Businesses brace for a rise of cyberattacks during Ramadan 2026
Cybersecurity experts are advising UAE companies to prepare for a rise in online attacks during Ramadan, a time when internet usage across the country reaches one of its highest annual peaks.
Recent findings from Qrator Labs indicate that the continued expansion of digital commerce during the holy month is creating favorable conditions for distributed denial-of-service attacks, bot-driven disruptions, and a variety of online fraud schemes.
The alert follows growing signs that threat actors are aligning their operations with seasonal consumer trends. In the first quarter of 2025, which included Ramadan, e-commerce was among the three most targeted sectors for DDoS attacks. It accounted for 21.5% of all L3 and L4 attacks and 14.4% of L7 application-layer incidents, according to Qrator Labs. Malicious automated traffic mirrored this pattern. In March 2025, bot activity rose 28% from the previous month, with online retail platforms accounting for 40.7% of identified bot traffic.
The most severe disruption occurred on March 9, 2025, when an e-commerce site experienced a barrage of up to 56,500 automated requests per second. The surge briefly strained the platform during a period of heavy Ramadan shopping activity.
The risks for UAE retailers are intensifying as more consumers shift to digital purchasing during Ramadan evenings. Market data from 2025 showed that online grocery and food sales increased by 11% during the month. Fashion purchases rose 46%, while cosmetics sales surged 64%, largely fueled by Eid spending. Analysts note that these concentrated, high-revenue periods create attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking maximum financial impact.
Independent cybersecurity professionals share similar concerns. UAE authorities are reportedly blocking as many as 200,000 attempted cyberattacks each day, with 128 confirmed incidents so far in 2026, most attributed to financially motivated groups. At the same time, specialists warn that phishing schemes, counterfeit shopping sites, and fake donation campaigns tend to rise during Ramadan, taking advantage of increased late-night browsing and charitable activity.
As Ramadan 2026 is underway, analysts emphasize that heightened awareness will be critical for both businesses and consumers. While the month is associated with reflection and generosity, it also presents a prime opportunity for cybercriminals.
