SANS Institute will bring advanced cybersecurity training to GISEC Global 2026, set to take place from September 16 to 18 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. The global training and certification leader will offer certified sessions and three technical workshops covering AI security, ICS/OT, and cybersecurity leadership.

Consequently, the programs aim to strengthen UAE cyber readiness. They will address the skills needed to navigate the region’s fast-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Cyber resilience depends on strong systems as well as skilled professionals. This principle is central to the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which lays out five pillars and 60 initiatives to build the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem. In support of this goal, SANS Institute has partnered with the UAE Cybersecurity Council. The two organizations formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2025, expanding access to advanced training and globally recognized certifications.

“As the attack surface expands and technologies like AI reshape both cyber risk and defense, businesses need professionals who can turn knowledge into action,” said Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute. He added that building cyber resilience ultimately means building capability, and that this requires practical skills grounded in real-world threats. According to Baltagi, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has played a key role in advancing that capability. He noted that GISEC offers an important platform to combine hands-on training with industry and government engagement, equipping professionals to secure AI, protect critical infrastructure, manage third-party risk, and make informed security decisions.

GISEC Global 2026 carries the theme “Everything Cybersecurity: Quantum Ready, AI-Resilient.” This theme aligns closely with the goals of SANS Institute’s cybersecurity training programs. During the event, the company will also showcase its Gulf Edition of the AI Security Maturity Model and its AI Cybersecurity Career Guide. In addition, new GIAC certifications will be introduced, covering offensive AI, red team automation, model integrity, and AI operations. Furthermore, SANS will highlight its quantum readiness training, including executive briefings on how quantum computing affects encryption. Hands-on workshops will also cover quantum-resistant algorithms and asset inventory.

Meanwhile, certified training sessions are now open for registration on the GISEC website. Attendees can use the promo code SANSCT25 to receive a 25% discount under the SANS Community offer. SANS instructors will lead sessions across three days.

On Day 1, Paul Piotrowski will lead “Defending Critical Infrastructure: Breaking Into ICS/OT Security.” The session will cover ICS architectures and components, real-world case studies, and the SANS Five ICS Cybersecurity Critical Controls.

On Day 2, Jan D’Herdt will lead “Leading Through Risk: Cybersecurity Strategy for Executives.” This session will focus on translating technical risk into business insights, applying leading security frameworks, and prioritizing the CIS Controls.

On Day 3, Moses Frost will lead “AI Lab: Building Secure AI for Cybersecurity Operations.” Topics will include machine learning, generative AI, private AI assistants with appropriate guardrails, and human oversight of AI-driven zero-trust networks.

Additionally, the lineup includes technical workshops on third-party and industrial risk, cloud security, and container security. Piotrowski, D’Herdt, and Frost will lead these sessions from September 16 to 18.

Throughout the event, SANS Institute experts will be available at stand D80, Hall 4. There, they will connect with attendees and share insights on emerging cybersecurity challenges. Overall, SANS Institute’s participation at GISEC Global 2026 underscores its continued commitment to delivering practical cybersecurity training that helps organizations and professionals stay ahead of evolving digital threats.

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