Sharjah Digital Department has launched the Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2031, establishing the emirate’s first comprehensive dedicated cyber security framework as it expands digital services and critical infrastructure.
Approved by the Sharjah Executive Council, the strategy is designed to strengthen cyber readiness, resilience and trust across the emirate while supporting secure and sustainable digital transformation.
It complements the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2028 and is aligned with the UAE’s wider national cyber security direction.
Strategy built around a ‘Cyber-Secure Emirate’ vision
The new framework is guided by the vision of creating “A Cyber-Secure Emirate.”
Its objectives include protecting digital infrastructure and critical assets, improving cyber resilience and supporting the secure adoption of emerging technologies.
Sharjah Digital Department said the strategy is intended to provide a unified direction for cyber security across the emirate rather than treating security as a standalone technical function.
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of SDD, said cyber security has become fundamental to sustaining digital progress as government services and technologies continue to expand.
Five pillars shape Sharjah’s cyber security roadmap
The strategy is structured around five strategic pillars:
Governance of a Smart and Secure Cyberspace for the Emirate of Sharjah
Cyber Resilience
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Partnerships, Collaboration and Communication
Cyber Security Capabilities
Together, the pillars are intended to strengthen governance, risk management, monitoring, incident response and recovery.
The framework also places emphasis on protecting essential digital services, developing national cyber security talent and increasing cooperation between relevant organisations.
Security to be embedded from project design stage
A central element of the strategy is the integration of cyber security into digital projects from their earliest stages.
The framework adopts a risk-based approach built around regulatory compliance and multiple layers of protection.
Rather than adding security after systems have already been developed, SDD intends for cyber considerations to be incorporated into the design and implementation of new digital initiatives.
This approach is particularly relevant as Sharjah expands its use of cloud services, data platforms, connected infrastructure and other emerging technologies.
Critical infrastructure protection receives dedicated focus
The inclusion of critical infrastructure as one of the strategy’s five pillars reflects the growing importance of cyber resilience beyond conventional government IT systems.
As public services become increasingly digital and interconnected, disruption to networks, platforms or data systems can have consequences for both government operations and residents.
The strategy therefore places monitoring, response and recovery alongside preventive security controls.
That broader approach reflects a shift from trying to prevent every incident towards ensuring that essential services can continue operating and recover quickly when cyber events occur.
Talent and partnerships form part of long-term strategy
Sharjah also plans to strengthen local cyber security capabilities through workforce development and deeper collaboration.
The strategy calls for the development of national talent and a culture in which cyber security is treated as a shared responsibility.
Partnerships between government entities and other stakeholders will also form part of the implementation model.
Sheikh Saud said the emirate’s ambition extends beyond responding to current cyber threats and includes building an ecosystem capable of anticipating technological and security changes.
