The realm of Cybersecurity in Sharjah: Awareness Initiatives to Build a Secure Digital Community is a growing priority in the emirate, marked by various initiatives aimed at fostering a secure digital environment. Recent legislative reforms and new programs reflect a commitment to enhancing cybersecurity resilience among public sectors and the community at large. This proactive approach not only safeguards technology infrastructure but also educates citizens, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence.
Legislative Framework Enhancements
In a significant move towards strengthening cybersecurity, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, issued Law Decree No. (1) of 2021. This decree amends Law No. (4) of 2015 related to regulating the Electronic Government Authority, incorporating critical provisions that focus on cybersecurity and information protection.
This legislative shift underscores the emirate’s dedicated effort to establish clear policies, strategies, and standards for information technology and cybersecurity. The emphasis on overseeing the implementation of these measures reflects a growing focus on enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure across different sectors in Sharjah.
Establishment of the Sharjah Cybersecurity Center
In February 2025, the Sharjah Executive Council made a strategic decision to create the Sharjah Cybersecurity Center. Operating under the Sharjah Digital Authority, this center is designed to develop a comprehensive system for information security and cybersecurity. It aims to cultivate awareness and develop human competencies, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the emirate’s electronic information infrastructure.
The center’s responsibilities include formulating policies and regulatory frameworks related to cybersecurity, supervising their effective application across government entities, and fostering collaborations between various stakeholders. It also provides consultancy services and technical support in the realm of information security, aimed at enhancing community-level engagement and response preparedness.
Research and Development Initiatives
The University of Sharjah inaugurated the Cybersecurity and Data Analysis Research Center in 2022, reflecting its commitment to advancing research capabilities in this domain. The center promotes collaboration between public and private sectors to create a comprehensive digital security system and focuses on developing innovative AI-driven solutions to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive data.
Spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, this initiative embodies a commitment to enhancing the emirate’s capabilities in cybersecurity research. It houses five specialized research groups dedicated to advancing techniques in network security, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, ultimately contributing to national security and supporting the emirate’s digital strategy.
Empowerment through Training Programs
The Sharjah Human Resources Department, in collaboration with the Sharjah Digital Authority, launched a “Cybersecurity” program as part of the Sharjah Employment Training and Qualification Program in 2024. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the digital security skills of national workforce participants across various emirate regions.
The program is tailored for job seekers from diverse academic backgrounds and equips them with essential tools to tackle cybersecurity risks. It encompasses a variety of topics, including malware identification and preventive measures, and emphasizes practical applications and real-world examples from multiple sectors. By prioritizing digital security, the program aims to empower new job entrants to effectively navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape.
Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Cybersecurity
In 2025, the Sharjah Cybersecurity Center signed a memorandum of understanding with the American company Fortinet, which specializes in cybersecurity solutions. This partnership aims to bolster collaboration in the telecommunications and information technology security sectors, enhancing national capabilities to confront growing cyber threats.
This agreement will enable the development of advanced scientific research and the creation of modern technological frameworks while facilitating knowledge exchange between both parties. It aims to support local initiatives and improve mechanisms for response, prevention, and deterrence against cyberattacks, along with developing educational and awareness programs that will increase community cybersecurity readiness.
Innovative Initiatives in Digital Security
During its participation in GITEX Global 2023, the Sharjah Cybersecurity Center showcased several innovative projects, including a comprehensive technical dictionary featuring more than 4,000 terms translated between Arabic and English. This resource spans various fields, including information security, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, representing a significant contribution to Arabian technical content.
Additionally, the center introduced the “Sharjah Government URL Shortening Platform,” designed as a protective shield for users against phishing attacks, one of the most dangerous and prevalent cyber threats today. This platform provides users with an innovative mechanism to verify the authenticity and reliability of electronic links before interaction, thus enhancing public awareness about the dangers of suspicious links and elevating community-level digital protection.
Initiative for Online Safety for Children
In February 2024, the Sharjah Child Safety Department celebrated the graduation of the first group of Cyber Safety Ambassadors, coinciding with Safer Internet Day. This initiative, launched in 2019, successfully engaged over six thousand participants through a series of educational programs and activities aimed at creating a safe digital culture among children and youth.
Partnering with various institutions, this initiative emphasizes responsible internet usage and educates young users on potential online threats and means of combating them. The efforts include diverse activities, educational programs, and specialized workshops tailored to different community segments, including children, parents, and educators.
Sharjah is steadfast in its mission to establish a secure digital realm, pursuing a proactive vision supported by a comprehensive approach that enhances community resilience against cybersecurity challenges and lays the groundwork for a sustainable digital future.
References
- [1] sheikhdrsultan.ae, Ruler of Sharjah amends Law regulating the Electronic Government Authority
- [2] ec.shj.ae, Executive Council issues decision regarding the establishment of the Sharjah Cybersecurity Center
- [3] dhr.gov.ae, In collaboration with the Sharjah Digital Authority, Sharjah Human Resources implements the Cybersecurity Program as part of the Sharjah Employment Training and Qualification Program
- [4] sharjah24.ae, Sharjah Cybersecurity Center highlights its key initiatives at GITEX 2023
- [5] childsafety.gov.ae, Child Safety Department launches Cyber Safety Ambassadors initiative