Officials in the United Arab Emirates are sounding alarms about an unprecedented wave of artificial intelligence-enhanced cyberattacks traced back to Iranian-sponsored hackers, with daily assault attempts reaching as high as 700,000.
Last week, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center published its “Cybersecurity Awareness Guide During Crises,” outlining the most prevalent digital threats during emergency situations, as reported by Gulf News.
The guidance reveals that government-backed cyber criminals connected to Iran are employing AI platforms like ChatGPT to execute complex digital operations. UAE security experts report the nation currently endures between 500,000 and 700,000 attempted cyberattacks daily.
Intelligence officials indicate that artificial intelligence technology is being weaponized for surveillance activities, information gathering, pinpointing system weaknesses, and crafting elaborate fraudulent email schemes. The report shows phishing attacks have jumped 32% during the opening quarter of 2026.
The security alert also noted that these digital assaults have focused on essential infrastructure throughout the Gulf region, including efforts to compromise data facilities and banking systems. Authorities emphasized the deployment of deepfake technology—computer-generated audio and video content—to distribute false information and create public alarm.
Intelligence sources suggest Iran operates through a network exceeding 40 affiliated groups and supporters to execute these cyber operations, the report indicates.
To combat these threats, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has launched its National Cyber Security Operations Center and is implementing its own artificial intelligence defense systems. Officials have also published a dual-language public manual to assist citizens in recognizing fraudulent emails, security breaches, and deepfake materials.
The nation’s attorney general has cautioned that sharing deceptive AI-created content or false information may lead to serious consequences, including jail time, heavy financial penalties, and expulsion for foreign residents.
The security manual recommends that individuals and organizations activate multi-factor authentication, trust only verified news outlets, and steer clear of questionable links. It also outlines red flags for potential scams, such as emergency demands for personal information, unknown login notifications, and unexpected messages requesting confidential details.
Security specialists referenced in the document observed a 340% spike in AI-powered cyber incidents across the region during the six-month period leading up to May 2026.
