UAE consumers continue to embrace digital services, but growing concerns over cyber threats are increasing demand for stronger online security, according to a new study by IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST).
The research, conducted across 11 countries with more than 3,300 respondents, found that trust is becoming a key factor in how people in the UAE use digital payments, banking and online services.
Cyber concerns
The study found that 97% of UAE respondents are frequent users of digital services, while 79% said they carry out most of their activities online or through their smartphones.
At the same time, 63% said they had experienced hacking or data theft, compared with the global average of 38%. Around 32% reported suffering direct financial losses from these incidents, more than double the global average.
The survey also showed that 71% of respondents are concerned about personal data being stolen through cyberattacks or hacking.
Security priorities
Security has become the main factor for 40% of UAE consumers when choosing digital services, according to the report.
The study also found that 61% believe artificial intelligence is making cyberattacks more sophisticated. Among respondents familiar with quantum computing, 83% said they see it as a future cybersecurity threat.
Consumers also expressed strong interest in additional security features. Around 85% said they would like to see all websites and apps linked to their payment cards through their banking app, while 86% said they would use their physical payment card as a strong authentication method for online identity verification.
Regulatory changes
The findings come as the UAE strengthens its cybersecurity and digital payments framework. The country has introduced its National Cyber Security Strategy for 2025-2031, while the Central Bank has directed financial institutions to phase out SMS-based one-time passwords for financial transactions. A new financial regulatory framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 has also expanded oversight to fintech companies, digital wallets and payment service providers.
“The UAE is one of the world’s most advanced digital economies, and its consumers are demonstrating that trust and innovation must evolve together. As a company securing billions of digital interactions every year, we see firsthand at IDEMIA Secure Transactions how expectations around trust and security are evolving. As digital ecosystems become increasingly connected and emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing reshape the cybersecurity landscape, building trust will become one of the defining challenges of the digital economy,” commented Marc BERTIN, CTO at IDEMIA Secure Transactions.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
