UAE Minister Issues Public Warning Over Deepfake Investment Scams Using His Image
In a stark warning at GITEX Global 2025, UAE’s Economy Minister Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri has publicly denounced a series of fraudulent videos circulating online that use AI-generated deepfake technology to show him endorsing specific shares and investment schemes. The minister urgently advised the public not to trust these fabricated clips, emphasizing that they are entirely fake.
During a Q&A session, Minister Al Marri stated unequivocally, “I never did that in my life. Please be aware that I will never do it. I would never say come and invest in these shares. It’s actually a deepfake.” His comments represent a high-level governmental response to the growing threat of AI-powered financial fraud.
The Rising Threat of Deepfake Scams
The minister’s warning highlights a dangerous new trend where malicious actors use artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic but completely fake audio and video content. These sophisticated deepfakes have increasingly featured senior officials and celebrities to lend credibility to fraudulent investment schemes, duping unsuspecting viewers into depositing money.
These videos pose a dual threat: they damage the reputation of public figures and severely erode public trust. Minister Al Marri stressed that such manipulated content is designed to mislead, and he reiterated that official financial advice or endorsements from government officials will only ever be communicated through verified, official channels.
A Call for Detection Technology and Digital Vigilance
Beyond the warning, the minister voiced deep concern about safeguarding personal identity in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. He emphasized the urgent need for advanced technologies and collaborative global frameworks that can effectively detect, verify, and flag manipulated media before it spreads. His appeal highlights the growing challenge governments face in balancing innovation with regulation—ensuring that artificial intelligence serves society without becoming a tool for deception or harm.
For the public, the incident serves as a powerful reminder to maintain digital skepticism and think critically about what they consume online. In an era where deepfakes and synthetic voices can convincingly mimic reality, simply seeing or hearing a public figure no longer guarantees authenticity. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, verify information from trusted sources, and develop stronger digital literacy to navigate this evolving information landscape responsibly:
Verify through official sources: Always check the official websites and social media channels of government entities for any announcements.
Be skeptical of “guaranteed” returns: Be highly wary of any video, even one featuring a trusted figure, promoting investment opportunities with high, guaranteed returns.
Question unusual content: If a video seems out of context or promotes something unlikely, it is probably fake.
Broader Vision: UAE’s AI Strategy and Economic Diversification
Minister Al Marri also used his GITEX platform to outline the UAE’s broader economic and technological ambitions. He framed leadership in Artificial Intelligence as a matter of “national sovereignty,” comparable to investments in defense or cybersecurity.
He highlighted the nation’s significant progress in economic diversification, revealing that the non-oil sector’s contribution to the GDP has grown from 69% five years ago to 77.3% today, with a target to push this figure even higher.
Key to this tech-driven future are initiatives like the UAE’s AI university, expanded residency programs for skilled professionals, and strategic partnerships with leading technology firms such as G42. These efforts are part of a comprehensive national strategy to cultivate homegrown talent, attract global innovators, and fully integrate AI across all sectors of society and industry.
The minister’s dual message is clear: while the UAE is boldly charging towards a future built on AI and a diversified economy, it remains acutely aware of the associated risks and is taking proactive steps to protect its citizens in the evolving digital landscape.