SANS Institute, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certifications, has announced a strategic partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to enhance the country’s national cyber capabilities and support its long-term vision for a secure and resilient digital future.
The agreement was formalised during CyberQ 2025 in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Alkuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, and Ned Baltagi, Managing Director – Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute.
The partnership brings together both organisations under a shared commitment to strengthening national cybersecurity readiness across critical ICT and cybersecurity domains. Its primary focus is to improve preparedness in cyberattack prevention, detection, and response, while advancing expertise in emerging threats and next-generation technologies.
As part of the initiative, SANS Institute conducted a dedicated workshop on “Cybersecurity in the Quantum Era.” Looking ahead, the institute will introduce future-focused training programmes in Secure AI and Quantum Security, equipping cybersecurity professionals with the skills needed to address evolving digital risks.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a comprehensive framework for workforce development, providing access to globally recognised certifications, hands-on learning experiences, and expert-led technical workshops. The collaboration is expected to benefit professionals across both the public and private sectors, from early-career practitioners to senior cybersecurity leaders.
Through joint training sessions, specialist missions, and educational exchanges, the partnership will expand exposure to advanced defence methodologies and global best practices, strengthening the UAE’s national cyber capabilities.
Ned Baltagi, Managing Director – Middle East, Turkey and Africa, SANS Institute, said:
“We are honoured to collaborate with the UAE Cybersecurity Council on this important national mission to enhance cyber resilience and support the country’s digital transformation agenda. This MoU marks a significant milestone in our shared efforts to empower cybersecurity professionals with advanced expertise and future-ready skills. Through initiatives such as the Quantum Security program and our ongoing capability-building activities, we are committed to supporting the UAE as it strengthens its position as a global leader in cybersecurity.”
From his behalf, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, underscored the importance of uniting specialised cybersecurity organisations with leading global firms to enhance national cyber resilience. He highlighted that these efforts aim to boost national readiness, address future threats, and reinforce the UAE’s long-term leadership in digital and cyber security.
He further emphasised the value of partnering with SANS Institute to build national capabilities, exchange expertise, strengthen responses to cyber threats, and safeguard the UAE’s digital assets through the development of local talent and competencies.
Beyond training, SANS Institute and the UAE Cybersecurity Council will also cooperate in information sharing, capacity building, awareness initiatives, and advisory support. Built on principles of equality and mutual benefit, the partnership enables structured exchanges of expertise and operational insights to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
As the collaboration progresses, both organisations will continue aligning on technical workshops, cross-sector training programmes, and the exchange of threat intelligence and incident-response insights, reinforcing the UAE’s vision for a secure, innovative, and resilient digital future.
