The United Arab Emirates is intensifying efforts to safeguard children from online dangers while encouraging safe and responsible internet use. This comprehensive approach involves collaboration among government agencies, technology companies, families, and security authorities, aiming to balance protection with the educational and developmental benefits of the digital world.
Key elements of the UAE’s strategy include digital awareness campaigns, parental controls, technology-enabled safeguards, and mechanisms for timely cybercrime reporting. These measures are designed to support young users in navigating online spaces safely and to foster informed, responsible internet habits.
In a notable regional initiative, Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, announced a $2.4 million grant to Injaz Al-Arab, a non-profit organization. This funding will support efforts to provide digital safety, security, and citizenship training to more than 2.3 million children across nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa over four years. The program will be delivered through the Arabic-language version of Google’s Abtal Al Internet (Internet Heroes) initiative, covering the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and additional regional partners.
The announcement came alongside the launch of an interactive Google Internet Heroes experience held at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai during the weekend. Organized in partnership with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and the National Media Office (NMO), the venue offers families hands-on activities aimed at raising digital awareness. It also familiarizes parents with safety and supervision features available across Google’s platforms, including YouTube and the YouTube Kids app.
Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, emphasized that fostering a secure digital environment for youth aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of building a sustainable, knowledge-based society. He highlighted the importance of protecting future generations from cyber risks while ensuring they can capitalize on digital opportunities in an environment marked by awareness, confidence, and responsibility.
During his visit to the interactive experience, Al Hamed stressed that digital literacy enables children to differentiate reliable information from misleading content, safeguard their privacy, and engage online with respect and accountability. Beyond technical skills, he noted, preparing young people for the digital future entails nurturing the values and decision-making abilities required to use technology wisely.
Saeed Bahollak, Acting Director-General of the TDRA, outlined the authority’s approach to children’s digital safety as a combination of prevention, awareness, and empowerment. He underscored the shared responsibility among families, governmental bodies, and digital service providers in ensuring a safe online environment. With rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, Bahollak asserted that shielding children from the digital world is not the goal; rather, the focus is on equipping them to navigate it securely, confidently, and responsibly.