SANS Institute announced a strategic partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to advance UAE cybersecurity readiness and support the country’s long term digital security vision. The agreement was formalised during CyberQ 2025, reported in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Alkuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and Ned Baltagi, Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute.

The partnership brings both organisations together to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities across key ICT and security domains. As a result, the collaboration will focus on improving preparedness for cyberattack prevention, detection, and response. In addition, it aims to deepen understanding of emerging cyber threats and enhance technical skills across the national workforce.

As part of the initiative, SANS Institute conducted a workshop titled “Cybersecurity in the Quantum Era.” Furthermore, the institute revealed plans to introduce future focused training programmes in Secure AI and Quantum Security to help professionals address next-generation technology risks.

The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for workforce development. It will provide access to globally recognized certifications, hands-on learning, and expert led workshops. Consequently, professionals from both public and private sectors, including early career practitioners and senior leaders, are expected to benefit through joint training sessions, specialist missions, and educational exchanges.

Ned Baltagi said the collaboration supports national priorities to enhance cyber resilience and enable secure digital transformation. He added that initiatives such as Quantum Security programmes and capability-building activities will support the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity ecosystem.

From his behalf, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said that bringing together specialized cybersecurity companies with global firms is essential to supporting ongoing efforts to enhance cyber resilience in the UAE. He reported that these initiatives aim to boost national readiness, address future cyber threats, and strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities.

SANS Institute and the UAE Cybersecurity Council will also cooperate in areas such as information sharing, capacity building, awareness programmes, and advisory support. The partnership is built on mutual benefit and structured exchanges of expertise to address increasingly complex cyber threats.

As the collaboration progresses, both entities will continue to align joint initiatives, including technical workshops, cross-sector training programmes, and the exchange of threat intelligence and incident- response insights. This step is reported to play a key role in strengthening UAE cybersecurity and safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Key focus areas include:

• Cybersecurity workforce development and training
• Quantum Security and Secure AI programmes
• Threat intelligence and incident response collaboration

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