Dubai: Two experts in the field of technical security and digital privacy have warned of fraudulent links containing fake back-to-school offers, which are being promoted through social media and the internet, and which aim to hack into individuals' accounts and data, noting that these links include tempting and exaggerated discounts to attract consumers.They pointed out that internet hackers exploit the peak of various shopping seasons, such as the back-to-school season, to spread fraudulent links containing fake offers.They warned against clicking on any unreliable links via social media or search engines, or sharing any financial data requested through those links, calling for not trusting offers that include exaggerated or illogical discounts, and checking the addresses of the links and the accuracy of the names of the stores that offer those deals.Fake offersMaher Yammout, senior security researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team for Digital Security Systems. Picture credit: SuppliedMaher Yammout, senior security researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team for Digital Security Systems, said: “Cybercriminals are currently resorting to spreading fraudulent links containing fake offers launched in conjunction with the back-to-school season through social media or online search platforms, targeting consumers and defrauding them in order to compromise their data and accounts.”He explained that fraud attempts via fake offer links come as attackers exploit families' increased shopping during peak seasons, such as the back-to-school season, which sees high demand for school supplies through offers at low prices.Yammout added that “pirates are posting fraudulent links that look similar to real offers, and include tempting and exaggerated discounts to attract consumers and push them to click on them and enter them.”He pointed out that these links are published or circulated through social media, calling on users not to trust them, and to resort to the official websites and platforms of the stores that these links impersonate, to verify the validity of the offers, without clicking on the links circulated through social media.Yammout stated that “fraudulent links appearing through search engines require more awareness from users, and they should not click on links that lead to unreliable sites, especially if the offers are exaggerated or illogical, and it is necessary to check the addresses of the links to ensure the validity of the names of the stores that offer those deals.”He explained that some digital advertisements broadcast through many free applications, collect information and data about users, which can be used in various fields, while hackers may exploit it to launch attacks targeting individuals, according to their monitored interests, including items related to the back-to-school season.He pointed out the importance of using secure search engines and checking the authenticity of links published on the internet, which may exploit the names of famous stores, but contain different letters when checked.Check before clickingFor his part, researcher and digital security expert Omar Amin said: “It is important for internet users to have sufficient awareness to avoid being exploited by fake offer links that are published in conjunction with the back-to-school season, with the aim of hacking consumer data and accounts.”He added that "these links are being shared on social media in the form of fake and enticing offers, to attract consumers," stressing the importance of not clicking on them or sharing any financial data requested through unreliable links.Amin explained that it is important to use reliable digital protection systems on devices and to check any link, whether through social media or search engines, before clicking on it, especially when presented with offers that may be illogical or exaggerated.

Stockholm: The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) took part in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a trusted global partner and a leader in advancing water resilience and integrated water and energy governance.Led by Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy, the delegation brought together senior energy-sector leaders from the UAE.Throughout the week, the delegation met with governments, regulators, international organisations, academic institutions and industry leaders to explore practical partnerships that strengthen the resilience of water and energy systems and support sustainable economic development.World Water Week is one of the world’s leading forums for water policy and international cooperation, bringing together decision-makers from across the globe to address the critical challenges shaping the future of water security.Through its participation, DoE showcased Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to governance, regulation and long-term planning, and how these efforts are strengthening water resilience, safeguarding essential services and supporting sustainable growth.Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan participated in the high-level ministerial panel, Shaping the Future Through Water, where he shared Abu Dhabi’s experience of more than 50 years in building a resilient water system based on source diversification, efficient resource use, governance and innovation.He said, "It is important not to equate water abundance with water security. The difference lies in water resilience. Resilience means building a system with the capabilities to make effective use of available resources and diversify them, making the system safe, sustainable and affordable.”He also participated in the session, "Water Resilience by Design: Protecting People and Enabling Progress", which explored the importance of embedding resilience across water and energy systems through integrated planning, governance and investment, strengthening system readiness and the ability to maintain essential services under different conditions.The department also presented the Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Resilience Framework. The framework integrates policy, regulation, infrastructure planning and innovation, providing a practical model for strengthening the long-term resilience of Abu Dhabi’s water and energy sectors.Commenting on the participation, Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan said, "Abu Dhabi continues to advance an integrated, forward-looking approach to water and energy resilience, built on long-term planning, progressive regulation, innovation and high-impact international partnerships. As water challenges intensify, the priority must be to move beyond dialogue and translate resilience into practical, implementable solutions that enhance system readiness, reliability and sustainability, while safeguarding vital services and supporting sustainable economic growth.”He added, "World Water Week in Stockholm is an important platform to deepen cooperation with our international partners, exchange expertise and broaden joint action on solutions and policies that can respond to future challenges. We will carry this momentum into Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week 2026, bringing together decision-makers, regulators, investors, technology leaders and experts to build on international dialogue through practical partnerships and initiatives that deliver tangible impact, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as an active global partner in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for water and energy.”As part of its programme in Stockholm, the department held a series of meetings, media interviews and engagements with partners to exchange expertise, explore areas of cooperation and advance dialogue on water and energy resilience and integrated planning.In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the department also hosted a stakeholder reception at its booth, bringing together leaders, experts and partners to exchange perspectives, explore opportunities for collaboration and share Abu Dhabi’s experience in strengthening water resilience.The gathering also continued to build momentum towards the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which Abu Dhabi will host in December.During the reception, Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan said, "Water has no boundaries, and neither should solutions. What works should be scaled, and today we have the opportunity to expand proven solutions and turn them into reality. Partnership is the key, and innovation is what will differentiate us.”From Stockholm, Dr. Al Jarwan invited partners from around the world to come to Abu Dhabi in December to bring their toughest challenges and best solutions, and to work together to deliver tangible results, alongside the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and Abu Dhabi Water and Power Week.DoE’s participation further underscored the emirate’s growing role as a global convening platform for governments, regulators, investors, innovators and research institutions working to advance more resilient water and energy systems.The conversations and partnerships developed in Stockholm will continue at Abu Dhabi Water and Power Week later this year, creating a clear pathway from international dialogue to practical collaboration and implementation.Through sustained international engagement, the department is helping position Abu Dhabi as a global centre for regulatory excellence, policy innovation and international cooperation, while contributing to wider efforts to build more resilient and sustainable water and energy systems worldwide.