UAE, SANS institute partner to build quantum-ready cyber workforce
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security Institute (SANS) to build a future-ready national cyber workforce and strengthen the country’s digital resilience.
The agreement brings together government and industry to cooperate across key information and communications technology and cybersecurity domains. The partnership focuses on strengthening national capabilities in cyberattack prevention, detection, and response, while deepening expertise in fast-emerging areas such as AI security and quantum-era threats.
As part of the launch, SANS delivered a “Cybersecurity in the Quantum Era” workshop and will roll out specialized training tracks in Secure AI and Quantum Security. These programs will provide hands-on learning, cyber-range style exercises, and pathways to globally recognized certifications for talent across the public and private sectors, from early-career analysts to senior security leaders.
The MoU also establishes a workforce-development framework that includes joint training sessions, specialist missions, and educational exchanges to expose United Arab Emirates-based professionals to advanced defense methodologies and global best practices. By investing in national skills, the initiative aims to reduce breach risk, support secure digital transformation, and expand the local pipeline of certified cybersecurity professionals.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council and SANS will further collaborate on information sharing, awareness campaigns, and advisory support. Structured exchanges of threat intelligence and incident-response insights are designed to enhance readiness against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and support the country’s long-term vision for a secure digital economy.
Against the backdrop of rapid regional digitization, the partnership strengthens the United Arab Emirates’ role as a leader in cybersecurity within the Gulf Cooperation Council. It provides decision-makers with a more straightforward path to building resilient, innovation-friendly cyber defenses.
