UAE Cyber Security Council partners with IBM for cyber and digital upskilling
The UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM have announced a skills development initiative designed to help strengthen the country’s pipeline of digital and cybersecurity talent.
Founded in 2020, the UAE Cyber Security Council is responsible for building a vibrant ecosystem for cyber security across the UAE, driving innovation and stimulating growth in cyber through collaboration with industry, academia and international cyber diplomacy. The Council is also responsible for building awareness and rolling out capacity development initiatives to enhance the online safety of UAE inhabitants.
The new initiative, announced at GISEC Global 2026, will see the UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM work together to expand access to IBM SkillsBuild – IBM’s free technology education program – to four new groups: high school students, university students, graduates, and government employees.
Through IBM SkillsBuild, learners can access numerous training modules around cybersecurity and data security. Learners can at the same time also follow courses around a range of other topics, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, project management and workplace skills. Overall, IBM SkillsBuild’s curriculum spans more than 1,000 courses.
“Building national capabilities in cybersecurity and advanced technologies requires skills that can be applied in the real world,” said Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government. “By connecting learning with practical challenges and expanding its reach across the UAE, this initiative can help strengthen the talent pipeline that underpins the country’s cybersecurity readiness.”
“As technology reshapes jobs and skills requirements, access to practical learning becomes increasingly important,” said Shukri Eid, General Manager of IBM in the Gulf, Levant and Pakistan. “Through IBM SkillsBuild, we aim to equip learners with relevant skills and credentials that can support their education, careers and participation in the digital economy.”
The initiative supports the UAE’s wider focus on developing future-ready talent and strengthening national cybersecurity capabilities. Under the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, the country aims to rank among the world’s top three in the Global Cybersecurity Index and among the top 10 countries globally for attracting talent.
Earlier this year, the UAE Cybersecurity Council also teamed up with IBM to establish a joint Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi to help accelerate the government’s agenda for AI, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital innovation.
