Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced the launch of a pioneering Cybersecurity Seminars programme in collaboration with Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71. The initiative, the first of its kind in the Middle East, aims to enhance cybersecurity skills and provide hands-on training for students, as well as public and private sector professionals.
Khalifa University will spearhead the programme, supporting universities across the UAE in delivering a comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum.
The initiative will offer training courses to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in cybersecurity, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to navigate an increasingly digital world.
Prof. Bayan Sharif, Provost at Khalifa University, stated: “The collaboration with Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71 exemplifies our foresight and commitment to developing human capital and special expertise, especially in the rapidly advancing digital arena. This programme is also in line with the UAE’s policies to create an ecosystem and cement the status of the country as a global hub for advanced technology and artificial intelligence. We believe through this programme the entire Middle East region will gain access to a diverse, multidisciplinary pool of talent in the digital technology field that will be able to tackle challenges to digital security and ensure data remains secure for organisations and individuals.”
Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, added: “This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to fortifying cybersecurity across all sectors by equipping the next generation with critical knowledge and practical skills. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, programmes like these serve as vital building blocks to ensure resilience, innovation, and security in our digital ecosystem. Our continued partnership with Khalifa University and Google.org is completing our efforts to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors and driving the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in cybersecurity excellence.”
The Cybersecurity Seminars programme will be overseen by Prof. Ernesto Damiani, Dean of the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and Director of the Centre for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), alongside Dr Luigi Martino, Research Scientist at C2PS. CyberE71, an initiative by the UAE Cyber Security Council, is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
As part of its broader commitment to bolstering global cybersecurity, the UAE Cyber Security Council actively supports partnerships that contribute to building a resilient digital infrastructure. Through collaborative efforts, the Council aims to promote cybersecurity awareness worldwide, ensuring safer digital environments for all.
Google.org, through its funding programme, supports higher education institutions in providing students with pathways into cybersecurity careers. The initiative seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce with practical experience to safeguard communities in the Middle East against cyber threats.
The Google Cybersecurity Seminars will be offered in multiple formats, including summer schools, evening courses spanning a trimester, and university-accredited courses. These options will enable students to explore the cybersecurity field while gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the digital defence of under-resourced community organisations.
University-led cybersecurity seminars address two key objectives: building cybersecurity capacity within communities and equipping the next generation with real-world job experience. Through this programme, Khalifa University will provide a fully developed syllabus, implementation support, and additional educational resources to ensure effective training delivery.
