The Cyberani Practical Training Initiative pairs Emirati students with structured learning programs that include hands-on labs technical training and mentorship from industry partners according to a joint announcement from the UAE Cyber Security Council and the ministry. The first phase of the program is being delivered in partnership with Fortinet as a technology and cloud computing collaborator with selected students gaining experience through a UAE-based university. A statement carried by WAM said the effort aligns academic curricula with the evolving demands of the cybersecurity sector while creating pathways for careers in government and private industry.
The UAE Cyber Security Council established by cabinet decision in 2020 has introduced multiple programs to strengthen national digital resilience including the Cyber Pulse initiative launched in June 2022 and the CyberE71 talent development scheme a council overview on its website shows. These build on earlier collaborations such as partnerships with Khalifa University and Google.org to deliver the region’s first dedicated cybersecurity seminars program for students and professionals. The council has separately noted that the country faces more than 800000 cyber attacks daily underscoring the urgency of building a skilled domestic workforce.
Under the Cyberani framework participants will focus on core competencies ranging from threat intelligence and vulnerability assessment to incident response and secure systems design the ITP.net report on the launch stated. The program is designed to expand beyond its initial university partner to encompass additional higher education institutions across the country in subsequent phases. Officials positioned the initiative as a foundational step toward establishing a national Cyber Center of Excellence that integrates threat intelligence talent pipelines and policy development.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti head of cybersecurity for the UAE government and chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council has repeatedly stressed the need to merge educational programs with industry requirements in public statements on similar collaborations. The ministry’s role in Cyberani ensures that participating universities adapt their cybersecurity courses to incorporate real-world scenarios and emerging technologies. This coordinated approach reflects a national strategy that also encompasses post-quantum cryptography migration and sovereign AI cybersecurity models developed with partners such as Open Innovation AI.
Fortinet’s involvement provides students with access to specialized tools and expert guidance as the inaugural industry collaborator on the project according to details released with the announcement. The internship model will serve as a template for future agreements with other technology firms aiming to scale opportunities for Emirati youth. Council assessments indicate that such practical training addresses gaps between theoretical education and operational needs in protecting critical infrastructure.
The launch forms part of a series of public-private partnerships that the UAE Cyber Security Council has pursued since its inception including memorandums with Rabdan Academy for joint exercises and training programs. These initiatives collectively aim to position the UAE as a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation and workforce development. Additional phases of Cyberani are expected to incorporate further academic and industry stakeholders to broaden its reach.
