Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy 2026 to 2031 has been launched by the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), following approval by the Sharjah Executive Council. The strategy marks a new phase in strengthening the emirate’s cyber security ecosystem, readiness, and resilience.

The strategy complements the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026 to 2028 and aligns with the national direction of the UAE. It is Sharjah’s first comprehensive and dedicated cyber security strategy.

Guided by the vision of “A Cyber-Secure Emirate,” the Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy aims to create a secure and resilient digital environment. It will support innovation, protect digital infrastructure and critical assets, and strengthen trust in digital services and technologies.

Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of SDD, said the launch marks a strategic step in shaping Sharjah’s digital future. He noted that as services and technologies expand, trust, security, and readiness are becoming fundamental to sustaining digital progress, rather than simply responding to risk.

He also described cyber security as a key enabler of digital transformation and innovation. According to him, the strategy establishes an integrated digital ecosystem across the emirate by providing a unified direction, strengthening readiness and resilience, protecting digital infrastructure and assets, and supporting the secure and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

“Our ambition goes beyond addressing today’s challenges. It is about building an ecosystem capable of anticipating change and preparing for what lies ahead,” Sheikh Saud said. He added that this will be achieved through integrated efforts, national talent development, and a culture where cyber security is a shared responsibility.

The Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy adopts an integrated approach based on risk preparedness, compliance with laws and regulations, and multiple layers of protection. It embeds cyber security from the early design stages of digital initiatives and projects through implementation, while supporting the sustainability of Sharjah’s digital transformation.

The strategy is built around five strategic pillars: Governance of a Smart and Secure Cyberspace for the Emirate of Sharjah, Cyber Resilience, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Partnerships, Collaboration and Communication, and Cyber Security Capabilities.

Together, these pillars aim to strengthen governance and risk management, improve monitoring, response and recovery capabilities, protect critical infrastructure and services, develop national talent, and expand partnerships and collaboration.

The Sharjah Cyber Security Center (SCSC) will lead and oversee implementation across the emirate through a clear governance framework and a phased five-year implementation plan. The plan defines roles and responsibilities and establishes performance indicators, supported by periodic reports submitted to the Sharjah Executive Council.

In addition, the strategy will undergo a review during its third year. This will help ensure it remains responsive to technological developments and emerging cyber security threats.

The launch builds on SCSC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Sharjah’s cyber security ecosystem. Since its establishment, the center has implemented initiatives covering governance, readiness, and capability development.

These efforts include developing frameworks for cyber security incident management, information security governance, risk management, and rapid response. The center has also worked on securing operational technology systems, conducting vulnerability scanning, and assessing government websites.

Furthermore, SCSC has adopted four development tracks and delivered more than 20 technical workshops. These initiatives have benefited over 175 government employees from entities across Sharjah. Through the Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy, the emirate is now advancing these efforts through a unified, long-term framework focused on resilience, protection, and secure digital transformation.

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