The Evolving Landscape of Data Security in the UAE: Insights from Thales’ 2025 Data Threat Report
Introduction: A New Era of Concerns
As organisations in the UAE navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital world, a recent report sheds light on their escalating anxieties regarding data security. Thales’ 2025 Data Threat Report, which surveyed over 3,100 IT and security professionals across 20 countries, reveals that a staggering 66% of respondents in the UAE regard the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—particularly generative AI—as their primary security vulnerability.
Understanding the Context: The AI Revolution
The pace of AI development is not just a technological advancement; it represents a paradigm shift in how businesses operate. This transformative technology, while offering substantial advantages, introduces a plethora of risks that many companies feel ill-prepared to handle. Eleven percent of UAE respondents indicated that generative AI is actively reshaping their operations, illustrating a notable trend: organisations are stepping beyond initial experiments into large-scale applications. Yet, as those operational changes take flight, they often find their security frameworks lagging behind.
The Dichotomy of Trust
Amid this rapid adoption, a significant hurdle remains: trust in AI. Fifty-eight percent of organizations express skepticism about relying on AI technologies, pointing to the inherent challenges in ensuring its security. This mistrust is understandable; as organisations grapple with integrating these advanced systems, the urgency for robust protective measures becomes paramount. In their quest for innovation, many risk creating new vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
Investment in Security: A Shift in Focus
Recognising this growing concern, the report highlights a critical shift in investment priorities. Security measures tailored for generative AI have surged, standing as the second most significant spending focus worldwide, just behind cloud security. Notably, 64% of UAE organisations are investing in AI-specific security tools, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing the unique challenges posed by these advanced technologies. This trend showcases an increasing awareness of the potential risks tied to AI and the pressing need for specialised security infrastructures.
The Quantum Challenge: A Looming Threat
The report also underscores rising trepidations regarding quantum-related security vulnerabilities. Two-thirds of UAE respondents highlighted concerns about the implications of quantum computing for secure key distribution. The capacity of quantum technologies to compromise current encryption algorithms poses a fundamental threat to data integrity, prompting many organisations to reconsider their encryption strategies actively.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) poses an additional layer of risk: data intercepted today may remain unreadable, but could be decrypted by future quantum advancements. To combat these emerging threats, half of the surveyed organisations are fortifying their digital sovereignty, adhering to stringent privacy policies, while over a third see robust encryption as a cornerstone for protection.
Leadership Perspectives: Insights from Thales
Sébastien Pavie, VP Southern EMEA for Cybersecurity Products at Thales, shares a forward-looking perspective on these challenges. He notes that UAE organisations are not only embracing AI and cloud technologies but are also acutely aware of the associated risks. “GenAI, in particular, is changing how data is used and shared, which makes it crucial to consider security from the outset,” he explains.
Pavie underscores the ambitious goals set by the UAE regarding AI and cybersecurity, emphasising Thales’ role in this transformative journey. “We’re proud to contribute to that vision. The focus now is on establishing systems that are secure by design, allowing innovation to progress confidently,” he asserts. Through collaboration with partners and clients, Thales is striving to ensure that discussions surrounding AI encompass critical elements like encryption, identity protection, and data governance.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Future
As the UAE positions itself as a leader in AI innovation, it faces a dual challenge: reaping the benefits of advanced technologies while fortifying its defences against evolving threats. The insights from the 2025 Data Threat Report highlight a critical juncture for organisations in the region. With the right investments and a steadfast commitment to security, the UAE has the potential to not only thrive in this new landscape but to set a benchmark for data protection, paving the way for a secure digital future.
