The Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (DoH), in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council, announced the successful completion of a comprehensive cybersecurity drill.
The initiative aimed to strengthen cyber resilience in the UAE healthcare sector. The exercise was held at Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi and brought together participants from various DoH-affiliated entities.
The drill featured simulated cyberattack scenarios. It tested the readiness of healthcare institutions to respond to digital threats. Officials reported that the exercise evaluated the robustness of communication protocols and incident response mechanisms.
It also demonstrated the importance of safeguarding patient data and securing medical services during cyber incidents.
Moreover, the exercise revealed best practices in cybersecurity behaviours and digital infrastructure protection. The goal was to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services, even during cyber threats.
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, praised DoH’s efforts. He reported that the Council is fully committed to supporting government entities with advanced training and digital safety tools.
He highlighted that empowering professionals with cybersecurity skills is vital for protecting sensitive data and treatment files.
According to the Council, cybersecurity is a national priority. It emphasized the need for a secure digital infrastructure across all sectors, including healthcare, education, and energy.
The Council also reported ongoing efforts to promote digital resilience through technical guidance, advisory support, and specialized training.
DoH showcased its Medical Command Operations Centre during the drill. The demonstration highlighted key protocols for protecting patient data and maintaining service continuity.
Officials noted that the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi was the first health regulator in the UAE and the region to launch a tailored cybersecurity strategy for the healthcare sector.
This strategy serves as a holistic framework for digital safety. It outlines core principles for proactively addressing cyber threats and deploying structured response systems.
The initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s forward-thinking approach to navigating digital transformation challenges.
Key highlights of the cybersecurity drill included:
This effort reinforces the commitment of both DoH and the UAE Cyber Security Council to secure national health infrastructure and build long-term cyber resilience in healthcare.
