The United Arab Emirates has issued urgent warnings about a surge in AI-powered cyber threats and disinformation campaigns linked to Iran, citing increased risks during a period of heightened regional tensions.
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The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center released the warning last week in its “Cybersecurity Awareness Guide During Crises,” identifying the most common types of cyber threats during emergencies, Gulf News reported.
According to the guidance, state-sponsored hackers associated with Iran are using AI tools such as ChatGPT to carry out advanced cyber operations. Authorities said the UAE is currently facing between 500,000 and 700,000 cyberattack attempts each day.
Officials said artificial intelligence is being used for reconnaissance, data collection, identifying system vulnerabilities, and generating sophisticated phishing emails. Phishing incidents have risen by 32% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the report.
The warning also said attacks have targeted critical infrastructure across the Gulf, including attempts to disrupt data centers and financial services. It highlighted the use of deepfakes—AI-generated audio and video—to spread misinformation and trigger public panic.
Phishing incidents have risen by 32%
Iran is believed to be operating through a network of more than 40 proxy organizations and sympathizers to conduct these activities, according to the report.
In response, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has activated its National Cyber Security Operations Center and is deploying its own AI-based systems to counter the threats. Authorities also released a bilingual public guide to help residents identify phishing attempts, account breaches, and deepfake content.
The UAE attorney general warned that distributing misleading AI-generated material or rumors could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and deportation for expatriates.
The guide advises individuals and businesses to enable multi-factor authentication, rely on official news sources, and avoid suspicious links. It also lists warning signs of potential fraud, including urgent requests for personal data, unfamiliar login alerts, and unsolicited messages seeking sensitive information.
Experts cited in the report noted a 340% increase in AI-driven cyber breaches in the region in the six months preceding May 2026.