpetrators employed advanced artificial intelligence technologies to develop offensive tools, representing “a qualitative shift” in the methods used by malicious actors.
“The safety of individuals, the protection of personal data, and the continuity of critical services remain our top priorities,” the UAE’s Cybersecurity Council said in a statement. “These attacks also demonstrate the growing ability of terrorist groups to harness modern technologies to carry out digital operations.”
The agency did not identify the attackers, but WAM emphasized that the incidents aimed to destabilize the nation and disrupt essential services. Authorities said the attacks were detected and neutralized before any significant impact on infrastructure or public services could occur.
In addition to defending networks, the Cybersecurity Council urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity to official channels. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to “safeguarding the digital domain and preserving national stability.”
Cybersecurity experts say that the UAE has long invested heavily in digital defense capabilities, including artificial intelligence, encryption, and real-time monitoring of critical systems. However, the use of AI-driven offensive tools by attackers signals a new phase in global cyber threats, making prevention and rapid response ever more critical.
The announcement comes amid a global rise in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting national infrastructures, from energy grids to health systems, highlighting the growing importance of coordinated defensive measures. Analysts noted that the UAE’s proactive measures reflect both the country’s reliance on digital platforms for governance and commerce, and its strategic emphasis on cybersecurity as a pillar of national security.
“The UAE’s ability to detect and neutralize these attacks quickly underscores the importance of advanced cybersecurity protocols and public-private cooperation,” said a regional cybersecurity analyst who requested anonymity. “It also sends a clear message that critical infrastructure is closely monitored and defended against emerging digital threats.”
As nations increasingly face AI-enhanced cyber threats, officials in Abu Dhabi said that further steps will be taken to enhance awareness, enforce best practices, and strengthen resilience against future attacks.
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