Mastercard Strengthens UAE’s Cybersecurity Resilience Through MoU with Cyber Security Council
In a significant move to bolster the cybersecurity framework of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mastercard has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC). This collaboration aims to enhance trust within the nation’s digital ecosystem, focusing on advancing cybersecurity resilience through the sharing of global best practices and the development of forward-looking policies.
Collaboration Announced at World Governments Summit 2026
The partnership was unveiled during the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai, where both entities also announced the launch of a joint report detailing the current state of the UAE’s cybersecurity landscape. This report, titled the UAE Cyber Threat Insights Report, provides a comprehensive overview of the increasingly complex ecosystem of threat actors targeting organizations within the country. It outlines the diverse objectives and sophisticated methods employed by these malicious actors, emphasizing the critical sectors and high-value national assets that are being prioritized.
The report reflects a broader escalation in cyber risk, underscoring the UAE Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national cyber resilience. This is particularly evident through enhanced public-private coordination, which aims to ensure collective preparedness and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in cybersecurity.
Mastercard’s Commitment to Cybersecurity
Through its collaboration with the CSC, Mastercard will leverage its extensive expertise in combating cybercrime and fraud to enhance the UAE’s cybersecurity posture. Since 2018, the global technology company has invested approximately $10.7 billion in strategic cybersecurity-related acquisitions and solutions designed to future-proof its operations. Over the past decade, Mastercard’s artificial intelligence tools have successfully prevented fraudulent transactions valued at $70 billion worldwide.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $15.6 trillion by 2029, positioning it as the equivalent of the third-largest economy globally. The CSC has previously warned that the UAE faces over 200,000 cyberattacks daily, with more than one-third of these targeting government entities.
Insights from UAE Cyber Security Leadership
H.E. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized the growing exposure to cybercrime as the UAE advances its digital transformation. He noted that the risks to critical sectors are escalating exponentially, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and other emerging threats. Alkuwaiti stated that both the CSC and Mastercard are committed to building a secure and prosperous digital future. He highlighted the importance of utilizing Mastercard’s global expertise and advanced technology to strengthen the UAE’s cybersecurity framework, enhance readiness against sophisticated cyber-attacks, and consolidate the nation’s leadership in this domain.
Mastercard’s Role as a Trusted Partner
Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard, reiterated the company’s dedication to safeguarding the UAE’s digital ecosystem in alignment with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the National Cybersecurity Strategy. He described the MoU with the CSC as a reinforcement of Mastercard’s role as a trusted partner, technology provider, and policy advisor to the UAE government. Huntsman emphasized that this collaboration will assist the CSC in assessing emerging cyber risks and protecting both individuals and organizations from potential threats.
The partnership between Mastercard and the CSC is a pivotal development in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its cybersecurity landscape. By combining resources and expertise, both entities aim to address the growing challenges posed by cyber threats, ensuring a secure digital environment for the nation.
For further insights and detailed analysis, the UAE Cyber Threat Insights Report serves as a critical resource, shedding light on the evolving threat landscape and the measures being implemented to counteract these risks.
Source: www.tradingview.com
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