In a significant move towards bolstering digital security, the Sharjah Digital Department has officially launched the Sharjah Cybersecurity Strategy for 2026–2031, following its approval by the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah. This initiative marks a new phase in enhancing cybersecurity measures and improving resilience within the emirate, all while supporting a secure and sustainable digital transformation.
A Vision for a Cybersecure Emirate
This newly established framework represents the first comprehensive and specialised cybersecurity strategy to be adopted by the emirate. It stems from the vision of creating a “Cybersecure Emirate,” aiming to foster a safe and flexible digital environment that facilitates innovation, safeguards critical infrastructure and vital assets, and enhances trust in digital services and technologies.
A Strategic Step Toward Sharjah’s Digital Future
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, emphasised that the launch of the Sharjah Cybersecurity Strategy for 2026–2031 is a strategic step in shaping Sharjah’s digital future. As services and technologies expand, elements such as trust, security, and preparedness become fundamental to sustaining progress rather than mere responses to risks.
Sheikh Saud noted that cybersecurity is a pivotal enabler of digital transformation and innovation, asserting that this strategy lays the groundwork for an integrated digital system across the emirate. It aligns objectives, enhances readiness and resilience, protects digital infrastructure and assets, and promotes safe and responsible use of emerging technologies.
“Our ambition does not end with addressing today’s challenges; it extends to building a framework capable of anticipating changes and preparing for them through integrated efforts, the development of national competencies, and instilling a culture that makes cybersecurity a shared responsibility and an essential part of Sharjah’s development and innovation journey,” added Sheikh Saud.
An Integrated Approach to Risk Preparedness
The strategy embraces a comprehensive approach centred on risk preparedness, adherence to laws and regulations, and the implementation of multi-tiered protection measures. This approach reinforces cybersecurity from the earliest design stages of digital initiatives and projects all the way through their execution, thereby supporting the sustainability of digital transformation in the emirate.
This methodology is anchored on five strategic pillars: smart and secure cyber governance for Sharjah, cybersecurity resilience, protection of critical infrastructure, partnerships and cooperation, and cybersecurity capabilities. These pillars translate the strategy’s aims into an integrated system that enhances governance and risk management, boosts monitoring, responsiveness, and recovery capabilities, protects digital infrastructure and vital services, and promotes the development of national competencies alongside expanding partnerships and teamwork.
A Clear Governance Framework with a Gradual Implementation Plan
The Sharjah Cybersecurity Centre will oversee the execution and supervision of the strategy throughout the emirate, guided by a clear governance framework and a phased five-year implementation plan that defines roles, responsibilities, and performance indicators. Regular reports will be submitted to the Executive Council of Sharjah.
The launch of this strategy is a continuation of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity framework in the emirate, building upon initiatives that have been implemented since its establishment. These initiatives have included developing frameworks for managing cybersecurity incidents, information security governance, risk management, rapid response, securing operational systems, and conducting vulnerability assessments and evaluations of government websites.