UAE Cybersecurity Strategy: Lt. Col. Al Shebli on Digital Sovereignty and AI Defense

The UAE is fortifying its cybersecurity foundations through sovereign infrastructure, AI-driven defense, and deep collaboration across government and industry, says Lt. Col. Saeed Mohamed Al Shebli, Deputy Director of the Digital Security Department at the Ministry of Interior.

Shaping the UAE’s Digital Destiny: Building Sovereignty, Trust, and Resilience in the Cyber Era

At GISEC Global 2025, Saudi ICT News sat down with Lt. Col. Saeed Mohamed Al Shebli, Deputy Director of the Digital Security Department at the UAE Ministry of Interior one of the leading voices behind the nation’s cybersecurity strategy.

In this exclusive conversation, he outlines how the UAE is asserting digital sovereignty, preparing for the quantum era, and harnessing AI-driven analytics to safeguard national data and critical infrastructure. Lt. Col. Al Shebli also highlights the growing importance of public-private collaboration in strengthening the country’s cyber resilience and the role of GISEC Global as a platform that unites experts shaping the region’s digital future.

1. Protecting National Data: How is the UAE asserting digital sovereignty?

Lt. Col. Al Shebli:

Digital sovereignty, in my view, is no longer a technical concept — it’s a cornerstone of national independence and strategic stability. The UAE has been remarkably forward-thinking in this domain, ensuring that data, platforms, and systems critical to our nation’s wellbeing remain under national jurisdiction and governance.

I’ve witnessed first-hand how the country’s digital frameworks have evolved to emphasize self-reliance, secure cloud adoption, and national hosting standards that protect both government and private data. This direction not only strengthens our defenses but also builds public trust the most valuable currency in the digital age.

Ultimately, sovereignty in cyberspace means shaping our own digital destiny, guided by local values, secured by local capabilities, and trusted by our citizens.

2. Preparing for the Quantum Era

Lt. Col. Al Shebli:

Quantum computing is both the next great enabler and the next great disruptor. It will revolutionize problem-solving, but it will also challenge the cryptographic foundations that protect today’s data and communications.

The UAE’s strength lies in its foresight investing early in research, policy frameworks, and capacity building around post-quantum security. I’ve always believed that we must think in decades, not quarters, when it comes to technology readiness.

That’s why the country’s engagement with quantum-safe encryption, advanced AI research, and collaboration with local institutions like TII and MBZUAI is so critical. We are not waiting for quantum to arrive we are preparing to lead when it does.

3. Government–Industry Collaboration as a National Shield

Lt. Col. Al Shebli:

Cyber resilience today depends less on who owns the systems and more on how well we collaborate across them. In the UAE, I’ve seen an extraordinary spirit of partnership between government entities, private industry, academia, and even individual innovators.

The strength of our national ecosystem lies in its willingness to share intelligence, harmonize policies, and jointly respond to emerging threats. From my perspective, cybersecurity is no longer a siloed domain it’s an ecosystem of shared accountability.

When the public and private sectors move in lockstep, guided by a unified vision of digital trust, we transform fragmented defenses into a collective shield for the nation.

4. AI as a Force Multiplier in Cyber Defense

Lt. Col. Al Shebli:

AI has completely redefined how we approach cyber defense. We’ve moved from traditional, rule-based detection to predictive and adaptive models that learn, evolve, and anticipate attacks before they occur.

Personally, I see AI not as a replacement for human expertise, but as an amplifier of it allowing security teams to focus on strategy, creativity, and high-impact decisions.

In the UAE, the integration of AI into national infrastructures has been both disciplined and visionary, ensuring that technology serves ethics, not the other way around. The balance between human judgment and machine intelligence will define the future of cybersecurity and I believe the UAE is setting a strong global example in that balance.

5. GISEC Global: The Heartbeat of the Cybersecurity Ecosystem

Lt. Col. Al Shebli:

GISEC Global has become more than just an exhibition it’s the heartbeat of the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Every year, it brings together thinkers, innovators, and decision-makers who share one vision: to make the digital world safer and more resilient.

Personally, I value these platforms for their ability to connect ideas with action. They allow us to exchange insights, inspire young professionals, and collectively shape the policies and technologies that secure our future.

For the UAE, such gatherings reinforce our role as a global hub for cybersecurity collaboration, where knowledge is shared, partnerships are forged, and the future of digital trust is written.

6. Looking Ahead: Cybersecurity as an Enabler of Growth

Lt. Col. Al Shebli:

The cybersecurity market is evolving from reactive defense to intelligent resilience. In the coming years, we’ll see deeper convergence between AI, cloud, and operational technology alongside stronger demand for sovereign and ethical cybersecurity solutions.

I believe the UAE will continue to lead by example, not only by adopting cutting-edge technologies but by nurturing its own cybersecurity talent and startups.

The real opportunity for both local and global players lies in collaboration — co-developing solutions, building R&D capacity in the UAE, and aligning innovation with national resilience goals.

What excites me most is seeing cybersecurity evolve from a niche discipline into a national enabler of economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Closing Thoughts

As the UAE continues to align technology, policy, and human capital, Lt. Col. Al Shebli emphasizes that cybersecurity is no longer just a defensive measure it’s the foundation of digital trust, innovation, and sustainable national progress.