Expanding Digital Safety Initiatives on World Safer Internet Day
In collaboration with strategic partners, the Khalifa Empowerment Program Aqdar has rolled out an array of expanded activities to mark World Safer Internet Day under the theme "My Community is Digitally Safe." This initiative aims to foster a secure and responsible digital environment, enhance digital awareness, and promote the positive use of technology. It aligns with national efforts to uphold digital well-being and supports the UAE’s vision for 2025, declared the "Year of Society," celebrating the role of community values, family cohesion, and national pride.
The announcement was made during a press conference attended by representatives from participating entities, who outlined various initiatives designed to strengthen digital protection awareness. They highlighted a series of wide-reaching activities and programs organized to empower individuals and communities in navigating the digital world safely.
Mohammed Ismail Al Harmoudi, CEO of Aqdar, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the collective responsibility in shaping a safer and more confident digital landscape. He noted that World Safer Internet Day is more than just an annual event; it is a global movement embraced by over 180 countries, reinforcing the shared duty of safeguarding societies against cyber threats while maximizing the benefits of technology. He added:
"We gather today to showcase the key initiatives planned for 2025 and exchange ideas that will drive societal awareness, ensuring the protection of future generations in an ever-evolving digital sphere. While the challenges of the internet persist, they also present new opportunities for knowledge and innovation. With the right awareness and guidance, we can transform digital platforms into tools for empowerment, fostering a safer and more prosperous future."
The initiatives, set to launch every February, will feature high-impact programs, including specialized workshops, virtual discussions, expert-led lectures, cultural competitions, and a diverse range of multilingual media awareness campaigns. These efforts, amplified through partner platforms, national media, and a dedicated social media hashtag, "#A_Digitally_Secure_Society," aim to engage the wider public in meaningful conversations about online safety.
Key focus areas include educating internet users on best practices for online privacy, responsible content sharing, securing personal devices and applications, and data protection strategies. These initiatives form part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy and promote a culture of cyber resilience.
The event is supported and co-organized by the Ministry of Education, the Cyber Security Council, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Digital Government, the Digital Wellbeing Council, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, the General Women’s Union, the Government Empowerment Department, the Child Safety Department – Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Center, the Law Respect Culture Office – Ministry of Interior, the Emirates Safer Internet Society, the Juvenile Awareness and Care Association, the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Saed Traffic Systems Company, Al Ameen Service, e , Du, the Family Development Foundation, the Union Co-Op, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the Sharjah Private Education Authority, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, the Emirates News Agency, Fursan Al Emarat, and Al Barjeel News.
These initiatives reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to fostering positive digital citizenship, advancing technological excellence, and embedding a culture of secure digital practices. By promoting the responsible use of online resources, the country continues to set a global benchmark in ensuring a safer, more resilient digital society.