UAE Economy Minister Warns Against Deepfake Scams in Investment Videos

Economy warns citizens about elegant deepfake videos circulating online that falsely endorse investment schemes, alongside plans for economic diversification.">

Deepfake Investment Scams Target UAE Residents: Minister issues Urgent Warning

Dubai, UAE – October 14, 2025 – Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, has publicly cautioned citizens and investors against a growing wave of sophisticated deepfake videos. These fabricated clips falsely portray him endorsing various investment opportunities, raising serious concerns about potential financial fraud.

Speaking at gitex Global 2025, Al Marri unequivocally stated that he has never promoted any specific investment schemes and urged the public to rely solely on official government channels for financial information. He emphasized the deceptive nature of these videos, confirming they are entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence.

The Rising Threat of AI-Generated Deception

The Minister’s warning arrives amidst a surge in deepfake technology’s misuse. According to a recent report by cybersecurity firm Mandiant,deepfake financial scams have increased by 300% globally in the last year,with the Middle East becoming a key target. These scams often impersonate prominent figures to lend credibility to fraudulent investment proposals.

“I have seen videos circulating depicting me suggesting investments in particular shares and programs,” Al Marri stated. “Let me be clear: I have never done this,and I would never advise anyone to invest based on information from unofficial sources. These are, without a doubt, deepfakes.”

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for enhanced digital safeguards, and called for technology companies to prioritize the creation of robust deepfake detection systems.

UAE’s Economic Vision and the AI Race

Beyond addressing the immediate threat of deepfake scams, Al Marri outlined the UAE’s ambitious plans for economic economic diversification,aiming to reduce reliance on oil revenue. The government intends to increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to 80% of the national economy within the next five years, a meaningful jump from the current 77.3%.

He described the current global landscape as a period of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, but highlighted a new competitive challenge: the “AI race.” Al Marri characterized this not as a competition between nations, but as a national drive to build robust AI infrastructure and cultivate a skilled workforce.

“The real competition is within ourselves,” he explained. “It’s about strengthening our infrastructure, nurturing talent, aligning strategies, and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the AI sector.”

Fostering an AI-Ready Ecosystem

To support this vision, the UAE is actively attracting global AI talent through initiatives such as 10-year residency visas, and investing in dedicated AI education through the establishment of specialized universities. Local tech firms, such as G42, are also playing a crucial role in driving innovation.

Al Marri stressed the importance of a skilled workforce,stating,”Even the most brilliant ideas require talented individuals to bring them to fruition. Technology alone is not enough.”

Area	2020	2024	Target (2029)
Non-Oil economy Contribution	69%	77.3%	80%
Deepfake Scam Increase (Global)	–	–	300% (last year)

Did You Know? Deepfakes are created using a form of artificial intelligence called generative adversarial networks (GANs), which learn to create realistic images and videos by analyzing vast amounts of data.

Pro Tip: Always verify information about investments through official government websites and registered financial institutions before making any decisions.

Understanding deepfake Technology

Deepfake technology, while offering potential benefits in areas like film and entertainment, poses significant risks when used maliciously. The ability to convincingly manipulate video and audio content can erode trust in media and create opportunities for fraud, disinformation, and reputational damage. Staying informed about this technology and its potential implications is crucial for citizens and policymakers alike.

As AI technology continues to advance, the sophistication of deepfakes will inevitably increase. Continuous investment in detection technologies and public awareness campaigns will be essential to mitigate the risks associated with this evolving threat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deepfakes and Investment Scams

• What is a deepfake? A deepfake is a hyper-realistic but fabricated video, audio, or image created using artificial intelligence.
• How can I protect myself from deepfake investment scams? Verify information through official sources, be skeptical of unsolicited investment advice, and consult with a financial advisor.
• What is the UAE doing to combat deepfakes? The UAE is investing in deepfake detection technologies and raising public awareness about the risks of manipulated media.
• What is the UAE’s goal for economic diversification? The UAE aims to increase the contribution of its non-oil sector to 80% of its economy by 2029.
• Is the AI race a competition between countries? According to the Minister of Economy, the AI race is a national drive to build robust AI infrastructure and cultivate a skilled workforce.

What are your thoughts about the rise of deepfake technology? Do you think governments are doing enough to address this threat? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific measures is the UAE government taking to combat deepfake investment fraud, beyond issuing warnings?

The Rising Threat of Deepfake Investment Fraud

The UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, recently issued a stark warning regarding the increasing prevalence of deepfake scams targeting investors. These complex scams utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to create incredibly realistic, yet entirely fabricated, videos featuring prominent figures – including the Minister himself – endorsing fraudulent investment opportunities. This poses a notable risk to both individual investors and the overall stability of the UAE’s financial landscape. The warning underscores the growing need for investor vigilance and robust fraud prevention measures.

How Deepfake Investment Scams Operate

Deepfake technology allows scammers to convincingly mimic a person’s voice and likeness. In the context of investment fraud, this typically manifests as:

* Fake Endorsements: Videos appearing to show respected individuals, like the UAE Economy Minister or well-known buisness leaders, promoting specific investment schemes.

* Phishing Attempts: These videos are often shared via social media, messaging apps (like WhatsApp), or even through compromised email accounts, luring victims into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive financial information.

* Impersonation: Scammers may create deepfakes of financial advisors or company executives to gain trust and persuade investors to make hasty decisions.

* Cryptocurrency Promotions: A significant number of reported deepfake scams involve the promotion of fraudulent cryptocurrency investments and initial coin offerings (ICOs).

The sophistication of these deepfakes makes them increasingly difficult to detect, even for tech-savvy individuals. The goal is to exploit trust and create a sense of urgency, leading to impulsive investment choices.

Identifying Deepfake Videos: Red flags to Watch For

While deepfake technology is advancing rapidly, there are still telltale signs that can definitely help you identify a fraudulent video:

* Unnatural Facial Expressions: look for subtle inconsistencies in facial movements, blinking patterns, or lip synchronization.

* Poor Lighting or Video Quality: Deepfakes often exhibit lower resolution or inconsistent lighting compared to genuine videos.

* Awkward Body Language: Pay attention to unnatural posture or movements that don’t align with the speaker’s personality.

* Audio discrepancies: Listen for robotic or unnatural-sounding speech, or inconsistencies between the audio and video.

* Lack of Context: Question videos promoting investment opportunities that appear out of the blue or lack supporting documentation.

* Urgency & Exclusivity: Be wary of videos that pressure you to invest quickly or offer exclusive access to limited-time deals.

The UAE’s Response to Deepfake Fraud

The UAE government is taking proactive steps to combat the threat of deepfake scams:

* Public Awareness Campaigns: The Ministry of Economy is actively raising awareness among the public about the risks of deepfake fraud through media releases and educational initiatives.

* Collaboration with Tech Companies: The government is working with AI and technology companies to develop tools and techniques for detecting and mitigating deepfake threats.

* Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures: Enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent the spread of malicious deepfake content online.

* Legal Frameworks: Reviewing and updating existing laws to address the specific challenges posed by deepfake technology and hold perpetrators accountable.

* Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) Warnings: The FRA regularly issues warnings to investors about fraudulent schemes, including those utilizing deepfake technology.

Protecting Yourself from Deepfake Investment Scams: Practical Tips

Here’s how to safeguard your investments and avoid falling victim to deepfake fraud:

1. Verify Information: Always independently verify any investment chance through official sources, such as the company’s website, regulatory filings, and reputable financial news outlets.
2. Cross-Reference Sources: don’t rely solely on a single video or source of information. Seek out multiple perspectives and confirm the details with trusted advisors.
3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Exercise extreme caution with investment opportunities that come to you unexpectedly, especially through social media or messaging apps.
4. Consult a Financial Advisor: Before making any investment decisions, consult with a qualified financial advisor who can provide unbiased guidance.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a suspicious video or investment offer,report it to the relevant authorities,such as the UAE’s cybercrime reporting platform.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your online accounts with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
7. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest deepfake scams and fraud prevention techniques.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

While specific details of ongoing investigations are often confidential, reports have surfaced globally of deepfake scams targeting investors.In early 2024, a sophisticated deepfake video featuring a prominent European politician promoting a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme circulated widely online, resulting in significant financial losses for unsuspecting investors. This incident highlighted the global reach and potential impact of deepfake fraud. The UAE is actively working to prevent similar incidents from occurring within its borders.

The Future of Deepfake Detection & Prevention

The fight against deepfake fraud is an ongoing arms race. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated