Dubai Police are stepping up their battle against cybercrime this October with an exciting new initiative designed to spotlight and nurture the brightest ethical hacking minds in the region. The “Capture the Flag” (CTF) contest, featuring a prize pool of Dh223,000, is set to run through Cybersecurity Awareness Month, drawing in students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts eager to put their cybersecurity skills to the test.
The competition is thoughtfully divided into three categories to ensure fair chances for participants from different backgrounds: school students will vie for Dh40,000, university students for Dh78,000, while professionals compete for the largest share, Dh95,000. The contest unfolds in three stages, beginning with online qualifiers from October 5 until the month ends. The excitement culminates in a live grand finale held at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club on October 25 and 26.
Senior police officials emphasize that the contest’s goal is to identify talented individuals in penetration testing who could potentially contribute significantly to national security efforts in the future, underlining the strategic importance of nurturing such expertise.
The Capture the Flag contest is just one facet of a broader cybersecurity awareness campaign led by Dubai Police throughout the month. This campaign includes a range of events such as dialogue sessions, a cybersecurity forum tailored for businesses, and workshops designed for students. The initiative aims to spread knowledge about digital safety across all parts of society—from classrooms to corporate boardrooms—with messages adapted to resonate with each group.
Complementing these efforts, Dubai Police have launched a cutting-edge digital platform called ecrimehub. This website serves as a valuable resource for the public, offering easy-to-understand guides on electronic crimes, practical advice for victims of online fraud, and an AI-powered assistant ready to answer cybersecurity-related queries. An innovative feature allows users to upload images, which the system scans for possible signs of fraud. To keep the momentum going, ecrimehub hosts weekly quizzes every Sunday and Monday, where participants who answer all questions correctly can enter prize draws announced at the end of the month.
Targeting younger audiences specifically, the Dubai Police Protection Centre, known as “Hemyah,” is shifting its focus this October to cybersecurity. Known for its work around issues like drug awareness, bullying, and traffic safety, Hemyah is now delivering specialized sessions in schools and universities to help young people understand how to protect themselves online and recognize suspicious activities.
Importantly, authorities stress that any reports of fraud or suspicious behavior submitted through the new platform receive immediate attention. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other elements tied to potential scams are promptly investigated and, wherever possible, shut down to safeguard the community.
In acknowledging the rapid evolution of digital threats, Dubai Police demonstrate their commitment not only to staying ahead of cybercriminals but also to empowering the public to actively safeguard their own digital lives.
The launch and details of these initiatives were unveiled during a press conference at the Dubai Police Officers Club. Attending were prominent figures such as Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Expert Saeed bin Abid, Director of the Information Security Centre; Major Engineer Khalil Al Hosani, Acting Deputy Director of the Cybercrime and Artificial Intelligence Crimes Department; Major Dr. Rashid Al Baloushi, Deputy Director of the International Centre for Protecting Victims of Online Exploitation; Captain Saeed Adel Al Suwaidi, Head of Cybercrime Prediction and Analysis; and First Lieutenant Saeed Al Wari from the Cybercrime Awareness Section, alongside other officers and members of the media.
Major Engineer Khalil Al Hosani highlighted the innovative fusion of technology and public safety on the ecrimehub website. The platform’s smart chatbot, equipped with advanced image analysis capabilities, allows users to upload screenshots and instantly determine if they might be linked to online fraud—a feature that brings a futuristic edge to community protection.
Visitors to ecrimehub can also access a rich collection of around 60 awareness videos that educate users on the latest threats and scam tactics. Central to the website is an AI assistant boasting a 98% accuracy rate in conversation, capable of providing clear and detailed answers to a wide range of cybercrime-related questions.
Dubai Police stress that Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a critical opportunity to inform everyone about digital safety measures and practical ways to shield themselves from harm. This year’s campaign places a special emphasis on the unique needs of school and university students, tourists, and the broader community. Through education, officers emphasize that knowledge and vigilance are the most effective defenses against cyber threats.
Reaffirming their dedication to protecting citizens not just on the streets but also in the digital realm, Dubai Police employ global best practices and innovative awareness programs. These efforts equip the public with the tools and confidence necessary to face the growing challenges of the online world.
These initiatives align with the UAE’s broader vision of fostering a safe and resilient digital society where technology is used responsibly, ensuring lasting security and well-being for all members of the community.
