Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced the launch of the first Cybersecurity Seminars programme in the Middle East. This initiative is developed in partnership with Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71. The programme aims to enhance cybersecurity skill development and provide hands-on training to participants across the region.

The university will lead the implementation of this programme, which will facilitate the delivery of a comprehensive cybersecurity training curriculum to universities throughout the UAE. Courses will be accessible not only to students but also to public and private sector representatives, including individuals with no prior experience in the field.

Prof. Bayan Sharif, the Provost of Khalifa University, emphasized that the collaboration with Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71 showcases their dedication to developing human capital in the digital realm. He stated that the programme aligns with the UAE’s policies aimed at establishing the country as a global hub for advanced technology and artificial intelligence. Sharif believes this initiative will provide the entire Middle East region access to a diverse talent pool capable of addressing digital security challenges.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, remarked that this initiative underlines the UAE’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity across all sectors. He noted the importance of equipping the next generation with essential knowledge and practical skills to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Al Kuwaiti highlighted that such programmes are critical for building resilience and innovation within the digital ecosystem, enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors in line with the UAE’s vision for cybersecurity excellence.

The Cybersecurity Seminars programme will be overseen by Prof. Ernesto Damiani, Dean of the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Dr. Luigi Martino, a Research Scientist at the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS). CyberE71, an initiative by the Cyber Security Council, focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and enhancing the cybersecurity ecosystem in the UAE.

This programme reflects Khalifa University’s ongoing commitment to global cybersecurity. The Cyber Security Council actively supports partnerships that contribute to a robust digital ecosystem, aiming to spread cybersecurity culture globally to create safer digital environments.

Google.org will provide support to higher education institutions through funding, enabling students to explore career pathways in cybersecurity and gain the necessary real-world experience to protect communities in the Middle East from cyber threats.

The Google Cybersecurity Seminars will be available in various formats, including a summer school, evening courses over a trimester, or as credit-worthy courses. This flexibility is designed to help students delve into cybersecurity and gain practical experience while contributing to the digital defenses of under-resourced community organizations.

Khalifa University will provide a well-structured course syllabus, implementation support, and additional educational resources, addressing the dual needs of building cybersecurity capacity in communities and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with real-world job experience.