Abu dhabi: The UAE Banks Federation (UBF), under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, organised the fifth edition of the National Cyber Wargaming 2026 to develop the banking sector, protect its digital infrastructure, and provide a seamless and secure banking experience for all customers.
According to Emirates News Agency, Cyber Wargaming 2026 attracted more than 350 participants, including representatives from UBF member banks, Al Etihad Payments, e and , Du, Gulf Insurance Group, leading financial and technology institutions, cybersecurity experts, and UBF's strategic partners. The event featured simulations designed to assess the capabilities of banks' management teams and cybersecurity professionals in responding to cyber incidents.
The exercises identified strengths and areas needing enhancement through simulated attacks, improving participants' understanding of techniques used by threat actors and evolving cyber threats. Outstanding organisations and teams were recognised for their contributions to cybersecurity.
Ebrahim Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability at CBUAE, emphasised the shared responsibility of strengthening cyber resilience, highlighting the CBUAE's efforts to enhance cybersecurity standards. He praised UBF's Cyber Wargaming initiative as a vital platform for testing preparedness and enhancing incident response.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Council, stated that cybersecurity is critical amid challenges from digital transformation. He noted the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy's role in positioning the country among global leaders in cybersecurity readiness. Al Kuwaiti reaffirmed the commitment to providing a secure cyber environment for innovation and growth.
Jamal Saleh, Director-General of UBF, acknowledged cybersecurity as a key pillar of financial stability and trust in the banking sector. He highlighted Cyber Wargaming's role in strengthening cyber defence capabilities since its launch in 2021 and stressed the importance of collaboration with CBUAE and the UAE Cybersecurity Council in addressing sophisticated cyber threats.