The SANS Institute, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certifications, has announced the organization of two significant training events in the United Arab Emirates in May 2025. The events, SANS Abu Dhabi May 2025 and SANS Dubai May 2025, will take place from May 18 to 23 and May 25 to 30, respectively. These events will feature a selection of world-class courses designed to assist cybersecurity professionals in the Middle East in enhancing their skills to combat advanced cyber threats.

The cybersecurity landscape in the UAE is facing increasing challenges, with over 223 800 exposed assets reported and half of all critical vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed for more than five years. The 2025 State of the UAE Cybersecurity Report highlights that misconfigurations and improper usage are leading causes of incidents, while threats powered by artificial intelligence, such as phishing and deepfakes, are becoming more prevalent. Given that government, finance, and energy sectors are major targets, enhancing cyber resilience has become a national priority.

Ned Baltagi, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at SANS Institute, emphasized the urgency of addressing these threats, stating, “The UAE’s rapid digital growth has positioned the country as a prime target for increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.” He added that their mission-focused training in Abu Dhabi and Dubai aims to elevate the capabilities of teams, covering areas such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and forensics, to strengthen their defense against evolving threats.

SANS Abu Dhabi May 2025 will be held at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and will include courses such as ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials and FOR572: Advanced Network Forensics. A Community Night session on May 19 will feature a free talk titled ‘Tales from the Cryptography,’ discussing real-world cryptographic failures from 2024 and their implications in cybersecurity.

In Dubai, SANS Dubai May 2025 will occur at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, offering courses like SEC565: Red Team Operations and SEC566: Implementing and Auditing CIS Controls. A Community Night session on May 26 will address recurring vulnerabilities across organizations, prompting critical discussions about improvements in security posture.

Both events will be led by SANS-certified instructors with extensive real-world experience. Participants will gain internationally recognized GIAC certifications, practical lab experience, and case studies, equipping them with actionable skills applicable in their professional roles.