Sharjah Launches Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2031

Sharjah Digital Department has launched the Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy (SCSS) 2026–2031 following approval by the Sharjah Executive Council, establishing the emirate’s first comprehensive dedicated cyber security strategy.

The strategy aims to strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical digital infrastructure and assets, and support secure and sustainable digital transformation. It is built around five pillars covering cyber governance, resilience, critical infrastructure protection, partnerships and cyber security capabilities.

The Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) has launched the Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2031, following its approval by the Sharjah Executive Council. The strategy marks a new phase in strengthening the emirate’s cyber security ecosystem, improving digital readiness and resilience, and supporting secure and sustainable digital transformation. It complements the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2028 and aligns with the wider national direction of the UAE.

As Sharjah’s first comprehensive and dedicated cyber security strategy, the SCSS is guided by the vision of “A Cyber-Secure Emirate.” It aims to establish a secure and resilient digital environment that supports innovation, protects digital infrastructure and critical assets, and strengthens trust in digital services and technologies.

The strategy places cyber security at the centre of Sharjah’s broader digital transformation. It adopts an integrated approach based on risk preparedness, regulatory compliance and multiple layers of protection, with cyber security considerations embedded from the design of digital initiatives through their implementation.

The framework is built around five strategic pillars: Governance of a Smart and Secure Cyberspace; Cyber Resilience; Critical Infrastructure Protection; Partnerships, Collaboration and Communication; and Cyber Security Capabilities. Together, these pillars are intended to strengthen governance and risk management, improve monitoring and response capabilities, protect critical infrastructure and services, develop cyber security talent, and expand collaboration across stakeholders.

Implementation will be led and overseen by the Sharjah Cyber Security Center (SCSC) through a phased five-year plan. The plan establishes roles and responsibilities, performance indicators and periodic reporting to the Sharjah Executive Council. The strategy is also scheduled for review in its third year to ensure it remains responsive to technological developments and emerging cyber security challenges.

The strategy builds on cyber security initiatives already undertaken across Sharjah, including incident management frameworks, information security governance, risk management methodologies, rapid response planning, operational technology protection, vulnerability assessments and government website evaluations. The Sharjah Cyber Security Center has also conducted more than 20 technical workshops involving over 175 government employees.

For organisations, the strategy highlights how cyber security, resilience and responsible technology adoption are becoming increasingly important components of sustainable digital transformation. As digital infrastructure becomes more central to public and business operations, organisations need structured approaches to governance, risk management, resilience, data protection and continuity.

Cognitud supports organisations in strengthening governance, risk management, ESG and sustainability strategies, and organisational resilience. By helping businesses establish structured frameworks, identify emerging risks and align operational priorities with evolving expectations, Cognitud enables organisations to build more resilient and sustainable approaches to long-term growth.

The Sharjah Cyber Security Strategy demonstrates that sustainable digital transformation increasingly depends on more than technology adoption. Strong governance, resilience, critical infrastructure protection and organisational capabilities are becoming essential to maintaining trust and continuity as digital ecosystems evolve.