The Regional Data & Community Development Forum (DCDF) in Sharjah put the spotlight on data as the cornerstone of innovation and business growth with its concluding panel, ‘Is Your Data Secure?’.

The panel included H.E. Abdullah Gharib AlQemzi, Director General of Statistics Centre, Abu Dhabi, H.E. Amer Sharaf, CEO of Cyber Security Systems and Services Sector at the Dubai Electronic Security Center, H.E. Dr Aisha Bin Bisher, Global Digital Transformation Expert and Strategic Leader in Smart City Initiatives, and Osman Sultan, Chairman FikraTech, Chairman SMILE Telecoms Holding, Founding CEO du – Virgin Mobile and Mobinil. The session was moderated by Shurouq Ahmad Lashkri.

AlQemzi highlighted that Abu Dhabi’s Statistics Center has emerged as a leader in data management and digital transformation. The centre’s mission is to reduce reliance on traditional surveys, transitioning to secure digital records to increase efficiency. “Our approach highlights a clear distinction between data governance and cybersecurity. While cybersecurity focuses on external threats, data governance involves internal policies and mechanisms to manage sensitive information effectively,” he explained.

On the other hand, Sharaf shed light on Dubai’s ambitious goals to become the safest digital city under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

He said: “Since 2014, Dubai has implemented numerous initiatives. These efforts are part of Dubai’s broader strategy to lead in data protection and digital safety. For instance, Dubai’s data framework emphasises the importance of correctly categorising data into open and joint categories, with joint data considered the most sensitive”.

The growing presence of AI and other emerging technologies makes it increasingly important for individuals to maintain control over their privacy, said Dr Bisher. “The digital age requires continuous development of user-friendly tools that allow people to manage their data securely.”

Role of AI in data security

The panel also discussed how the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), interconnectivity of devices and data shared between presents new challenges to data privacy.

“While blockchain can safeguard privacy, it also presents challenges, including potential violations and misuse of big data. Proper governance is required to navigate these challenges”, Sultan explained, highlighting the need for clear guidelines to ensure responsible innovation, particularly in AI usage within government and industry.

AlQemzi shared: “Data privacy is increasingly being treated as a product, especially as legislation like the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), which empowers individuals by treating personal data as property. This shift signifies the growing recognition of data privacy as a personal asset.”

The panel concluded with Dr Bisher emphasising that organisations must work together to develop comprehensive data protection frameworks, ensuring that privacy is not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement.