As the UAE cements its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence, companies are rapidly transitioning from experimental AI pilots to deep integration within their core operations. However, this technological surge brings a shadow side: a significantly more dangerous threat landscape. Salah Suleiman, Managing Director at TrendAI, emphasized at GISEC 2026 that as businesses embed AI into their workflows, they must contend with increasingly automated and sophisticated cyberattacks. Because malicious actors are also leveraging AI to enhance their own capabilities, outdated security protocols are no longer enough to protect sensitive digital environments.

To combat these evolving threats, Suleiman advocates for a "secure AI with AI" approach, noting that organizations must adopt smarter, faster, and more autonomous defense mechanisms. Beyond just technical safeguards, the rise of agentic AI requires a fundamental shift toward robust governance frameworks. Suleiman urges business leaders to stop viewing cybersecurity as an afterthought; instead, it must be integrated into the AI deployment strategy from day one. By prioritizing responsible implementation and internal controls, UAE firms can successfully navigate this digital transformation, balancing the immense potential of innovation with the necessity of operational security.