UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy: what it means for businesses
The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently approved the National Cybersecurity Strategy and a new API-First policy for federal entities. With this decision, the UAE reinforces its commitment to a secure and resilient digital environment that keeps pace with the country’s digital transformation.
His Highness highlighted that the UAE ranks among the best countries in the world in the Global Cybersecurity Index and has one of the most advanced digital infrastructures. The new National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to consolidate and strengthen this position, protecting national assets and supporting future progress.
Five pillars of the National Cybersecurity Strategy
According to the official Cabinet statement, the National Cybersecurity Strategy is built around five main pillars: governance, protection, innovation, capability building and development, and partnership. The strategy seeks to establish a cohesive and highly effective cybersecurity governance framework, ensure a secure, resilient and robust digital environment, facilitate rapid and secure adoption of innovations, reinforce national capabilities in digitalisation and cybersecurity, and strengthen partnerships and cooperation at national and international level.
In this context, having a robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution becomes essential for organisations to consistently apply their security policies across all corporate devices, control access to sensitive data and respond quickly to incidents. An MDM allows centralised configuration, updating and monitoring of devices, ensuring they meet the protection, traceability and control requirements demanded by national cybersecurity frameworks.
API-First Policy for federal entities
In the same meeting, the Cabinet approved an API-First policy for ministries and federal entities. This policy establishes the requirements and procedures that technological and digital systems must follow to ensure their rapid interconnection and integration with other systems, both governmental and private. The policy also regulates the relationship between providers and users and reinforces collaboration between public and private sectors in delivering government services.
Innovation and talent on the UAE digital agenda
His Highness emphasised that innovation is part of the government’s culture and operations. In this framework, the UAE Government Innovation Month has been launched, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, which shares best practices with more than 30 governments worldwide, was highlighted. A new phase of the UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention 2031 has also been approved.
In this context, having a clear device management and security strategy is a key piece for aligning with the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy. If you want to review how you are managing your Apple devices today, the Setek team can help you assess your current situation and define next steps.