Khalifa University and Google.org Back Major Cybersecurity Training Initiative
The initiative was organized with support from Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71, underscoring strong public and private sector collaboration in building advanced digital security capabilities.
Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced that 270 participants took part in the inaugural Winter School on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, marking a significant expansion of one of the region’s most comprehensive cybersecurity seminar programs. The initiative was organized with support from Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71, underscoring strong public and private sector collaboration in building advanced digital security capabilities.
The programme brought together 100 in-person and 170 online participants from across the UAE, all of whom received certificates endorsed by Khalifa University and the UAE Cyber Security Council. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of society, including high school and university students, PhD candidates, academic staff, cybersecurity professionals, and representatives from both public and private sector organizations, reflecting a nationwide push to strengthen cyber readiness and AI security expertise.
Designed as a multidisciplinary and practice-oriented experience, the Winter School combined theoretical learning, hands-on technical training, and policy-focused discussions. Topics covered ranged from AI and cybersecurity in technology and geopolitics, Graph Neural Networks for hardware security, and human factors in AI systems, to quantum computing, national security, cybersecurity governance and compliance in the UAE, cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, and incident response. A hands-on Capture-the-Flag simulation further strengthened participants’ practical skills.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, was recognized for his support of the programme, while CyberE71 was acknowledged as a leading local community organization partner. The opening session featured a high-level panel with representatives from partner organizations, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in developing future-ready cybersecurity talent.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader national strategy to nurture skilled professionals capable of addressing evolving cyber threats while leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Organizers emphasized that empowering youth, fostering innovation, and building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem remain central to the country’s long-term digital transformation goals.
The Winter School also forms part of the wider Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program, which supports higher education institutions through funding, mentorship, and practical learning resources. The programme aims to expand cybersecurity education pathways and strengthen hands-on experience for students pursuing careers in the field.
