Abu dhabi: SANS Institute, the global leader in cybersecurity training and certifications, has announced a landmark strategic partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to advance the nation's cybersecurity readiness and reinforce the UAE's long-term vision for a secure and resilient digital future.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was formalised during CyberQ 2025 in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, and Ned Baltagi, Managing Director - Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute. This strategic partnership unites both entities under a shared commitment to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities through cooperation across critical ICT and cybersecurity domains.
The primary focus of the partnership is to elevate national preparedness in cyberattack prevention, detection, and response. It aims to deepen knowledge of emerging threats and enhance technical expertise across the workforce. As part of this initiative, SANS Institute conducted a workshop on 'Cybersecurity in the Quantum Era'. Going forward, the company will introduce future-oriented training programmes in Secure AI and Quantum Security to equip cybersecurity professionals to navigate next-generation technological risks.
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for workforce development, providing access to globally recognised certifications, hands-on learning experiences, and expert-led technical workshops. This association will benefit professionals across the public and private sectors, from early-career practitioners to senior cybersecurity leaders. It will strengthen national capabilities through joint training sessions, specialist missions, and educational exchanges that expand exposure to advanced defence methodologies and global best practices.
Ned Baltagi expressed honor in collaborating with the UAE Cybersecurity Council on this national mission to enhance cyber resilience and support the country's digital transformation agenda. He stated that the MoU marks a significant milestone in their shared efforts to empower cybersecurity professionals with advanced expertise and future-ready skills.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti underscored the importance of partnering with specialised cybersecurity companies and leading global firms to enhance cyber resilience in the UAE and strengthen national cyber capabilities. He emphasized the aim to boost national readiness, address future threats, and reinforce the UAE's vision of leadership in security, digital, and cyber fields, ensuring a safe and prosperous digital future.
SANS Institute and the UAE Cybersecurity Council will also cooperate in key areas such as information sharing, capacity building, awareness initiatives, and advisory support. The partnership is built on principles of equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit, enabling structured exchanges of expertise and operational insights to enhance the UAE's resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
As the collaboration progresses, both SANS Institute and the UAE Cybersecurity Council will continue to align their joint initiatives including technical workshops, cross-sector training programmes, and the exchange of threat intelligence and incident-response insights, reinforcing the nation's vision for a secure, innovative, and resilient digital future. The MoU is a significant step forward in developing a highly capable national cyber workforce and ensuring the long-term safeguarding of the UAE's digital infrastructure and assets.