- Research finds 97% of UAE citizens are frequent users of digital services, but security concerns remain high.
- Most respondents support stronger identity verification, including biometrics and payment card-based authentication.
- Findings highlight the need for trusted security frameworks as the UAE continues its digital transformation.
Research commissioned by Idemia Secure Transactions (IST) found that 97% of UAE citizens are frequent users of digital services, underlining the country’s position as one of the world’s most digitally connected nations. Smartphones have become the primary gateway to those services, with 79% of respondents using them for most online activities.
However, the study also reveals widespread concerns about cybersecurity. More than seven in 10 respondents (71%) said they worry about the safety of their personal data when carrying out digital transactions, while 40% identified security as one of the most important factors when choosing a digital service.
The findings reflect the growing impact of cyber threats on consumers. Almost two-thirds (63%) of those surveyed said they had experienced hacking or data theft, with 32% reporting direct financial losses. Respondents also expressed concern over emerging technologies, with 63% believing artificial intelligence is making cyberattacks more sophisticated and 83% of those familiar with quantum computing viewing it as a future cybersecurity threat.
Demand is growing for stronger identity protection, with 86% saying they would be willing to use payment cards for online identity verification. Many respondents also called for privacy-first authentication methods, including biometric liveness detection and stronger encryption.
The research comes as the UAE continues to expand its digital government services through UAE Pass, now used by more than 12 million people to access government and private sector services. The platform was recently recognised by the World Economic Forum as an example of a trusted, integrated digital identity system.
The findings reinforce the importance of ensuring security measures evolve alongside the UAE’s ongoing digital transformation and the implementation of its National Cyber Security Strategy 2025–2031.
