Assessing cybersecurity in public internet spaces: A study of UAE cyber café users’ risk perceptions

Cyber cafés in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) serve as critical digital access points for a diverse population including Emiratis, expatriates, and tourists. However, these shared spaces also come with substantial cybersecurity risks. Open networks, varied user behaviours, and limited security enforcement create vulnerabilities that can be exploited. The present study explores how different user groups perceive cybersecurity, their awareness of risks, and their experiences of cyber incidents in cyber cafes. We conducted a quantitative survey with 259 respondents. We analysed variations in cybersecurity concerns, past incident experiences, and trust in existing security measures. The findings disclosed that Emiratis express greater trust in the security measures of cyber cafés compared to expatriate users. Yet, paradoxically, participants demonstrate similar level of privacy concerns. Cyber cafés, while implementing basic security protocols, still fall short in key areas. User education remains insufficient. Enforcement of security guidelines is inconsistent. To address these gaps, targeted awareness campaigns and stronger policy interventions are necessary. Public digital spaces like cyber cafés require more than just basic protections. The study contributes to the growing body of cybersecurity literature and provides actionable recommendations for improving user security in UAE cyber cafés.