UAE Ministry of Interior launches Cybercrime platform: 5 tips to avoid online fraud
The cybercrime platform allows UAE citizens and residents to report online crimes
The Ministry clarified that the platform encompasses three main services. The first is the Cybercrime Reporting Service, which enables any individual who has been a victim of a cybercrime to file a report through a unified federal platform. This service facilitates the prompt transmission of reports to the competent authorities and ensures swift action is taken.
The Ministry further explained that the Cybercrime Platform is one of the outcomes of the transformational projects aligned with the UAE Government’s approach to advancing public services. It has been integrated within the Ministry’s suite of smart services offered to members of the community to address cybercrime effectively.
It added that the Cybercrime Report Submission Service allows individuals, entities, federal and local government bodies, as well as companies, to file cybercrime reports. The platform supports the collection of necessary evidence and information, which is then referred to the Public Prosecution to complete the legal procedures.
The second service provided through the platform is the Information Submission Service, which enhances social responsibility among members of the public. This service enables individuals, entities, and both federal and local government bodies and companies to provide information about cybercrimes or other types of crimes.
As for the third service, the Ministry stated that it is the Cybercrime Consultation Service, which offers expert guidance related to cybercrimes, including their legal aspects and how to handle online threats. This service contributes to promoting a safer digital environment and enhancing overall digital well-being.
The UAE Ministry of Interior, through the Federal Department for Combating Cybercrime, has outlined five essential tips to help individuals avoid falling victim to cybercrimes. These include:
Cybercrime Awareness and Child Protection – Monitor children’s internet usage, educate them on the dangers of speaking to strangers online, and use parental control software.
Caution with Unknown Links and Websites – Never click on suspicious or unverified links, especially those received from unknown sources.
Immediate Reporting – Report any threats or suspicions immediately through official channels.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information – Never share personal, financial, or sensitive data such as banking details or one-time passwords (OTP) with untrusted individuals.
Captain Faisal Al Mazmi, Head of the Cybercrime Platform Section, stated, “The Ministry launched the platform and its services through the smart application and official website last year as part of its transformational initiatives aligned with the UAE government’s vision for advanced public services.” The platform was designed to address and combat the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly in light of rapid technological advancements.
Three core services
Captain Al Mazmi noted that the platform provides three main services:
Filing Cybercrime Reports – Submit reports to be processed and referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action.
Providing Information on Cybercrimes – Enhance public awareness and promote societal responsibility.
Cybercrime Legal Consultation – Offer legal guidance and help users understand how to navigate online threats, thereby supporting digital well-being.
Addressing a range of cybercrimes
In an interview with Police Community magazine, Captain Al Mazmi emphasized that the platform handles a wide variety of cybercrimes that threaten individual, societal, and national security. Key cyber threats include:
Privacy violations – Recording or sharing images or videos without consent.
Online fraud – Fake advertisements, scam websites, and phishing schemes.
Cyber extortion – Threatening to release personal data or images for financial gain or to force illegal actions.
Online harassment and cyberbullying – Sending offensive messages or creating fake profiles to harm others emotionally or socially.
The platform can be accessed via the MOIUAE smart app or the Ministry’s official website: www.moi.gov.ae.
A user-friendly tool for reporting and prevention
The cybercrime platform allows UAE citizens and residents to report online crimes through an easy-to-use interface. It also offers comprehensive information on different types of cybercrimes and how to recognize and avoid them. The initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and combat digital threats in the UAE.
The platform is a powerful tool that fosters direct communication between the public and security authorities, contributing to a safer and more trustworthy digital environment.
Key features of the platform:
Ease of Reporting – Users can swiftly and easily file cybercrime complaints.
Comprehensive Information – Access in-depth resources on various cyber threats and how to identify them.
Preventive Guidance – Receive expert tips and recommendations on staying safe online.
Effective Communication – Facilitates direct engagement with relevant security authorities.
Inclusive Access – Available to all citizens and residents across the UAE.
Who benefits from the platform?
Individuals – Can report crimes and use the platform’s educational resources to protect themselves.
Security authorities – Utilize the platform for tracking, investigating, and preventing cybercrimes.
The community – Benefits from a digitally secure and resilient society.
How to Report Cybercrimes in the UAE:
Victims of cybercrimes can report incidents through the following official channels:
Ministry of Interior’s Cybercrime Platform – Available on Google Play, App Store, and Huawei AppGallery.
Dubai Police eCrime Platform – https://ecrimehub.gov.ae/ar
Aman Service – Abu Dhabi Police
“My Safe Society” Smart App – Launched by the Federal Public Prosecution in June 2018, available on iOS and Google Play.
Nearest Police Station – Visit in person.
Emergency Number 999 – For immediate assistance.
What are cybercrimes?
Cybercrimes are offenses committed using computers or digital networks in violation of national cybercrime laws. These crimes may involve unauthorized access, data interception, or misuse of digital platforms. A cybercrime website is a digital point of access where data may be exposed or shared unlawfully.
Dubai Police Cybercrime Awareness Platform
Earlier this month, Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation launched a bilingual cybercrime awareness platform. The platform aims to educate the public on the dangers of cyber threats and fraud, offering detailed preventive content in Arabic and English.
It targets all segments of society—parents, individuals, business owners, employees, and social media users—and is accessible via the following link: https://ecrimehub.gov.ae/ar
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
