Abu Dhabi: A pioneering cybersecurity program, the first of its kind in the Middle East, is set to launch in the UAE. Khalifa University, in partnership with Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71, is spearheading the initiative. The initiative aims to bolster cybersecurity skills and provide crucial hands-on training, addressing the growing need for expertise in the region’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Khalifa University will facilitate the program, extending its comprehensive cybersecurity training curriculum to universities across the UAE. The program will offer courses to students and professionals from both the public and private sectors, including those with no prior experience in cybersecurity.
“This collaboration signifies our commitment to developing human capital in the digital arena,” stated Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost of Khalifa University. “This program aligns with the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for advanced technology and artificial intelligence. We believe it will create a diverse pool of talent capable of tackling digital security challenges.”
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, emphasized the program’s role in strengthening national cybersecurity. “As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, initiatives like these are vital for ensuring resilience and security in our digital ecosystem,” he said.
The Cybersecurity Seminars program, supervised by experts from Khalifa University’s Center for Cyber-Physical Systems, will be delivered through various formats, including summer schools, evening courses, and credit-worthy university modules. This flexibility aims to make cybersecurity training accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Google.org’s funding program will support higher education institutions in providing students with real-world cybersecurity experience, strengthening the region’s digital defences. The program will also offer resources and support to universities to implement the curriculum effectively.
By empowering individuals with essential cybersecurity skills, this initiative is poised to create a more secure digital environment for organizations and individuals across the Middle East. It marks a significant step towards building a robust cybersecurity ecosystem in the UAE and beyond.
