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Norton Says 85 Percent of UAE Residents Want to do More to Protect Their Privacy
In today’s connected world, businesses are prime targets for cyber-attacks and unintentional missteps can result in critical exposure of consumers’ sensitive personal information. According to the 2018 Norton LifeLock Cyber Safety Insights Report, based on an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll of over 1,000 adults, shows that 4 out of 5 consumers (83 percent) in the UAE are more alarmed than ever about their privacy.
However, the majority accept certain risks to their online privacy out of convenience (57 percent) and are willing to sell or give away certain personal information, such as their location (75 percent) and internet search history (77 percent), to companies. The findings also show that consumers in the UAE are far more likely to be willing to pay to have their personal data protected than other consumers globally.
According to the research findings, 88 percent of UAE consumers believe it is important for companies to give customers control of how their personal data is used, while over a third (35 percent) believe it is absolutely essential. Adequate recourse is also expected when personal information is not protected. 40 percent of consumers believe it is absolutely essential that companies are required to provide a way for consumers to report misuse of their personal data, or consequently be fined.
The most trusted organisations in the country for managing and protecting personal information is the government with 64 percent trusting a lot, followed by healthcare providers at 41 percent and financial institutions with 35 percent. Retailers and social media providers are the least trusted with 16 percent and 14 percent respectively.
In contrast to other countries surveyed, UAE consumers are more willing to pay to have their personal data protected. 72 percent of consumers would be willing to make a payment to healthcare providers to ensure their personal information is protected and 71 percent said the same about financial institutions. In other countries surveyed, this willingness is significantly lower.
In Germany for example, less than 3 in 10 are willing to pay healthcare providers (28 percent) or financial institutions (28 percent) to protect their personal information. Further, most consumers in the UAE are willing to pay to have retailers (66 percent) and social media providers (61 percent) protect their information, compared to only 19 percent and 17 percent respectively in the Netherlands – highlighting a large discrepancy.
“Our cyber safety is inherently tied to trust,” said David Ribeiro, Head of Consumer Sales & Marketing, Middle East & Africa, Symantec. “Most consumers are aware their data is being captured from the websites they visit, the social media they share and the apps they use, and trust their information is being properly secured. However, these same consumers are often unaware how and why data is captured and what companies do with it. The sheer amount of personal information being collected about us shows no signs of slowing and there is greater value placed on it than ever before.”
What’s Next for Cyber Safety?
Over the last year alone, over 2.5 million UAE consumers – or 54 percent of the UAE adult population – have experienced one or more cyber-crimes. 59 percent of those said they have experienced the loss of at least some money. The report found that on average AED 1,568 were being lost, taking the toll to an estimated total of AED 4 billion in only 12 months.
The victims have spent an average of 11.4 hours resolving the issue and one in three (36 percent) even had to spend more than a week to resolve it completely. In fact, 67 percent of consumers expect to experience cyber-crime in the next 12 months.
There are several best practices consumers can follow to help safeguard against online threats:
- Never open suspicious-looking emails: Cyber criminals send fake emails or texts that may look legitimate. The links in these emails or texts contain malicious software that can download malware and spyware. The software may be able to mine your computer for personal information, which is then sent to a remote computer where the attacker could sell the information on the dark web or use the information to commit identity theft.
- Own your online presence: Carefully read the terms and conditions before opening an account or downloading an application, including social media accounts. Be sure to, set the privacy and security settings on web services and devices to your comfort level for information sharing.
- Get two steps ahead and manage your passwords: Switch on two-step verification or multi-factor authentication wherever offered to help prevent unauthorised access to your online accounts. Always change the default passwords to something strong and unique on your devices, services, and Wi-Fi networks.
Additional UAE findings include:
- 93 percent of UAE consumers have taken measures to protect their information, including limiting information shared on social media, carefully reading the terms and conditions and changing default privacy setting on their devices.
- More than 1 in 3 (37 percent) have deleted a social media account due to privacy concerns in the past 12 months.
- 80 percent of parents of minors are concerned that their child will experience identity theft due to an action their child has taken (such as shared their personal information on social media or downloaded an app that could compromise their personal information), while 73 percent are concerned that the same might happen owning to an action they have not taken (such as not storing documents in a secure location or not monitoring their child’s online activities) and 68 percent are concerned they put their child directly at risk through their own actions.
Global smart home innovator Dreame Technology has officially entered the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market, marked by the grand opening of its first regional flagship store at Dubai Hills Mall and the debut of a strategic new product lineup tailored to the region’s demand for intelligent, integrated living solutions.
Building on this momentum, Dreame is accelerating its regional expansion strategy. “As a leading home technology brand known for innovation and user experience, Dreame has empowered over 21 million families worldwide to enjoy smarter living,” said Toni Xia, President of Middle East & Africa, India, and Latin America at Dreame. “The MEA region has always been a strategic priority—and we aim to become the No. 1 smart home brand here.”
“By 2027, our goal is to achieve 50% market share in the robot vacuum category across both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA),” said Johannes Mueller, Director of Middle East & Africa at Dreame. “To support this, we’ve launched the Star Light Expansion Plan — a retail initiative designed specifically for the MEA market, with 150 points of sale including Dreame-owned stores and key channel partners.”
The Dubai flagship store serves as a hands-on showcase for Dreame’s cutting-edge smart home appliances, offering consumers an immersive experience with the brand’s latest innovations in robotic cleaning, air purification, and personal care. The opening underscores Dreame’s commitment to bringing AI-powered, lifestyle-enhancing technology to households across MEA.
Next-Gen Smart Home Innovations
At the launch event, Dreame unveiled several industry-first technologies, including:
- X50 Ultra Complete (X50 UC) Robovac – The world’s first robotic vacuum with retractable legs, overcoming traditional limitations with ProLeap height adjustment and 20,000Pa Vormax suction for seamless multi-surface cleaning.
- H15 Pro Wet & Dry Vacuum – Featuring the first AI-powered robotic arm (GapFree AI DescendReach) for edge-to-edge coverage, 100°C hot water washing, and 21,000Pa suction.
- Z30 Cordless Stick Vacuum – A 310AW TurboMotor powerhouse with HEPA H14 filtration, ideal for pet hair and fine dust.
- AirStyle Pro – A 7-in-1 professional hair styling kit with salon-grade precision and heat protection.
- PM20 Air Purifier – Equipped with adaptive airflow tracking and real-time Enviro Detect sensors for intelligent air quality control.
A Flagship Experience in Dubai
Located at Dubai Hills Mall (First Floor, FF-247), the new store blends sleek, marble-inspired design with interactive displays that bring Dreame’s AI-driven technology to life. To celebrate the opening, visitors can enjoy:
- Exclusive promotions, including gifts with purchase and a lucky draw (grand prize: X50 UC worth AED 5,999).
- Live styling demos and expert-led product walkthroughs.
MEA Market: A Strategic Priority
Dreame’s MEA expansion is backed by its Star Light Expansion Plan, aiming to establish the brand as the No.1 robot vacuum in the UAE and KSA by 2027. With 60% of its workforce dedicated to R&D, Dreame emphasizes localized innovation, including:
- Region-specific product adaptations (e.g., enhanced suction for Middle Eastern homes).
- Future retail expansions and partnerships across MEA.
The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025, organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), has officially begun today, 25 April, and will run until 11 May, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of gaming, esports, and pop culture. This year’s festival promises an unparalleled celebration for gamers, families, and fans, featuring free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED 500,000, and immersive activities across Dubai. The highlight of DEF 2025 is the flagship GameExpo, set to take over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 from 9 to 11 May.
Tickets are now on sale for GameExpo, which offers non-stop gaming, next-level entertainment, and interactive zones—all free to play. Attendees can look forward to:
- Influencer Showdowns (10-11 May): Featuring top regional gamers like Abo Flah.
- Dubai Cosplay Championship (11 May): With prizes up to AED 30,000—registration open until 7 May.
Key Festival Highlights:
- DEF Educational Engagement Programme (Until 8 May)
A citywide initiative inspiring young gamers with esports tournaments, AI and game design workshops by Microsoft and Unreal Engine, and a chance to win AED 50,000 in prizes. Students can also visit GameExpo on 8 May for an exclusive school trip experience. - Power Up Parade Week (28 April – 2 May)
Schools, students, and families are encouraged to dress as their favorite gaming characters and share photos on social media using #DEFPowerUp for a chance to win prizes. - Game Changers Initiative (Deadline: 30 April)
Student teams can submit innovative gaming ideas with real-world impact. The top five entries will pitch live at GameExpo on 8 May, with winners receiving sponsorships and recognition. - ENBD Fortnite Quest (Until 8 May)
The UAE’s biggest Fortnite competition culminates in a live final on 8 May at GameExpo, featuring a custom Dubai-themed map and AED 20,000 in prizes. - GameOn with HP Gaming Garage (Until 8 May)
An online hackathon where students develop Dubai-inspired game prototypes, with finalists showcasing their work at GameExpo. - JPEX Entertainment Exhibition (25-27 April, Expo City Dubai)
A must-visit for anime, manga, and cosplay fans, offering live performances, workshops, and Japanese pop culture experiences. - Yalla Ludo Challenge (29 April – 6 May, Online)
A mobile gaming tournament where players compete for exclusive in-game rewards and leaderboard glory. - Rove Hotels Exclusive Offer (Until 12 May)
GameExpo attendees can enjoy 25% off stays at select Rove Hotels using the code “Esports”.
With 17 days of non-stop action, DEF 2025 brings together esports, gaming innovation, and community fun for all ages. Supported by strategic partners including Amazon, du, Emirates NBD, and Red Bull, the festival cements Dubai’s position as a global gaming destination.
TCL Electronics has launched its new C6K QD-Mini LED TV series in the UAE Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. The TCL C6K features advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, delivering ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast, ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic.
This flagship performance is driven by TCL’s exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL’s self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle.
By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments.
Key features of the TCL C6K series in the UAE:
- QLED Technology: Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals.
- 144Hz Native Refresh Rate: Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes.
- ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound: Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support.
- Ultra-Slim Design: Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic.
- Matte Display (85” & 98”): Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces.
- High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below): Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details.
Whether it’s the thrill of gaming, the passion of football, or the richness of cinema, the TCL C6K delivers flagship performance across all content formats. It is available in multiple screen sizes, including 65”, 75”, 85”, and 98”, the C6K is crafted to its designed to elevate every living space into an immersive entertainment zone.
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