Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched the second phase of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, which will focus on developing talent further and forging more strategic partnerships.
The refreshed initiative introduces four new pillars, aimed at further safeguarding the emirate's cyber space and strengthening its digital infrastructure, the Dubai Media Office said on Wednesday.
These include a cyber secure society, an incubator city for innovation, a resilient cyber city and active cyber collaboration, which are in line with Dubai's ambitions to become a leader in cyber security and a continuity of the strategy's original foundations, it said.
The first cycle of the strategy, launched in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has successfully achieved its strategic goals.
It has provided comprehensive protection against threats to the emirate's cyber infrastructure and promoted innovation, consequently driving economic and societal growth.
“As part of the high priority we place on securing our cyber space, Dubai Cyber Security Strategy 2023 is designed to meet future needs and enhance our digital defence capabilities by nurturing talent and fostering strategic partnerships,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
“Given the constantly evolving challenges and risks, it is crucial that we continue to prioritise the development of cyber security. Staying abreast of rapid changes and emerging trends requires flexibility, innovation, proactivity and a heightened digital awareness.”
Dubai and the UAE have invested heavily in building its cyber security infrastructure to protect the integrity of its government and economic systems even as the country pursues its digital economy ambitions.
The emirate has emerged as a global leader in cyber security by implementing secure digital systems and adopting advanced technical solutions, which fall in line with its goal of becoming a full-fledged smart city.
“Through these efforts, the emirate ensures that businesses and individuals reach unprecedented levels of development, growth and excellence,” the media office said.
This is also a testament to Dubai's effort to be ahead of the curve in technology, as businesses and individuals increasingly rely on using smart methods in their daily routines that require reliable and fool-proof security measures.
Several programmes have been rolled out by the government, which aims to build a holistic technological ecosystem that promotes inclusion and guarantees the safety of its users.
This week Sheikh Hamdan launched Dubai Digital Cloud, a new cloud technology project to help the emirate boost its tech infrastructure and accelerate the pace of its digital transformation.
In June, he announced the Dubai Digital Strategy, which aims to bring in a new era of digital transformation in the emirate “based on a vision to digitalise all aspects of life” in the emirate to “empower a digitally driven society”.
Given the constantly evolving challenges and risks, it is crucial that we continue to prioritise the development of cyber security. Staying abreast of rapid changes and emerging trends requires flexibility, innovation, proactivity and a heightened digital awareness
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed,
Crown Prince of Dubai
Also last month, Sheikh Hamdan launched the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, which will train 1,000 employees from more than 30 government bodies on the uses of generative artificial intelligence.
“We will continue to work diligently to put the [new cyber security] strategy’s elements into practice and meet our leadership’s expectations,” said Hamad Al Mansoori, director general of Digital Dubai, the agency that oversees the Dubai Electronic Security Centre.
The updated cyber security strategy will tackle the requirements of the entire emirate, spanning government agencies, infrastructure, businesses, residents and visitors.
It also underpins the Dubai Electronic Security Centre's commitment to upholding integrity, privacy and compliance in information processing systems, as well as enhancing and optimising decision-making processes at the highest levels.
“The launch of the new strategy lays a solid foundation for staying abreast of the rapid developments in the digital world,” said Yousuf Al Shaibani, chief executive of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre.
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Scoreline:
Cardiff City 0
Liverpool 2
Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
Price: from Dh285,000
On sale: from January 2022
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
Indika
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The Farewell
Director: Lulu Wang
Stars: Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen, Diana Lin, Tzi Ma
Four stars
Ipaf in numbers
Established: 2008
Prize money: $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.
Winning novels: 13
Shortlisted novels: 66
Longlisted novels: 111
Total number of novels submitted: 1,780
Novels translated internationally: 66
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Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
The specs
BMW M8 Competition Coupe
Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Power 625hp at 6,000rpm
Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm
Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto
Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec
Top speed 305kph
Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km
Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)
On sale Jan/Feb 2020
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
The years Ramadan fell in May
SPECS
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Yuki Means Happiness
Alison Jean Lester
John Murray
