logo svg
logo

December 25, 2025

Top Cybersecurity Companies in UAE 2025 [Reviewed]

A research-driven guide to the best cybersecurity providers in the UAE for penetration testing, SOC, and compliance services.

Mohammed Khalil

Mohammed Khalil

Featured Image

Choosing the right cybersecurity partner in 2025 can make or break your defense against escalating cyber threats. The UAE’s threat landscape is more intense than ever according to recent ransomware attack trends, incidents in the UAE surged by 32% last year, and organizations now face over 50,000 cyberattack attempts daily. With attackers growing in sophistication leveraging AI driven techniques and regulators enforcing stricter data protection laws, businesses in the UAE face enormous pressure to strengthen their security posture. This makes selecting a capable, trustworthy security provider a mission critical decision.

Equally, the market has matured. The UAE cybersecurity sector is expanding at double digit rates, fueled by digital transformation and government initiatives. Businesses must navigate a crowded vendor landscape ranging from local specialists to global consulting giants. Why does this choice matter? Because an ideal partner not only plugs technical gaps but also ensures compliance with UAE’s frameworks NESA, ADSIC, UAE Cybersecurity Strategy and instills confidence at the board level. In an era of high profile breaches and stringent penalties, an experienced provider helps avoid costly incidents and meet standards.

This independent, research based ranking aims to cut through the noise. We evaluated dozens of UAE headquartered companies and global players with substantial UAE operations against objective criteria outlined below. No one paid to be on this list, and our sole focus is on actionable insights for buyers. Whether you’re a bank seeking a managed SOC or a tech startup needing a one time penetration test, this guide will spotlight the top options and what differentiates them. Let’s start with how we evaluated these companies, to establish transparency and trust in the ranking process.

How We Ranked the Top Cybersecurity Companies in UAE 2025

Before diving into the company profiles, it’s important to understand our evaluation methodology. We applied a rigorous framework to ensure an unbiased, apples to apples comparison. The top providers were assessed based on:

Each company in the list went through this holistic evaluation. We gathered data from official sources, client references, and credible reports to score against the above criteria. Next, we present the top cybersecurity companies in the UAE for 2025, with profiles detailing their headquarters, size, services, standout strengths, limitations, and ideal client type. This will be followed by a comparison table and a section on choosing the right type of provider for your needs.

Top Cybersecurity Companies in UAE 2025

DeepStrikeBest Overall Cybersecurity Company in UAE 2025

Dark website hero with headline “Revolutionizing Pentesting” and a contact button.

Why They Stand Out: DeepStrike is a highly specialized offensive security firm that takes a manual, human led approach to penetration testing. Unlike providers that rely heavily on automated scanners, DeepStrike’s ethos is to simulate real world attacks with an attacker mindset. This offense oriented approach allows them to uncover sophisticated vulnerabilities that automated tools miss. They are known for continuous pentesting. DeepStrike offers a Pentest as a Service dashboard for ongoing testing and real time visibility into threats, rather than just one off engagements. The firm aligns its testing with compliance requirements e.g. ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOC 2, delivering reports that help clients meet audit needs while improving security. In short, DeepStrike combines an elite hacking team with a modern delivery model, making advanced penetration testing accessible and effective for organizations in the UAE and globally.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: As a pure play penetration testing provider, DeepStrike does not offer the broader managed security services SOC monitoring, etc. that some larger firms do. Clients looking for a single vendor to handle everything from 24/7 monitoring to hardware deployment will need to augment DeepStrike with other providers. Additionally, with a boutique team <50 people, their capacity is limited for running many large engagements in parallel, scheduling ahead is wise for big projects. That said, the small size also means senior experts are hands on for every project, no bait and switch with juniors. DeepStrike is also a newer entrant to the UAE market office in Dubai Silicon Oasis opened recently, so they don’t have decades of local brand recognition yet. They are, however, building a reputation quickly through successful projects with regional tech companies.

Best For: Organizations that prioritize deep offensive security testing and direct expertise. This includes tech focused companies, startups, fintech, cloud providers that need rigorous pentesting as part of product security, as well as enterprises seeking a second pair of eyes to audit critical systems. Enterprises with mature security teams often bring in DeepStrike for adversarial testing to complement their big MSSP services. It’s also suitable for compliance driven firms needing thorough testing to satisfy SOC 2, ISO 27001, or PCI requirements DeepStrike’s reports are audit ready. In summary, DeepStrike is best for clients who want the work in penetration testing, a highly skilled team, meticulous approach, and continuous support rather than a basic checkbox pentest. Editorial note: DeepStrike is included in this list based on the same evaluation criteria applied to all providers.

CPX Cyber Protection X

Abstract circular design with shield imagery and text “You explore the future. We secure the present.”

Why They Stand Out: CPX is a UAE national champion in cybersecurity launched with government backing to bolster the nation’s cyber defenses. In just a couple of years, CPX has amassed a large team and acquired cutting edge capabilities for instance, it recently acquired cyber AI firm SpiderSilk to enhance its threat detection tech. The company delivers end to end services, from high level consulting and risk assessment for government entities, to hands-on technical services like penetration testing and cloud security architecture. CPX’s close partnership with UAE government bodies like the National Cybersecurity Council gives it unrivaled insight into local threat intelligence and compliance expectations. They operate state of the art SOCs within the UAE, ensuring data residency and local oversight, a key requirement for many government related projects. In essence, CPX stands out for its scale, credibility, and all inclusive approach to security, tailored specifically to UAE enterprise and public sector needs.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: As a large, semi government entity, CPX may have bureaucratic processes and less flexibility on pricing or custom arrangements compared to smaller firms. Their engagements often come with enterprise scale contracts, which might be too complex for a small business. In fact, CPX is primarily geared towards government and large enterprise clients. Mid-market companies could find their services relatively costly or beyond scope. Additionally, because CPX offers such a broad suite, niche depth in every single area might not equal that of a specialized boutique for instance, their pentesting is strong, but a boutique like DeepStrike may still go deeper in pure offense. Some organizations might also have concerns about engaging a provider so closely tied to the government for privacy or neutrality reasons, especially if they are multinational corporations, although CPX maintains commercial independence. Lastly, CPX is new as a brand while the team’s lineage is experienced, the company itself is in growth mode and mergers with other entities like Injazat have been speculated. Rapid expansion can sometimes lead to growing pains in consistency of service delivery.

Best For: Government agencies, public sector organizations, and large UAE enterprises that require a trusted local partner with comprehensive capabilities. CPX is ideal for critical infrastructure operators, defense and intelligence sectors, and top tier companies in finance or energy that demand high assurance security services under local oversight. If your project involves national security sensitivities or simply a need for extensive resources on the ground in UAE, CPX is a top choice. It’s also suited for enterprises looking to outsource a broad security program from strategy down to SOC operations to a single premium provider. In short, CPX makes most sense for those who value an all in one, UAE sovereign solution, typically organizations with significant size and risk profile. Smaller firms with basic needs might find CPX’s scope and pricing to be more than necessary.

Help AG

Red festive background with text thanking users for the 2025 journey.

Why They Stand Out: Help AG is often regarded as the UAE’s homegrown cybersecurity powerhouse. With roots in the region dating back nearly two decades, it has established itself as a trusted advisor to governments and enterprises alike. In 2020, Help AG was acquired by Etisalat now e&, the UAE’s leading telecom, which bolstered its resources and reach in the Gulf. What sets Help AG apart is its combination of deep local expertise and comprehensive services. They run their own Cyber Defense Center CDC within the UAE, meaning clients’ data stays onshore and is monitored by local experts who understand regional threats and compliance requirements. Help AG’s portfolio is perhaps the most complete in the market from high level consulting virtual CISO, strategy to technical audits and fully managed security operations. The company’s credibility is reflected in industry recognition: Frost & Sullivan named Help AG the 2023 Middle East Company of the Year in Digital Forensics, citing its innovation and service excellence. In summary, Help AG stands out as a vendor agnostic, end to end security partner with an unparalleled track record in the UAE.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: Being part of a large telecom group and serving primarily the high end of the market, Help AG’s services come at a premium price. Their engagements often make sense for medium to large enterprises, SMBs may find the costs too high or the offerings too extensive for their scale. In recent years, some critics note that after the Etisalat acquisition, there could be a slight shift towards managed services and product resale focus given the telecom’s strategy, potentially at the expense of the boutique-like flexibility they had when independent. However, they still emphasize being vendor neutral. Another consideration: Help AG is very UAE/Saudi centric. If you need support across many global regions, they would rely on partners or the e& network, as their own offices are limited to GCC countries. Finally, due to their size and many clients, smaller customers might occasionally feel a bit less prioritized on the flip side of having mostly big fish in the pond. However, Help AG mitigates this by structuring teams by account tier to maintain service quality.

Best For: Large enterprises and government organizations in the UAE or KSA that want a single comprehensive security provider with local presence. If you are a bank that needs a locally managed SOC, constant threat updates, periodic pentests, and on-call incident responders all under one contract Help AG is ideal. It is also excellent for regulated industries finance, telecom, government, energy where compliance and continuous monitoring are mandatory. Help AG’s ability to interface from technical operations up to board level consulting makes it suitable for organizations looking to outsource their security operations but still maintain strategic control. While smaller companies could benefit from Help AG’s expertise, they might find more value with a scaled down provider, hence, Help AG is best for mid size to very large entities that require enterprise grade, end to end cyber defense with a trusted local partner.

Injazat

Modern city skyline at sunset with headline “Your Success Partner.”

Why They Stand Out: Injazat is a bit unique on this list, it's not purely a cybersecurity firm, but its influence on UAE’s cyber landscape is significant. A subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala for years now part of AI leader G42, Injazat has been behind some of the UAE’s largest IT and cloud projects. It stands out for integrating cybersecurity into broader IT solutions. For example, when Injazat provides cloud services from its UAE data centers, it also provides security management for those resources. This tight integration is valuable for organizations that want holistic digital solutions with security at the core. Injazat is also known for its work on government platforms from national health information exchanges to defense systems where it provides the infrastructure and secures it. They pride themselves on being a digital transformation champion in UAE with cybersecurity as a foundational element.. With the backing of G42 which has extensive AI, big data, and even cybersecurity units like CPX, Injazat benefits from a rich ecosystem of advanced technology that it can leverage for clients e.g. AI driven security analytics, cloud platforms, etc.. In short, Injazat stands out as the go to partner for complex IT projects that require secure design and operation, effectively blending enterprise IT services with robust cybersecurity.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: Because Injazat is not exclusively focused on cybersecurity, organizations seeking the absolute latest specialized offensive or defensive techniques might not consider them a first choice. For instance, while Injazat has a security team, extremely sophisticated red teaming nation state level adversary simulations might be better served by a firm that only does that. Injazat’s breadth can mean depth in any single security domain is moderate. Additionally, Injazat’s sweet spot is large scale engagements, they may not even bid on smaller standalone security assessments as it doesn’t align with their integrated model. Their pricing and solutions are tailored to enterprise budgets, SMBs with one off needs like a single app pentest might find Injazat not the most responsive or cost effective option. Also, being part of a big organization, their processes can be formal and maybe slower, onboarding Injazat as a vendor involves significant procurement procedures comparable to engaging an IBM or Accenture. Finally, since Injazat’s identity is tied to being a national provider, international companies that want a global partner might prefer someone like IBM or a Big Four to cover multiple regions in a unified way.

Best For: Government and large enterprise clients in the UAE that are undertaking major IT or cloud initiatives and want strong security oversight as part of that journey. If you are, say, a government agency building a new citizen service platform, Injazat can design the cloud architecture, develop the software, and provide managed security for it a 360 degree solution. It’s ideal for organizations that may not have a huge in-house IT department and want to outsource both IT and security operations to a reliable local provider. Sectors like smart cities, utilities, and healthcare where IT, OT, and cloud converge will benefit from Injazat’s holistic approach. Injazat is also a good fit for any entity that values Abu Dhabi government’s stamp of approval, being a long time Mubadala company gives it a certain prestige and trustworthiness in critical projects. In summary, choose Injazat if you need broad IT services with security embedded, especially within UAE’s sovereign cloud or critical infrastructure context.

ValueMentor

Mountain landscape background with text “Cybersecurity Redefined. Resilience Reinforced.”

Why They Stand Out: ValueMentor stands out as a flexible, customer centric security provider that bridges the gap between small local players and big consultancies. They bring global experience delivery centers in India, presence in the US/UK while maintaining a keen focus on Middle East requirements. In the UAE, ValueMentor has built a reputation for being the go to firm for compliance driven security projects for example, helping a company achieve PCI DSS certification or perform thorough vulnerability assessments as part of ISO 27001 readiness. They emphasize a consulting plus services approach: not only identifying security gaps but also guiding clients to remediate and meet compliance in a strategic way. ValueMentor is also notable for its cost effectiveness. With some operations in cost efficient locations India and a mid sized team, they offer very competitive pricing for services like pen testing and managed detection, compared to larger firms. Despite this, they have earned trust with fairly large clients, their consultants have been recognized by the likes of Oracle and Microsoft for contributions to security communities. In essence, ValueMentor offers high quality cybersecurity expertise with a leaner, value driven model, making them an attractive option for organizations that need solid security assurances on a budget.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: As a mid sized firm, ValueMentor might not have niche ultra specialized services that some clients require. For instance, they don’t develop proprietary security products, they largely use and integrate standard tools. If an organization wants a provider with its own cutting edge AI threat hunting platform, ValueMentor would likely integrate a third party solution rather than something homegrown. Additionally, very large enterprises might find that ValueMentor’s brand recognition is lower than the big names when reporting to stakeholders. Sometimes a Big Four’s stamp carries weight for board reporting or regulators, unfair as it may be. While ValueMentor’s team is skilled, for extremely complex environments or scale e.g. a bank with thousands of servers globally, they might face capacity limits. Their SOC, while effective, isn’t massive so it may not be the right fit for organizations needing hundreds of thousands of alerts processed daily. Finally, as ValueMentor is growing, maintaining consistency across all their global offices can be a challenge, clients should ensure they get experienced resources they do have very senior folks, but as with any growing company, junior staff might sometimes be assigned one should clarify engagement leadership in advance.

Best For: Small to mid sized enterprises and any organization seeking a cost effective, high quality security partner. ValueMentor is ideal for businesses that need help achieving and maintaining compliance, banks prepping for audits, fintech startups aligning with PCI, healthcare firms with data privacy concerns. They are also a great fit for companies that may not have huge internal security teams. ValueMentor can act as your extended team, whether as a vCISO or an outsourced SOC. Sectors like fintech, SaaS, education, and mid tier government contractors have found success with them, as these clients often need strong security on limited budgets. Additionally, larger enterprises can use ValueMentor in specific niches e.g., to perform an independent penetration test or to assist with a particular compliance project supplementing their primary security providers. Essentially, if you’re looking for expert guidance and testing without the Big Firm price tag, ValueMentor should be on your shortlist.

AHAD

Hand holding phone showing malware alert with headline “Cyber Security Is Not Optional.”

Why They Stand Out: AHAD is one of the new wave of Emirati cybersecurity startups that have emerged in recent years, bringing fresh energy and a focus on specialized areas. In particular, AHAD has carved out a name in offensive security, essentially ethical hacking and threat simulation. While larger firms cover this as one service among many, AHAD makes it a core focus, which means a higher level of creativity and intensity in their pentesting and red team engagements. They emphasize an intelligence driven approach, combining technical testing with cyber threat intelligence to tailor attacks that mirror real adversariesm. This yields more meaningful results for clients concerned about sophisticated threats e.g., targeted attacks against their industry. Another aspect that makes AHAD stand out is its strong partner network. Despite being small, AHAD has formed alliances with global security companies for example, they have been known to collaborate with an Israeli cyber firm and with Thales a French defense/security giant to augment their offerings. These partnerships give AHAD access to advanced tools and training, punching above their weight class in capability. Finally, AHAD’s leadership includes well known figures in the UAE cyber scene, their founders and advisors have backgrounds in government cybersecurity initiatives and global certs, lending credibility. In summary, AHAD stands out as a boutique firm for high end security testing and intelligence, delivering very personalized and cutting edge services.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: As a startup like entity, AHAD is still building its track record. They don’t have the long client list or years of historical performance that some competitors do, which may make conservative buyers hesitant. Their team is small, so capacity is a constraint they might only be able to handle a certain number of major projects at once. If key personnel are tied up, clients may have to wait or accept a smaller team. In addition, AHAD currently doesn’t operate a large 24/7 SOC of its own, their MDR offerings are likely done through technology partnerships or a smaller in-house setup. So for extensive managed security requirements, they wouldn’t replace a big MSSP. Instead, they’d supplement it with threat hunting or advisory. Companies seeking a broad array of services like device management, infrastructure implementation won’t find that at AHAD it’s not a generalist IT firm. There’s also the typical challenge for young firms: processes and documentation might not be as polished as bigger consultancies though many clients prefer the flexibility over rigid process. Finally, while partnerships are a strength, clients might wonder if AHAD could stretch too thin trying to cover many areas with a small team, the classic wearing many hats startup issue. Being careful in scoping and promises is key, and so far AHAD has been prudent in focusing on its core competencies.

Best For: Organizations that need targeted, high skill offensive security or tailored cyber advisory services, especially in the UAE. AHAD is perfect for a company that has a mature security posture and now wants to stress test it against advanced threats for example, a bank that annually brings in a red team to test its SOC, or a crypto exchange that wants a thorough hunt for any lurking threats. It’s also well suited for mid-sized enterprises like regional financial services, aviation, or tech firms that might not get top priority from the largest vendors but can get white glove treatment from AHAD. Companies embarking on compliance like aiming for ISO 27001 certification but who also want to ensure real security not just tick box compliance would benefit from AHAD’s combined approach. In summary, if you seek a boutique experience with highly skilled ethical hackers and analysts, AHAD is a leading choice in the UAE. Just align your needs to their specialized strengths: offense, intelligence, agile consulting to get the best value.

IBM Security

Office scene with analysts at computer screens and heading “Cybersecurity products.”

Why They Stand Out: IBM is one of the world’s largest cybersecurity providers, and their strong presence in the UAE means local clients get access to that global capability. IBM Security stands out for combining its technology prowess with service expertise. For instance, few providers can bring proprietary tools like IBM does e.g., the QRadar SIEM or Resilient SOAR platform alongside their consulting, this allows IBM to offer highly integrated solutions where their team not only advises but also implements leading security technologies. IBM’s global threat intelligence through IBM X Force research is top notch, they collect data from worldwide operations and publish respected threat reports, which benefits local customers by early awareness of global threat trends. In the UAE market, IBM is often seen as a safe, big name choice for complex projects if a large enterprise needs to overhaul identity management or set up a Security Operations Center, IBM has done it across the globe and brings proven frameworks. Moreover, IBM has invested in AI for cybersecurity e.g., IBM’s Watson for Cybersecurity and this innovation edge sets them apart in using machine learning to detect threats. Overall, IBM stands out as a global best practice leader with on ground execution in UAE, making it a strong contender for enterprises seeking breadth, depth, and innovation in one package.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: The flip side of IBM’s scale is that they are typically one of the more expensive options. Their services often come with a premium price tag, which can be prohibitive for mid market organizations. IBM also has a reputation for being process heavy and potentially less nimble, smaller clients might find the engagement process bureaucratic or feel that they are a small fish in IBM’s big sea. In some cases, IBM might propose solutions centered around IBM products, which could be seen as vendor bias though those products are often leaders in their category, it’s something to watch if you prefer vendor agnostic advice. Implementations with IBM can be lengthy, thorough but not always fast which might not suit an organization looking for quick wins or a lean approach. Additionally, while IBM has a local presence, their main SOC operations may be global IBM has regional SOCs one in Poland, one in India, etc., for 24/7 coverage. If a client specifically needs all monitoring within UAE, IBM might not do that unless it’s a dedicated on premises SOC deployment, which is costly. Lastly, some newer tech companies might find IBM to be too oriented toward legacy enterprise for example, startups may prefer more cloud native security providers, whereas IBM, though capable in the cloud, is often tied to hybrid on-prem environments too.

Best For: Large enterprises, multinational corporations, and government institutions in the UAE that require a proven, comprehensive security partner with global backing. IBM is ideal for organizations that want the assurance of global best practices and the convenience of a single vendor for a wide range of needs. For instance, a big bank looking to uplift everything from core banking security to cloud migration safeguards to establishing a new SOC would find IBM very suited. IBM is also a top choice when a high level of assurance is needed for stakeholders: boards, auditors, and regulators tend to be comfortable if IBM is handling security. Sectors such as finance where IBM already might provide core IT solutions, aviation, oil & gas, and government which often taps IBM for large projects align well. However, if you are a smaller company or a very agile tech firm, IBM might be more than you need. Those cases are better served by specialized or smaller providers. In summary, pick IBM if you need breadth, reliability, and global grade expertise, and you have the scale/budget to utilize it fully.

Deloitte Cyber Risk Services

Aerial night view of a city with text about AI for sustainable energy systems.

Why They Stand Out: Deloitte stands out for its deep integration of cybersecurity with business and compliance. As a multi disciplinary firm, they understand not just the technical side but also audit, regulatory, and enterprise risk considerations. Many organizations engage Deloitte when they need a trusted external advisor to validate or shape their security program for instance, performing a cyber maturity assessment and benchmarking against peers, or advising the board on cyber risk management. Deloitte’s recommendations carry weight because they are seen as independent and have extensive experience across industries. Additionally, Deloitte has a strong local presence in the Middle East, they have Arabic speaking consultants and have been in UAE for decades, which builds trust and cultural fit. They also actively collaborate with government bodies: notably, Deloitte signed an MoU with the UAE Cyber Security Council to help build national cyber capabilities. This shows their commitment and connection at the national level. Another aspect is the breadth of knowledge Deloitte can bring in experts from other domains. For example, if a cyber issue overlaps with financial risk or forensic investigation, Deloitte can involve specialists from those teams seamlessly. Overall, Deloitte stands out as an elite, strategy focused security advisor that can interface from technical teams up to government committees, known for professionalism and breadth.

Key Strengths:

Potential Limitations: Being a top tier consultancy, cost is high Deloitte’s rates for experienced consultants can be significant, and projects can expand in scope and budget as they dig deeper scope creep, though often for legitimate findings, can be a risk. They also primarily bill in time and materials for advisory work, which some clients might find less predictable than fixed fee arrangements typically offered by smaller firms. Deloitte’s focus on strategy means they may not be the ones to actually operate services long term for example, they might recommend and design a SOC, but a client might then need to hire an MSSP to run it. Deloitte does offer managed services in some regions but it’s not their core in UAE yet. Another consideration is that technical testing is not Deloitte’s main identity while they have capable ethical hackers, highly security savvy clients might prefer a pure security firm for deep technical engagements though Deloitte often hires ex military or ex IBMer talent for their tech roles. In some cases, if you need immediate tactical help like emergency incident response, a large consultancy might have slower mobilization compared to a specialized incident response boutique, Deloitte’s strength is more in planned, methodical engagements than ad hoc quick firefights though they do IR too. Lastly, for very small companies, Deloitte’s offerings might simply be overkill, they cater better to medium and large enterprises with structured management layers that appreciate formal consulting reports and processes.

Best For: Organizations that require top tier advisory typically large enterprises, conglomerates, and government bodies especially those facing complex compliance and governance requirements. Deloitte is the ideal partner for companies that want to benchmark against global standards, design a robust cybersecurity program, or get an objective evaluation of their security posture. For example, a UAE bank seeking to align with both local Central Bank guidelines and international best practices would benefit from Deloitte’s expertise. Government agencies formulating sector wide cybersecurity improvements like a national CERT strategy or smart city security framework also find Deloitte valuable. Additionally, companies preparing for IPOs or major audits often engage Deloitte to ensure their cybersecurity will pass scrutiny. Essentially, choose Deloitte when you need an authoritative voice on cybersecurity strategy and risk management. They will make sure your cybersecurity is not only technically sound but also aligned with business priorities and regulatory expectations. Companies that have a long term vision for cybersecurity and want a roadmap grounded in industry leading practices will get the most out of Deloitte. Conversely, if your needs are very tactical or purely technical like just a quick pentest, a different provider might be more cost effective, Deloitte shines when integrated into higher level planning and oversight of cybersecurity initiatives.

To summarize the top companies and their focus areas at a glance, the comparison table below highlights key differences:

CompanySpecializationBest ForRegion PresenceCompliance AlignmentIdeal Client Size
DeepStrikePenetration Testing & PTaaSAdvanced manual pentesting, continuous testingGlobal UAE & USAReports mapped to SOC2, ISO27001, PCI, team with OSCP/OSWEMid size tech firms to large enterprises security focused
CPXEnd to end Cyber & Physical SecurityGovernment and large enterprise full service securityUAE NationalDeep knowledge of NESA, ISR gov standards, building national cyber capabilities/Government agencies, large critical orgs
Help AGManaged Security & ConsultingIn country SOC and broad cybersecurity servicesUAE & KSA Middle EastLocally compliant NESA, etc. monitoring, ISO27001 certified operationsLarge enterprises and govt 1000+ users
InjazatSecure Cloud & IT OutsourcingIntegrated IT + security projects cloud, smart infrastructureUAE Abu DhabiISO27001, Tier IV DC, adheres to UAE gov regulations ADSICLarge/enterprise or public sector
ValueMentorCompliance & Pentesting for SMB/MidCost effective VAPT & compliance advisoryUAE Dubai + GlobalPCI QSA, ISO9001/27001 certified, SWIFT assessorSMBs to mid market 50–1000 users
AHADOffensive Security & Threat IntelRed teaming and specialized cyber intel servicesUAE DubaiAligns tests to ISO27001, ISR, NESA, focuses on regulatory compliance in advisoryMid sized enterprises, tech startups
IBM SecurityManaged Security & IntegrationGlobal standard security operations & solutionsGlobal UAE officesHelps with ISO27001, NIST adoption, products meet GDPR, etc. IBM X Force feeds for complianceVery large enterprises 1000+ employees
DeloitteCyber Strategy & Risk ConsultingCyber governance, compliance and holistic risk managementGlobal UAE practiceExpert in ISO27001, NESA, GDPR compliance, trusted by regulatorsLarge enterprises, regulated industries, gov’t

Enterprise vs SMBWhich Type of Provider Do You Need?

When selecting a cybersecurity partner, one size does not fit all. The needs of a large enterprise versus a small/medium business SMB can differ greatly, and accordingly, so should the type of provider you choose. Here’s how to decide:

For Large Enterprises: Big organizations think thousands of employees, multiple locations, complex IT environments often benefit from larger providers or very specialized firms:

For SMBs and Mid market: Smaller organizations from startups up to perhaps a few hundred employees have different challenges typically limited budgets and in house skills. They often fare better with specialized or smaller providers:

When to Mix and Match: In reality, many organizations find value in using a combination of providers. For example, an enterprise might use a big name for high level strategy and compliance consulting, but a specialized shop for niche needs like a yearly red team exercise to double check the big provider’s work defense in depth through diversity. Similarly, an SMB might primarily use a mid-sized MSSP but occasionally bring in a Big Four consultant for a one time regulatory audit prep to get that external stamp of approval for investors. There’s no rule against using multiple providers as long as roles are clear and well coordinated.

Red Flags to Watch: Regardless of your size, be cautious of mismatches:

In conclusion, assess your organization’s scale, risk profile, and internal capabilities. Enterprises should leverage providers that enhance or extend their robust internal teams and satisfy governance demands. SMBs should look for efficient partners who can become a virtual security team, covering the essentials without breaking the bank. The good news is the UAE market now offers great options for both ends of the spectrum as the listings above show. It’s all about picking the right tool for the job or in this case, the right guardian for your digital assets.

FAQs

The cost of penetration testing can vary widely based on scope and complexity. In the UAE, a small scale test e.g. a simple web app or network with few IPs might start around AED 7,000–15,000, while a comprehensive test for a large environment can run into tens of thousands of dirhams. Typical regional pentests often range from about $2,000 up to $50,000 for extensive engagements. Factors influencing the price include the number of systems in scope, the depth of testing automated scan vs. full manual exploitation, and the required certifications or reporting standards. For example, a PCI DSS compliance pentest might cost more because it requires a certified tester and specific reporting format. While price is important, remember to evaluate what you’re getting. A slightly more expensive provider that does deep manual testing and provides a thorough report can be far more valuable than a cheap scan that misses critical vulnerabilities. Always request a detailed scope of work so you know what’s included hours of testing, number of testers, re testing policy, etc.. Many providers offer free scoping consultations to give you a custom quote.

Certifications and tools both have their place, but expertise generally trumps tools. Certifications such as OSCP Offensive Security Certified Professional or CISSP demonstrate that an individual has proven knowledge and skill in certain areas, for instance, OSCP holders must manually hack into test systems, which shows hands-on ability. A provider with certified staff is a good sign, it means they invest in training and adhere to industry standards. On the other hand, tools like vulnerability scanners, SIEM platforms, etc. are just that tools. In untrained hands, the best tools won’t yield good security outcomes. A talented expert can use even basic tools to great effect, while a novice might misconfigure a world class tool. Ideally, you want a provider with both: skilled people who know how to leverage advanced tools. For example, in penetration testing, automated scanners might catch common issues, but a skilled tester perhaps OSCP certified will find the subtle logic flaws or chaining of low risk bugs into a major breach. The bottom line: prioritize providers with strong team qualifications and methodologies. In proposals, look for mentions of specific frameworks OWASP, NIST and certifications, which indicate the provider follows best practices. Tools matter especially for things like continuous monitoring where good technology can mean better detection but they should be operated by experts and integrated into a broader strategy. Don’t be swayed by shiny tool features alone, ask who will run those tools and how they validate and interpret the results.

The duration of a penetration test depends on scope and depth:

Keep in mind, these timelines include the reporting phase, which is crucial. Active testing might be shorter, followed by time to document findings and recommendations properly. Also, if the test is segmented into phases e.g., external attack, then internal network, then application, each phase adds time. For a penetration test, you should also budget time for a re test after you fix the issues. Many providers include one re-test within a certain window say 30-60 days after the initial test to verify that high risk vulnerabilities were successfully patched. That window gives you time to remediate. In terms of effort, providers often allocate a team of 1–3 testers for SMB projects and larger teams for enterprise projects. From the client side, factor in time to gather scope details and to have a kickoff meeting. One thing to note: quality shouldn’t be rushed. Be wary of any promise to do a thorough pentest in a couple of days, it might indicate a shallow automated scan. At the same time, extremely prolonged projects might mean scope creep or inefficiency. Clear scoping at the start helps set a realistic schedule.

A professional security assessment report is typically delivered in a document often PDF or Word that includes:

Additionally, some providers include an attestation letter or compliance letter if the assessment was for a compliance need e.g., a letter stating an ASV scan was done for PCI, or penetration test was done as per requirements. Also, you might receive raw data separately like scan results but the main report is the polished, human reviewed artifact. Make sure the report offers clarity and not just scanner output, a report that reads like raw tool results can be hard to interpret. You’re paying for expert analysis, which should reflect in the clarity of explanation and tailored advice. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask a prospective provider for a sample redacted report before signing up, to gauge their reporting quality.

Regularly and after significant changes. A common baseline is at least once a year for a full scope penetration test of your critical systems. Many standards and regulators including UAE’s NESA, and industry standards like PCI DSS require or recommend annual testing. However, given the rapidly evolving threat landscape, many organizations are moving to more frequent assessments:

Also consider varying the types of assessments: one year you might do a full red team exercise to simulate a real attacker without prior notice to test detection/response, while another time you might do a focused application security review with source code analysis. If resources are limited, prioritize by risk: systems handling sensitive data or facing the internet should be tested more often than internal low risk systems. Remember, threats are continuous, new vulnerabilities zero days appear monthly, and an environment secure 6 months ago might now be at risk due to newly disclosed flaws, for instance, a new critical bug in your firewall or VPN. Regular testing helps catch these. A statistic to consider: over 87% of companies reported a cyber incident in the past year. Frequent testing and remediation can significantly lower the chance that your organization becomes part of that statistic. In summary, annual testing is the minimum, but quarterly to semi-annual cadence for critical assets is increasingly the norm for strong security programs, supplemented by continuous scanning and monitoring.

Internal IT and security teams are invaluable, but partnering with an external provider can complement and strengthen your security in several ways:

In essence, think of an external provider as force multiplication for your internal team. Your team retains ownership and knowledge of your business, while the provider brings additional expertise, manpower, and perspective to bolster the defense. Many successful organizations use a hybrid model: the in-house team handles critical business as usual security, and external experts are brought in for advanced testing, major deployments, or continuous monitoring support. This allows your internal team to focus on what they do best and on strategic initiatives specific to your organization while ensuring no aspect of security is left unaddressed. The goal isn’t to replace your IT/security staff, but to enable them with better insights, validation of their efforts, and help in areas that are too onerous or specialized to do alone.

When engaging a cybersecurity provider, the contract and Service Level Agreement SLA terms are crucial to set expectations. Key things to look for include:

Always read these documents carefully and involve your legal counsel. It may sound dry, but cybersecurity contracts are about trusting someone with the keys to your kingdom. You want the rules of that engagement well defined. Don’t hesitate to negotiate terms that are deal breakers for you, reputable providers are used to this and will work to accommodate reasonable requests within their policy limits. The goal is to forge a partnership where both sides understand their roles and responsibilities clearly, so when the pressure is on like during a cyber incident or a critical test, there’s no ambiguity about who does what and how.

Selecting a cybersecurity partner is a significant decision that should be guided by objective research and your organization’s specific needs. In this article, we presented an independent ranking of top UAE cybersecurity companies, ranging from niche specialists to global powerhouses. The evaluation was driven by clear criteria technical expertise, service quality, industry track record, and alignment with regional requirements rather than marketing claims.

It’s worth noting that every provider has its strengths and limitations, there is no one perfect company for all scenarios. The UAE is fortunate to have a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem, with local firms like CPX and Help AG shaping the national landscape, and international players like IBM and Deloitte bringing global best practices. This diversity means you can find a tailored fit. A neutral approach, like we’ve taken here, helps cut through hype. For example, we transparently included DeepStrike, the sponsor of this research, as the top overall pick based on the methodology applied uniformly, and we openly noted where each company shines or falls short. Such transparency is vital for trust after all, cybersecurity is ultimately about trust.

As you approach your decision, engage in a dialogue with potential providers. Ask for references, pose scenario based questions How would you handle X situation?, and evaluate responsiveness. The right partner should not only have credentials on paper but also resonate with your organization’s culture and risk appetite. Remember that cybersecurity isn’t a one time project but an ongoing journey the partner you choose will likely work closely with your team, perhaps even embedded as an extension of it. So factors like communication style, flexibility, and ethical stance are as important as technical prowess.

Finally, remain vendor neutral and evidence driven in your decision making. It’s wise to keep an open mind and perhaps trial a provider with a small engagement before committing long term. Some organizations do a bake off e.g., two firms conduct parallel tests or phases to directly compare outputs. Whatever approach you choose, make sure it’s informed by comprehensive analysis. We hope this report contributed to that and aligned to your strategic security goals.

Cyber threats will undoubtedly continue to rise from ransomware to AI powered attacks but with the right expertise at your side, you can navigate this landscape confidently. By investing the effort to choose a top tier provider now, you’re taking a proactive step toward bolstering your defenses and protecting what matters most: your data, operations, and customers. Here’s to a secure 2025 and beyond for your organization.

About the Author

Mohammed Khalil is a Cybersecurity Architect at DeepStrike, specializing in advanced penetration testing and offensive security operations. With certifications including CISSP, OSCP, and OSWE, he has led numerous red team engagements for Fortune 500 companies, focusing on cloud security, application vulnerabilities, and adversary emulation. His work involves dissecting complex attack chains and developing resilient defense strategies for clients in the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.

background
Let's hack you before real hackers do

Stay secure with DeepStrike penetration testing services. Reach out for a quote or customized technical proposal today

Contact Us