The Dubai Electronic Security Centre launched three major initiatives on the opening day of GISEC Global 2026, reinforcing the emirate's push to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and strengthen its digital resilience.
The centrepiece announcement is SARAAB, an open-source artificial intelligence model built entirely by an Emirati team at DESC to detect deepfake videos. It marks the first tool of its kind developed by a government entity anywhere in the Arab region. SARAAB will be released on developer platforms so AI engineers, cybersecurity specialists and researchers can test it, build on it and help refine it further as deepfake technology grows more sophisticated and increasingly threatens digital trust.
DESC also introduced the Dubai Cyber Skills Framework, a unified reference point for qualifications, certifications, training pathways and career progression across the cybersecurity sector. The framework is designed to support professionals, employers, academic institutions and training providers with a shared methodology for building and measuring skills in line with international standards.
Rounding out the announcements is the ISR Auditor Certification Programme, which trains auditors and information security professionals to assess compliance with the Information Security Regulation. The programme emphasises practical auditing skills and evidence assessment, aiming to raise consistency and quality across Dubai's compliance landscape.
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive of DESC, said Dubai continues to build an advanced cybersecurity model rooted in anticipating change and developing national capabilities rather than simply reacting to it. He added that the new initiatives reflect the emirate's ambition to produce homegrown solutions and expertise with influence extending well beyond its borders.
Visitors can explore SARAAB and the other initiatives at the DESC stand in Hall 5 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, running until 18th September.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
