The Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) has unveiled “Saraab,” an open-source artificial intelligence model designed to detect deepfake videos with an impressive accuracy of up to 91%. Launched on September 16, 2026, during GITEX Global 2026, this initiative aims to bolster digital content verification amid the rising challenges posed by advanced AI technologies.
Saraab stands out as the first open-source AI model for deepfake detection developed by a government entity in the Arab region, crafted entirely by an Emirati team at DESC. The model can analyze videos as short as seven seconds, a significant improvement over other models that typically require longer clips for effective analysis. This capability is particularly relevant given the prevalence of short-form videos on social media platforms.
According to DESC, the model achieved a 91% accuracy rate in detecting deepfakes and maintained an 89% accuracy on previously unseen data during testing. Comparative evaluations indicated that Saraab outperformed other open-source models in accuracy, reinforcing its potential as a valuable tool for researchers and cybersecurity experts.
Open Source for Collaboration
Saraab will be accessible through platforms like Hugging Face and GitHub, allowing AI engineers and cybersecurity professionals to experiment with, enhance, and contribute to its development. DESC emphasizes that making the model open source is a strategic move to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of cybersecurity.
The development of Saraab reflects DESC’s commitment to building local technological capabilities that can address emerging cyber threats. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the center aims to enhance cybersecurity measures and serve the community effectively.
Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign
In conjunction with the launch of Saraab, DESC is also participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October through its “Don’t Be Scammed” campaign. This initiative seeks to educate the public about sophisticated fraud methods and the importance of verifying information before responding to suspicious requests. The campaign features “Yado Salama,” an Emirati grandmother character who guides community members in recognizing warning signs of fraud.
The campaign includes competitions with a total prize pool of Dh230,000, targeting content creators, students, and security teams from both government and private sectors. These competitions aim to engage the community in promoting cybersecurity awareness through creativity and technical skills.
As digital threats evolve, initiatives like Saraab and the “Don’t Be Scammed” campaign highlight the proactive measures being taken in Dubai to enhance cybersecurity and protect the public from emerging risks. For further details on the campaign and competitions, visit Emirates247.
For more insights into technology developments in the region, visit our technology coverage.
