At the Proofpoint Protect Dubai 2026 event, Proofpoint reaffirmed its commitment to the UAE by unveiling new cybersecurity innovations aimed at addressing the evolving threat landscape. The event, themed “Cybersecurity for the Agentic Workspace,” gathered industry leaders to discuss the implications of rapid AI adoption on cybersecurity priorities.
According to Proofpoint’s 2026 AI and Human Risk Landscape report, 80% of UAE organizations are either piloting or rolling out autonomous AI agents. This shift has raised concerns among cybersecurity leaders, with 73% of UAE Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) identifying generative AI as a security risk—an increase of 19 percentage points from the previous year. Additionally, 75% of CISOs expressed worries about potential customer data leaks through public generative AI tools, underscoring the need for a balance between AI innovation and robust security measures.
Innovations to Address Cybersecurity Challenges
During the event, Proofpoint showcased innovations initially announced at Protect San Diego, including its Agentic Data and AI Security system, which aims to secure AI and sensitive data as interconnected risks. Another key offering is the Agentic Collaboration Security system, designed to detect sophisticated threats across email, collaboration tools, and web browsers using intent-based detection. These innovations reflect Proofpoint’s strategy to enhance security for people, data, and AI in the modern workspace.
Strategic Growth in the UAE
Emile Abou Saleh, Vice President of Emerging Markets at Proofpoint, emphasized the UAE’s strategic importance to the company, stating, “The UAE remains a strategic market for Proofpoint, and our continued growth reflects the increasing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions across the region.” He noted that the company is investing in local infrastructure, expanding its team, and strengthening its partner ecosystem to help organizations tackle current security challenges while preparing for future risks associated with the agentic workspace.
Proofpoint’s commitment to the UAE is further demonstrated by the launch of its Dubai data center in 2025, which has contributed to significant regional growth. The company now protects over 2.3 million employees across the Middle East, a substantial increase from 1.2 million in 2025. Additionally, 73% of companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia listed in the Forbes Global 2000 trust Proofpoint, up from 50% in 2025. The company has also seen a threefold increase in certified partner engineers, enhancing its regional channel network to meet rising customer demands.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Proofpoint’s innovations and strategic investments position it as a key player in the UAE’s cybersecurity landscape, addressing the complex challenges posed by the integration of AI technologies.
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