The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a new milestone in the field of cybersecurity, as the International Telecommunication Union ranked it in the top global category (Pioneering Model) according to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.

The UAE, represented by the Cybersecurity Council, met all 80 criteria of the index, achieving a 100% success rate.

This ranking reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a secure and advanced digital infrastructure that aligns with its future ambitions, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

In a statement on this occasion, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti (photo), Head of the Cyber Security Council, emphasised that this pioneering achievement is the result of the forward-thinking vision of the UAE’s wise leadership and the sound policies followed in digital transformation.

He added that this global ranking reflects the significant progress made by the UAE in digital transformation and strengthens its position as a regional and global hub for innovation and technology.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed that this achievement is also the result of the combined efforts of all teams working in cybersecurity, whether in the public or private sectors.

He explained that the Cybersecurity Council operates through an integrated mechanism that focuses on enhancing national cybersecurity governance, building national capacities, and promoting international cooperation in information sharing.

The Global Cybersecurity Index is a comprehensive measure that evaluates the cybersecurity maturity of United Nations member states, covering five key areas: legal measures, regulatory measures, cooperation measures, capacity-building measures, and technical measures.

Meanwhile, Bahrain has been also ranked in the highest global category in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI).

Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, credited the achievement to the support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council, Royal Guard Commander, in enhancing Bahrain’s digital infrastructure, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

Shaikh Salman added that Bahrain’s ranking reflects its strong data protection measures, network security, and alignment with the national cybersecurity strategy. The GCI evaluates countries across five areas: legal measures, technical measures, organisational measures, capacity development, and cooperation. Bahrain achieved full marks in four of these categories. (WAM; BNA; Photo © UAE Cyber Security Council)