In the last few decades, the activities of ransomware in the Gulf have increased, and now turned into a full-fledged persistent and organized threat landscape. Various factors have contributed to this trend, like, well-funded cybercriminal groups that leverage advanced tactics to target unsuspecting victims.
The Middle East, particularly nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, has become a high-value target for ransomware groups and threat actors. But the region is slowly building the phase to fight against these cybercriminal organizations, however, in the process, ransomware operators are exploiting these cybersecurity gaps.
Cyble, a global cybersecurity threat intelligence leader, has been at the forefront of tracking these developments, providing invaluable visibility into the threat ecosystem impacting the Gulf region.
The Rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service in the Gulf
One of the most defining trends in ransomware in the Gulf is the proliferation of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) models. Groups no longer need to build custom malware; instead, they can simply subscribe to a ransomware-as-a-service provider, complete with support and infrastructure. This has led to an alarming rise in the number of threat actors targeting organizations in the Gulf.
Notably, Cyble’s threat intelligence platform has observed several RaaS affiliates deploying targeted payloads against Middle Eastern critical sectors, including oil and gas, finance, and public administration. The commoditization of ransomware through RaaS is a key factor accelerating Gulf cybersecurity ransomware trends, making even low-skilled actors capable of launching high-impact attacks.
Major Ransomware Groups Operating in the Middle East
Among the groups currently active in the region, three in particular have gained notoriety:
- Conti ransomware UAE: Though officially dismantled, remnants of Conti’s infrastructure and its affiliates continue to haunt Gulf networks. Some threat actors now rebrand under new names, but reuse Conti’s tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), causing disruptions across the UAE’s healthcare and public sectors.
- Qilin ransomware Middle East: Known for its aggressive double extortion techniques, Qilin has launched targeted attacks on logistics and energy firms in the Middle East. Cyble has linked several of these incidents to breaches that resulted in large volumes of sensitive data being dumped on data leak sites Gulf ransomware.
- DarkVault ransomware Gulf: A relatively new but highly capable player, DarkVault has been active since late 2024. It specifically targets high-availability systems, like those in financial services and transportation, using zero-day exploits. Cyble reports indicate DarkVault recently compromised systems in Qatar and Oman, leveraging unpatched enterprise VPN flaws.
These actors aren’t just deploying off-the-shelf malware, they are innovating. Cyble Research Labs has observed the use of novel attack chains, including SSH downgrade exploits and supply chain infiltration tactics, further complicating defense efforts in the Gulf.
Critical Infrastructure in the Crosshairs
The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most critical infrastructure, making it an attractive target for ransomware actors. Sectors including oil and gas, telecommunications, maritime logistics, and government services have reported spikes in targeted ransomware campaigns.
Cyble has tracked the strategic use of CVEs such as CVE‑2024‑4577 and CVE‑2024‑26169, which were exploited almost immediately after disclosure. These were used in campaigns involving TellYouThePass and other ransomware variants to gain initial access, steal credentials, and laterally move across networks before deploying payloads.
Moreover, recent maritime vulnerability research by Cyble revealed over a dozen CVEs in operational tech used aboard ships and in port automation systems. The risks here are not theoretical disruption to maritime logistics that could cripple regional economies. This reinforces the need for more focused Gulf cybersecurity ransomware trends to prioritize maritime and logistics sectors.
Data Leak Sites: A Tool of Psychological Warfare
The rise of data leak sites Gulf ransomware is not just about extortion; it’s about reputation damage and psychological warfare. Threat groups increasingly exfiltrate large volumes of data and threaten public disclosure if ransoms aren’t paid.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Cyble recorded over 90 unique entries on dark web data leak sites related to Gulf-based organizations. Industries affected range from oil and gas to aviation and healthcare.
These leaks often include financial data, strategic communications, and personal identifiable information, placing enormous pressure on victims to pay up quickly.
The Regional Response: Policy and Preparedness
Governments across the Gulf are stepping up to fight this tide of ransomware. Saudi Arabia has fortified its Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC), while Qatar has implemented stringent data protection laws. Oman’s Basic Security Controls (BSC) framework continues to evolve, helping both public and private entities enhance cyber hygiene.
But regulation alone isn’t enough. Organizations must proactively defend themselves with:
- Real-time patching and monitoring
- AI-driven threat detection tools
- Secure third-party and vendor management
- Segregation of IT and OT networks
- Industry-wide threat intel sharing
This is where Cyble stands out. With its AI-powered threat intelligence platform, Cyble provides organizations with predictive insights into ongoing ransomware threats. Its solutions offer real-time visibility into the deepweb, darkweb, and surface web, helping clients stay protected from ransomware actors and data leaks.
Conclusion
Ransomware in the Gulf isn’t just a passing phase; it’s an ongoing crisis. The increasing accessibility of RaaS, the rise of DarkVault ransomware Gulf, and the aggressive tactics of groups like Qilin ransomware Middle East indicate a dangerous trajectory. Organizations that fail to act quickly and decisively may find themselves exposed on data leak sites Gulf ransomware, with long-lasting financial and reputational damage.
Cyble continues to be a key player in helping the region build a proactive defense strategy. With its comprehensive visibility and threat research, Cyble is not only tracking adversaries but helping organizations neutralize them before damage is done.
In the coming months, as ransomware in the Gulf intensifies, only intelligence-led security operations will stand resilient. The future of Gulf cybersecurity hinges on early detection, rapid response, and continuous vigilance, an approach Cyble is uniquely positioned to lead.
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