UAE launches drone cybersecurity guidelines to safeguard national airspace

In a major step toward enhancing cyber resilience, the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) has unveiled the country’s first national Drone Cybersecurity Guidelines, WAM reported.

Developed in partnership with Reach Digital — a subsidiary of Reach Group specializing in digital transformation and cybersecurity innovation — and Shieldworkz, a firm focused on operational technology (OT), Internet of Things (IoT), and drone cybersecurity, the guidelines mark a strategic move to protect the UAE’s growing drone ecosystem.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s forward-looking digital strategy, which prioritizes safeguarding critical infrastructure, enabling secure technological advancement, and reinforcing the country’s status as a global leader in cybersecurity and innovation.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of UAE Cybersecurity, described the guidelines as a "key milestone" in building a robust and secure UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) environment. “These guidelines are essential for ensuring safe and resilient drone operations across government, commercial, and industrial sectors in line with international standards,” he said.

“With UAVs increasingly used in fields like agriculture, environmental monitoring, and logistics, it’s critical to address cybersecurity risks to protect our airspace, data, and infrastructure.”

Malik Melhem, CEO of Reach Group, said the collaboration underscores a shared vision to strengthen the country’s digital foundations. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to supporting the UAE’s cybersecurity readiness. Together with CSC, we’re delivering scalable and practical solutions for securing drone technologies,” he stated.

Echoing this, Mohammad Khaled, Vice President of Growth and Business Transformation at Reach Group, emphasized the importance of securing next-generation technologies.

“Working alongside CSC and Shieldworkz to develop these guidelines reaffirms the UAE’s leadership in protecting emerging tech. This effort helps ensure drone innovation advances safely, without compromising national security or infrastructure.”