Page 13 - Whizmo PR REPORT - May 2025

The foundation of this progress indeed lies in a cohesive, forward-looking cyber strategy that
aligns public governance with diverse initiatives of the private sector. In doing so, the UAE has
elevated digital resilience into a national economic asset, fueling confidence in digital financial
systems, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and inspiring global trust in its digital services
ecosystem. This secure environment has also been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of
mobile money solutions, digital wallets, instant money transfer apps, online bill payment
platforms, and a lot more, driving the broader shift toward digital transactions that are now
increasingly integral to our everyday life.

A visionary approach to national cyber governance

At the center of the UAE’s cybersecurity model is a clear vision that reflects both ambition and
accountability. The establishment of the UAE Cybersecurity Council marked a strategic inflection
point, elevating cybersecurity oversight from a defensive function to a proactive, integrated pillar
of the national strategy. Operating in close coordination with the Telecommunications and Digital
Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the Council has overseen the development and
execution of the National Cybersecurity Strategy. Grounded in three core pillars — enhancing
digital trust, protecting national infrastructure, and maintaining operational readiness, this
strategy ensures that cybersecurity is embedded across various industry sectors operating within
the country. Such an integrated model does more than just protect systems; it establishes a
secure foundation upon which ingenuity can thrive. Hence, it goes without saying that this
foundation has enabled the rapid and secure expansion of digital services, especially in the
financial sector.
Also, according to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) released by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UAE attained a perfect score of 100 per cent, successfully
fulfilling all 80 evaluation criteria. This remarkable achievement positions the nation within the
highest global tier, credited as a “Pioneering Model”.

Financial systems secured by design
The Central Bank of the UAE has been instrumental in positioning cybersecurity as a
fundamental requirement for digital financial transactions and a mandatory standard for service
providers. From stringent information security regulations for Licensed Financial Institutions to
the ambitious Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, regulatory foresight is
undoubtedly matched by operational clarity.
The FIT Programme envisions a real-time, interoperable financial ecosystem that accommodates
everything from digital wallets to embedded finance. However, this future is not made possible by
technology alone, rather it is underpinned by a robust cybersecurity infrastructure that instills
confidence in consumers, regulators, and innovators alike. For platforms like Whizmo, operating
in mobile money, digital payments, or app-based financial services, this clarity empowers
responsible scaling, ensuring their growth aligns with national priorities on security, flexibility, and
consumer trust. The growing adoption of app-based technologies for utility payments and peer-
to-peer transfers is further transforming user convenience, driven by secure APIs and tokenised
authentication protocols that ensure robust security without compromise.

Building cyber awareness as a national competency

Understanding that security is as much about people as it is about systems, the UAE has
embedded cyber awareness into the broader social and economic agenda. Government
initiatives like ‘Cyber Pulse’, which educate citizens, businesses, and public servants on digital
hygiene and risk mitigation, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that recognizes a strong
digital economy depends on a cyber-aware society.

In today’s hyperconnected environment, every individual represents both a potential entry point
and a vital line of defense. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, the UAE empowers its

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