UAE, Dubai Police, and Visa Launch Online Safety Drive
The United Arab Emirates has taken another strong step to protect its people from fraud and cybercrime. The Ministry of Interior, the General Command of Dubai Police, and global payments leader Visa have launched a new nationwide awareness drive. The campaign is called “Don’t Talk to Strangers – Advice for All Ages.”
The campaign focuses on one goal: keeping everyone in the UAE safe online. It sends a clear message that protecting digital spaces is not just the job of governments or companies. It is a shared responsibility for all.
With fraud cases rising worldwide, this campaign could not have come at a better time. It aims to educate, inform, and empower people of all ages to stay alert and protect themselves.
Why the UAE Launched This Campaign
Fraud is becoming smarter and more dangerous. Scammers use social media, text messages, and fake apps to trick people. They target not only businesses but also everyday people who use online banking, mobile wallets, and e-commerce.
In the UAE, digital payments are growing quickly. More people are using mobile apps and online platforms than ever before. This brings convenience, but it also brings risk.
The campaign is designed to:
- Teach people how to recognize scams.
- Remind families that anyone can be a target.
- Provide tools to stay safe while using digital platforms.
The Scale of the Global Fraud Problem
Fraud is not just a local issue. It is a global challenge. In the past year alone, Visa reported some huge numbers:
- More than $40 billion worth of fraudulent payments blocked.
- Over 80 million fraudulent transactions stopped worldwide.
These figures show how much effort is needed to fight fraud. They also prove that advanced technology, combined with public awareness, makes a big difference.
Partnership at the Core of the Initiative
Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Federal Criminal Police at the Ministry of Interior, explained why this partnership matters.
He said, “Protecting the digital world is a shared responsibility.”
He also highlighted that working with Visa and Dubai Police shows the government’s strong commitment. The aim is to create a culture where everyone understands the risks and knows how to respond.
The UAE has always believed in the power of community partnerships. By joining hands with private companies like Visa, the country is building a more secure digital future.
Visa’s Commitment to Online Safety
As a global leader in digital payments, Visa plays a key role in fighting cybercrime. It uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data security tools to block fraud. But Visa knows that technology alone is not enough.
According to Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE:
“Knowledge is the first line of defense. This campaign will help the UAE community stay safe while supporting the country’s vision for a strong and secure digital economy.”
This statement shows why the partnership is so powerful. The government provides reach and authority. Visa brings global expertise and technology. Together, they can achieve more than either could alone.
A Fresh Approach: Storytelling With Children
The campaign uses a creative idea to get attention. Instead of adults teaching children, the message is reversed. Children remind their parents to stay safe online.
This storytelling method is powerful because:
- It grabs attention through surprise.
- It reminds people that fraud can affect all ages.
- It makes the message memorable and family-friendly.
The campaign uses social media, outdoor ads, and videos to spread this message widely. The goal is to make people stop, think, and take online safety seriously.
Reaching All Communities in the UAE
The UAE is home to people from many countries and cultures. To make sure everyone benefits, the campaign is inclusive and multilingual.
It uses simple, clear messages that can connect with different groups. This way, no one is left out of the awareness drive.
The campaign also uses research from Visa’s ninth annual Stay Secure study. The report shows that while many UAE residents are improving their digital habits, a large number still face risks.
Education in Schools and Workplaces
The campaign will not stop at digital ads. It will also reach people directly through education programs in schools and workplaces.
- In schools: Children will learn how to spot fake links, avoid sharing personal data, and stay safe while gaming or chatting online.
- In workplaces: Employees will be trained to avoid phishing emails, fake websites, and online identity theft.
This mix of online and offline outreach creates stronger awareness. It ensures that both the next generation of digital natives and the current workforce are prepared for new challenges.
UAE’s Vision for a Safe Digital Future
The UAE government has clear goals. It wants to be a leader in digital innovation and a hub for safe technology adoption.
This campaign supports that vision by:
- Building public trust in online platforms.
- Protecting the digital economy from fraud.
- Creating a safe and resilient society where everyone can benefit from technology.
The UAE’s model of combining government leadership with private-sector expertise is becoming a global example of how to protect people in the digital era.
Why Digital Safety Matters for Everyone
Cybercrime does not only target wealthy people or large companies. It targets anyone who:
- Uses a smartphone.
- Shops online.
- Shares information on social media.
- Makes digital payments.
This is why the campaign’s message is so simple: everyone needs to stay alert.
Fraudsters can strike through fake calls, text scams, or even friendly messages on apps. The campaign teaches people how to recognize these red flags before they cause harm.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fraud Prevention
The launch of this campaign is not the end. It is the beginning of a larger journey.
In the future, the UAE and its partners will focus on:
- More AI-driven fraud detection tools.
- Stronger public-private partnerships.
- Expanded school and workplace awareness programs.
- Campaigns targeting new digital risks like deepfake scams and advanced phishing attacks.
The country is preparing not just for today’s threats, but also for those of tomorrow.
Key Highlights of the Campaign
- Nationwide Reach – Covers all communities in the UAE.
- Shared Responsibility – Everyone, from children to adults, plays a role in online safety.
- Global Expertise – Visa brings international experience and advanced fraud prevention tools.
- Inclusive Approach – Messages are tailored for different age groups and cultures.
- Future Focused – Prepares the UAE for new and evolving risks.
Final Thoughts
The “Don’t Talk to Strangers – Advice for All Ages” campaign is more than just an awareness project. It is a national movement to protect people in the digital world.
By joining forces, the UAE Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, and Visa are showing how strong partnerships can fight cybercrime. The message is simple but powerful: online safety is for everyone.
With this campaign, the UAE is building not just a secure digital space, but also a future where trust and technology grow together.
