UAE Says It Foiled a Wave of AI-Enabled Cyberattacks on Vital Sectors

The United Arab Emirates has announced that it successfully thwarted a series of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting the nation’s digital infrastructure and critical services, warning that the incident marks a significant escalation in how hostile actors are using modern technologies — including artificial intelligence — to mount offensive operations.

According to a statement released late on 22 February 2026 by the state-run WAM news agency on behalf of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the offensive comprised multiple coordinated attempts to breach networks, install ransomware and execute widespread phishing campaigns that aimed to disrupt vital government and economic systems.

Officials stopped short of naming specific perpetrators or groups, but described the operations as highly organised, involving methods that reflect a “qualitative shift” in the tools used by malicious actors — notably the incorporation of AI-driven capabilities to craft more resilient and adaptive attack vectors.

A Growing Digital Threat Landscape

The cyber campaign unfolded in early 2026 and was detected by the UAE’s national cybersecurity framework, which continuously monitors digital traffic and threat intelligence sources across public and private networks. Top officials underscored that no significant intrusion successfully crippled key services, and essential functions like banking, government administration, and personal data systems remained secure during and after the attempted incursions.

According to information released alongside the WAM statement, authorities had already recorded at least 128 confirmed cyber threat incidents targeting entities across the UAE so far in 2026 — a figure signalling an elevated threat environment compared to previous years. The incidents spanned ransomware, attempted network breaches, data leak attempts, and other malicious operations.

Cybersecurity analysts say these figures align with broader trends suggesting that nations with advanced digital infrastructures are increasingly proactive targets for hostile cyber forces, including state-linked groups, terrorist factions, and highly automated criminal organisations. While the UAE did not explicitly attribute the attacks to any nation or organisation, the sophistication of the tools involved has raised concerns among international security experts.

AI’s Role in Modern Cyberattacks

One of the most concerning aspects highlighted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council was the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies within the attackers’ toolsets. Rather than relying solely on traditional malware or brute-force techniques, the attackers exploited AI to generate offensive capabilities that could automate network reconnaissance, adapt phishing messages for higher success rates, and evade conventional detection systems.

This incorporation of AI into offensive toolchains marks a new chapter in digital conflict, closing the gap between human-driven attacks and automated operations that can scale rapidly across hundreds of targets. For cybersecurity professionals, this trend represents both a tactical and strategic challenge — forcing defenders to adopt AI-powered defence mechanisms to keep pace with adversaries who are doing the same.

Government officials emphasised that while the UAE’s advanced security systems were able to intercept and neutralise the attacks, the evolving threat landscape means that constant vigilance and adaptation are vital. The Cybersecurity Council reiterated that protecting individuals’ personal data, ensuring continuity of essential national services, and maintaining confidence in digital systems remain top priorities.

Nationwide Resilience and Public Awareness

To bolster overall resilience, the UAE’s cybersecurity authorities highlighted the importance of public cooperation. Residents and organisations were urged to report any suspicious online activity or potential threats through officially designated channels, ensuring that central monitoring systems can assess and respond to emerging risks in real time.

Experts say that this kind of public engagement is critical because many modern attacks — especially phishing schemes that leverage AI to customise malicious emails or deceptive interfaces — rely on human interaction to succeed. Increasing awareness around safe online practices and empowering individuals to recognise and report threats are essential steps in maintaining national digital security.

The UAE’s response also highlights how modern cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue, but a cornerstone of national stability. In an interconnected world where financial markets, energy grids, healthcare systems, and government services depend on uninterrupted digital operations, organisations are investing heavily in layered defence frameworks, rapid incident response protocols, and strategic partnerships with international cybersecurity firms.

Looking Forward

The UAE’s successful neutralisation of the cyberattacks illustrates both the scale of the challenges facing digitally advanced nations and the importance of robust defensive postures. As offensive capabilities continue to evolve — powered increasingly by AI — defenders must innovate in parallel, adopting cutting-edge tools and strategies to protect critical infrastructure.

Although the authorities have so far refrained from disclosing the precise origins of the attacks or attributing them to specific actors, the acknowledgement of a qualitative shift in cyber tactics has sparked international interest. Governments and private sector organisations around the world are likely to closely study the UAE’s experience, using it to inform their own cyber readiness strategies amidst an era of intensifying digital confrontation.

At its core, the UAE’s announcement serves as a reminder that the digital domain is now a theatre of strategic competition and conflict — where preparedness, collaboration, and innovation are the keys to safeguarding national security in the 21st century.