UAE Cyber Security Market By Security Type (Network Security, Endpoint Security, Application Security, Cloud Security, Content Security, Others), By Solutions Type (Identity & Access Management, Risk & Compliance Management, Encryption & Decryption, Data Loss Prevention, Unified Threat Management, Others), By Deployment Mode (On-Premise v/s Cloud), By End Use Industry (BFSI, IT & Telecom, Defense, Energy & Power, Retail, Healthcare and Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

UAE Cyber Security Market was valued at USD 0.62 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.29 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 12.78% during the forecast period.

The UAE cybersecurity market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a combination of digital transformation initiatives, rising cyber threats, and strong government support for digital infrastructure. As the UAE advances toward becoming a regional hub for smart cities, e-governance, and cloud adoption, the demand for robust cybersecurity solutions has intensified across both public and private sectors. Industries such as banking, oil & gas, healthcare, telecom, and critical infrastructure have emerged as high-priority targets for cybercriminals, prompting organizations to invest significantly in next-generation security tools, threat detection systems, and managed security services.

The government’s proactive stance is a major growth catalyst. Initiatives such as the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy and establishment of entities like the Cybersecurity Council underscore the country’s commitment to safeguarding national digital assets. Additionally, compliance regulations including NESA, ISO 27001, and GDPR-equivalent laws have compelled organizations to adopt stricter data protection practices. Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are at the forefront of cybersecurity development, with government agencies and smart city projects incorporating advanced technologies such as AI-driven security analytics, Zero Trust architecture, and real-time threat intelligence systems.

Local players such as DarkMatter, Help AG, CPX, and Injazat are playing a central role in shaping the domestic cybersecurity landscape, offering end-to-end solutions, managed detection and response (MDR), and security operations centers (SOCs). At the same time, international vendors including IBM Security, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Trend Micro maintain a strong presence, bringing global best practices and scalable technologies to the UAE market. The collaboration between local system integrators and global cybersecurity vendors has also contributed to the sector’s maturity.

The growth of cloud computing, digital banking, e-commerce, and remote work environments post-COVID-19 has further heightened the need for advanced security frameworks. As threat actors become more sophisticated, there is a growing emphasis on identity and access management (IAM), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and network security infrastructure. The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) security in sectors like energy and utilities is also opening new avenues for cyber investments.

Key Market Drivers

Increase in Cyber Threats and Attacks

The UAE has witnessed a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting both public and private entities. On average, organizations in the country face over 50,000 cyberattack attempts daily, with critical infrastructure and financial services among the most targeted sectors. There has been a 56% increase in data breaches in the region over the past year, with ransomware and phishing as dominant threats. In just one quarter, more than 23 million malware events and 1.1 million phishing cases were detected across UAE networks. Furthermore, the average cost of a data breach in the UAE has reached approximately USD 6.9 million, one of the highest in the world. With 87% of companies reporting a cyber incident in the past year, there is a growing urgency to adopt threat intelligence, managed detection and response (MDR), and endpoint protection solutions.

Acceleration of Digital Transformation and Cloud Adoption

Digital transformation is at the core of the UAE’s Vision 2031 strategy, driving widespread adoption of cloud, IoT, and smart technologies. Around 97% of businesses accelerated their digital initiatives post-pandemic, with many shifting to hybrid or fully cloud-based environments. Over 73% of UAE enterprises have placed digital transformation as a top strategic goal, often above cybersecurity. The national digital identity system, UAE Pass, has surpassed 11 million registered users, streamlining access to over 5,000 e-services. These advancements are expanding the attack surface and creating demand for secure cloud platforms, identity access management (IAM), Zero Trust models, and real-time data monitoring to protect digital assets and maintain operational continuity.

Government Regulations and National Cyber Strategies

The UAE government has prioritized cybersecurity at a national level, implementing strong regulations and frameworks. New cybercrime laws introduced in recent years target data theft, misinformation, hacking, and digital espionage, with penalties that include heavy fines and imprisonment. About 76% of UAE-based enterprises increased their focus on cyber risk governance over the last year. Despite this, only 27% of organizations have a dedicated cybersecurity budget, revealing a gap between awareness and implementation. The formation of a centralized Cybersecurity Council and national response strategy has streamlined incident management across federal entities. Also, growing compliance needs around standards such as NESA, ISO 27001, and data privacy laws are compelling more than 80% of medium to large businesses to invest in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions and audits.

Expansion of Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure

The UAE is emerging as a data center and digital infrastructure hub in the Middle East, fueling demand for advanced cybersecurity measures. Investments in public and private cloud infrastructure have increased significantly, with hyperscale data centers becoming more common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Over 60% of UAE enterprises now host critical workloads in cloud environments, which increases vulnerability without proper controls. It is estimated that 45% of UAE companies experience at least one insider security threat annually, pushing the need for data encryption, privilege access control, and continuous monitoring. Meanwhile, 72% of enterprises cite cloud misconfiguration as a primary cyber risk, and 81% believe third-party risks in supply chains are growing. As digital infrastructure scales up, robust perimeter security, secure APIs, and AI-driven threat analytics become essential.

Smart City Projects and Critical Infrastructure Protection

The UAE’s commitment to becoming a global smart city leader, through projects like Smart Dubai and AI-powered public services, is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. The integration of IoT, 5G, smart grids, and connected mobility has introduced vast new vulnerabilities. More than 11 million residents are enrolled in UAE Pass, accessing digital healthcare, utilities, and government services. Across the country, smart city deployments involve over 100,000 IoT sensors, requiring real-time security management. Over 70% of public infrastructure projects now integrate cybersecurity at the design stage to counter threats to transport, energy, and utilities. Notably, industrial control systems in oil & gas and energy sectors face a 30% higher risk of targeted attacks, reinforcing the need for IT-OT security convergence. As cities get smarter, cyber-physical security frameworks become a foundational requirement.

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Key Market Challenges

Talent Shortage and Skills Gap

Despite the rapid growth of the cybersecurity sector in the UAE, a significant shortage of qualified professionals continues to hinder progress. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats demands advanced skills in threat intelligence, cloud security, OT/IT convergence, and forensic investigation—areas where the region faces acute shortages. Local universities and training programs have not kept pace with market demands, and the pool of Emirati nationals with cybersecurity expertise remains limited. As a result, companies often rely on foreign talent, which can lead to higher salary costs and workforce turnover. The competition for skilled professionals has also intensified between government entities, banks, oil & gas firms, and telecom providers. Furthermore, many SMEs lack the resources to attract or retain specialized security staff, leaving them exposed to persistent threats. This shortage also affects managed security service providers (MSSPs), who face delivery bottlenecks due to resource constraints. Without strong human capital development initiatives, the UAE risks lagging in deploying and managing complex cybersecurity frameworks at scale.

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness Among SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE form the backbone of the economy, but many remain unaware of the scale and nature of cybersecurity threats. Unlike large enterprises that invest in comprehensive security infrastructure and training, SMEs often rely on basic antivirus software or outdated firewalls. This lack of preparedness makes them ideal targets for ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks. Many SMEs operate under the false assumption that cybercriminals only target high-profile corporations or government institutions. Furthermore, these businesses often lack internal IT teams, let alone dedicated cybersecurity personnel. They may also avoid outsourcing security due to perceived high costs, ignoring the long-term risks of a breach. As the UAE pushes digital transformation across all sectors, unprotected SMEs create weak links in national cybersecurity resilience. The absence of industry-specific awareness programs, grants for cyber upgrades, or regulatory pressure on SME-level compliance continues to expose a large segment of the economy to escalating threats.

Complex Regulatory Landscape and Compliance Burden

Although the UAE has made commendable progress in creating a cyber-regulatory framework, the growing number of overlapping mandates has led to confusion and compliance fatigue among organizations. Entities must comply with a variety of local, sectoral, and international regulations, such as the UAE Information Assurance Standards (IAS), NESA, GDPR-equivalents, DIFC data protection law, ADGM frameworks, and sector-specific policies in banking and healthcare. Many of these regulations differ in reporting formats, timelines, and risk assessment methodologies. Organizations operating across emirates or international markets must navigate inconsistent rules, increasing the administrative burden. Furthermore, the cost of compliance—often requiring audits, certifications, policy redesign, and software upgrades—can be prohibitive for smaller firms. Non-compliance risks include hefty fines, reputational loss, and contract suspension. Many firms also struggle to track regulation changes due to a lack of centralized enforcement and guidance. Unless harmonized, this fragmented regulatory environment may hinder cybersecurity adoption and complicate digital innovation efforts.

Over-Reliance on Foreign Cybersecurity Vendors

While global cybersecurity vendors provide cutting-edge tools, the UAE’s high dependence on imported technologies and services poses strategic risks. Many core infrastructure projects, including national SOCs, critical infrastructure protection systems, and cloud platforms, are heavily reliant on American, European, or Asian technologies. This dependence creates exposure to geopolitical disruptions, sanctions, and foreign policy changes that could restrict access to updates, licensing, or support. It also raises concerns about data sovereignty and backdoor access in sensitive sectors like defense, finance, and oil & gas. Local vendors often lack the scale, R&D capacity, or certification to compete with international players, limiting the development of a self-sustaining ecosystem. In cases where foreign vendors dominate, integration challenges, language barriers, and support delays can affect implementation timelines. To build digital resilience, the UAE must prioritize localization of cybersecurity innovation through government support, incentives for start-ups, and public-private R&D collaboration.

Rising Attack Surface Due to Digital Expansion

The UAE’s aggressive digitalization strategy—spanning smart cities, e-governance, IoT deployments, and hybrid cloud models—has expanded the national cyber attack surface exponentially. Each digital innovation creates new entry points for threat actors, from interconnected surveillance systems and public Wi-Fi to smart meters and health devices. In many instances, security frameworks lag behind digital rollout, especially in public-facing services and industrial IoT networks. Additionally, with the integration of IT and OT (Operational Technology) systems in sectors like oil & gas, water, and transportation, traditional firewalls and perimeter defenses are no longer sufficient. However, many organizations still treat OT security as an afterthought, leaving mission-critical systems exposed. The widespread adoption of remote work, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and third-party integrations has also complicated network visibility and endpoint management. As digital infrastructure scales, organizations must move from reactive defense to proactive risk management—something that many have not yet prioritized or budgeted for adequately.

Key Market Trends

Growth of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)

The growing complexity of cybersecurity threats and shortage of skilled professionals have propelled the demand for Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) in the UAE. MSSPs offer end-to-end services such as monitoring, threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and compliance reporting. Organizations, particularly SMEs and mid-sized firms, are increasingly outsourcing their security operations to MSSPs to reduce cost and improve efficiency. As of recent estimates, over 60% of medium-to-large enterprises in the UAE engage MSSPs for at least one core security function. The trend is driven by factors such as 24/7 SOC availability, shortage of internal talent, and need for advanced analytics. MSSPs also play a key role in cloud and hybrid infrastructure security, a growing concern as more than 65% of UAE organizations now operate in multi-cloud environments. Local players like Help AG, CPX, and Paladion have gained significant traction, offering tailored services that combine global best practices with regional compliance expertise. This outsourcing trend is expected to accelerate, especially among sectors lacking internal security maturity.

Rise in Regulatory Technology (RegTech) for Compliance Automation

As cybersecurity regulations grow more stringent in the UAE, enterprises are adopting Regulatory Technology (RegTech) tools to automate compliance and risk management. The enforcement of standards like NESA, DIFC data laws, and the Federal Data Protection Law has increased the complexity of compliance. RegTech solutions help organizations automate audit trails, data classification, risk scoring, and reporting, reducing the reliance on manual processes. Currently, over 50% of UAE-based financial institutions use some form of compliance automation tool, with adoption expanding into sectors like healthcare and e-commerce. Cloud-based RegTech platforms are also being used to ensure secure data transfer, cross-border compliance, and AI-based anomaly detection. These tools significantly cut down audit time and enhance transparency, making them particularly attractive to multinational firms operating across multiple jurisdictions. With regulators in the UAE tightening timelines and increasing fines for non-compliance, the demand for scalable, real-time RegTech solutions is becoming a critical market trend.

Focus on IT-OT Convergence Security in Critical Infrastructure

The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments in sectors like energy, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation is creating new cybersecurity priorities in the UAE. Traditionally, OT systems—such as industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA networks, and sensors—were isolated from the internet. However, with the adoption of smart infrastructure and IoT devices, these environments are now interconnected, exposing them to cyber risks. About 40% of critical infrastructure operators in the UAE have reported cyber incidents targeting OT systems. Moreover, 75% of energy and utility firms have now prioritized investments in IT-OT convergence security. The implementation of firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and network segmentation is becoming standard practice. Specialized OT cybersecurity platforms are also emerging to address asset visibility, protocol filtering, and anomaly detection. This trend is particularly relevant as the UAE invests in mega-projects like NEOM, autonomous ports, and smart grids, where OT disruption could have national-level impacts.

Segmental Insights

Security Type Insights

Network Security segment dominated in the UAE Cyber Security market in 2024 due to the country’s rapid digital transformation and growing demand for securing hybrid IT infrastructures. As organizations in the UAE increasingly adopt cloud computing, remote work environments, IoT devices, and 5G networks, the traditional network perimeter has dissolved, making network security more critical than ever. Enterprises are now focused on protecting data-in-transit, enforcing secure remote access, and maintaining real-time monitoring across increasingly complex and distributed environments.

One of the primary drivers is the growing frequency of network-based cyber threats such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and lateral movement by advanced persistent threats (APTs). In fact, over 60% of cyberattacks in the UAE are network-borne, highlighting the urgent need for strong intrusion detection systems (IDS), next-generation firewalls (NGFW), secure web gateways, and network access control (NAC) solutions.

The demand is particularly high among sectors with critical infrastructure—such as banking, energy, telecom, and government—which require continuous, encrypted, and segregated network environments. Moreover, the widespread adoption of VPNs, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions has expanded significantly, especially as over 70% of UAE companies now operate with hybrid or remote workforces.

Regulatory requirements such as the UAE’s Information Assurance Standards (IAS) and National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) guidelines have also mandated strict controls on network traffic, segmentation, and monitoring, further fueling investment. Additionally, with the proliferation of smart city infrastructure and industrial IoT networks, organizations are deploying more granular and automated network security tools.

In essence, the UAE’s dynamic digital landscape, combined with regulatory enforcement and evolving threat vectors, has positioned network security as the foundational layer of cyber defense, leading to its dominance in the 2024 cybersecurity market.

Solutions Type Insights

Identity & Access Management segment dominated the UAE Cyber Security market in 2024 due to the rising demand for secure remote access, cloud adoption, and compliance with data protection laws. As over 70% of UAE organizations adopted hybrid work models, securing user identities and controlling access became critical. The widespread use of UAE Pass, integrated with over 5,000 digital services, further accelerated IAM deployment. Regulatory mandates and Zero Trust architecture adoption also fueled demand for multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and privileged access management, making IAM essential for protecting sensitive data across increasingly distributed digital ecosystems.

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Region Insights

Largest Region

Abu Dhabi dominated the UAE Cyber Security market in 2024 due to its central role in national digital transformation, critical infrastructure development, and government-led cybersecurity initiatives. As the political and administrative capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is home to numerous federal ministries, defense organizations, and national oil and gas enterprises—sectors that are top targets for sophisticated cyberattacks and, therefore, heavy investors in cybersecurity technologies.

The emirate has prioritized cybersecurity through major government-backed entities like the Cyber Security Council, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), and CPX, a state-owned cybersecurity firm focused on protecting national infrastructure. These organizations have been pivotal in advancing threat intelligence sharing, AI-based cyber defense, and Zero Trust adoption. Abu Dhabi’s leadership in public sector digitalization and cloud adoption—through initiatives such as TAMM, the emirate’s unified digital government services platform—requires stringent identity management, secure communication protocols, and end-to-end encryption.

Abu Dhabi is also the hub for several national critical infrastructure assets, especially in oil & gas and utilities. With over 60% of the UAE’s critical industrial assets located in or around the emirate, securing Operational Technology (OT) networks and SCADA systems has become a top priority, pushing demand for advanced OT cybersecurity solutions.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi’s data sovereignty policies and investment in local cloud and data center infrastructure have driven spending on network security, data loss prevention, and compliance automation. The emirate’s growing smart city infrastructure, autonomous mobility pilots, and AI integration have expanded the threat surface, prompting increased cybersecurity adoption.

Emerging Region

Sharjah was the emerging region in the UAE Cyber Security market in the coming period due to its growing focus on digital transformation, smart governance, and expanding industrial base. The emirate has launched several initiatives to digitize public services and improve cyber resilience across education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. With increasing investment in tech parks and digital infrastructure, demand for cybersecurity solutions such as endpoint protection, cloud security, and identity management is rising. Additionally, Sharjah’s SMEs and academic institutions are adopting stronger data protection measures, supported by government incentives and partnerships. These developments position Sharjah as a rising cybersecurity hub in the UAE.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Group-IB was honored by the UAE Cybersecurity Council as an “Outstanding Partner” at GISEC Global 2025 for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights Group-IB’s continued contribution to cyber resilience, regional collaboration, and threat intelligence sharing. The company signed multiple MoUs, launched AI-driven threat detection tools, and demonstrated live fraud scenarios, reinforcing its strategic role in advancing cybersecurity across the Middle East.
• In March 2025, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti emphasized the growing UAE-U.S. strategic partnership, particularly in cybersecurity, AI, and advanced technologies. Following the official visit of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the U.S., Dr. Al Kuwaiti noted expanded opportunities for innovation and shared prosperity. This marks a pivotal moment in UAE-U.S. relations, fostering collaboration on key digital and security initiatives in response to the evolving global technology landscape.
• In May 2025, the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) held the second Indo-UAE Cybersecurity Exchange in Dubai during GISEC Global 2025, in partnership with CIO Klub. The event featured over 15 Indian companies presenting solutions in threat intelligence, privacy, application security, SOC, and quantum tech. The initiative fostered collaboration between Indian and UAE cybersecurity stakeholders, promoting bilateral cooperation and innovation in the region’s digital security ecosystem.
• In May 2025, AWS and e& jointly launched the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, a public cloud platform endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council. The initiative aims to drive cloud and AI adoption across the UAE’s public sector and regulated industries. Positioned to contribute an estimated USD181 billion to the digital economy by 2033, the launchpad marks a significant milestone in the country’s cloud transformation journey and national digital agenda.
• In April 2025, the UAE Cabinet endorsed Google Cloud’s launch of its first Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. This move aligns with national efforts to position the UAE as a global leader in AI and cybersecurity. The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing national cyber capabilities, and advancing strategic international collaborations to bolster its global standing in emerging technologies.

Key Market Players

• DarkMatter Group     
• Help AG
• CPX
• DTS Solution
• Paramount Computer Systems
• Spire Solutions
• Digital14 (part of e& Group)
• IBM Security
• Palo Alto Networks
• Trend Micro

Report Scope:

In this report, the UAE Cyber Security Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• UAE Cyber Security Market, By Security Type:

o   Network Security

o   Endpoint Security

o   Application Security

o   Cloud Security

o   Content Security

o   Others

• UAE Cyber Security Market, By Solutions Type:

o   Identity & Access Management

o   Risk & Compliance Management

o   Encryption & Decryption

o   Data Loss Prevention

o   Unified Threat Management

o   Others

• UAE Cyber Security Market, By Deployment Mode:

o   On-Premise

o   Cloud

• UAE Cyber Security Market, By End Use Industry:

o   BFSI

o   IT & Telecom

o   Defense

o   Energy & Power

o   Retail

o   Healthcare

o   Others

• UAE Cyber Security Market, By Region:

o   Abu Dhabi

o   Dubai

o   Sharjah

o   Ajman

o   Umm Al Quwain

o   Ras Al Khaimah

o   Fujairah

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the UAE Cyber Security Market.

Available Customizations:

UAE Cyber Security Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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