As the UAE pushes forward with its ambitious plan to build AI-integrated smart cities, Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the head of the UAE Government’s cybersecurity efforts, is sounding the alarm on the dangers of rapid AI deployment. Speaking at the Forbes Building the Future Summit, he highlighted that many organizations are rushing to implement AI tools without adhering to essential global cybersecurity standards, such as ISO protocols and data protection principles. This neglect creates significant internal vulnerabilities, turning the pursuit of innovation into a potential security liability. He emphasized that failing to implement proper safeguards could leave critical infrastructure exposed, making cybersecurity a mandatory foundation rather than an afterthought.

Beyond the immediate risks of non-compliance, Al Kuwaiti pointed to the complex challenges posed by the deep integration of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology. As these systems grow more interconnected, the attack surface for bad actors widens, increasing the risk of data manipulation and AI "hallucinations." To mitigate this, the UAE is prioritizing robust early-warning systems to combat persistent threats like ransomware and destructive malware. Ultimately, the government is calling for a culture of cyber "hygiene," urging both the public and private sectors to view cybersecurity as a shared responsibility vital to the safety and resilience of the nation’s digital future.