UAE Launches CYBRANI Initiative to Develop National Cybersecurity Talent

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The UAE Cyber Security Council, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has launched the CYBRANI Practical Training Initiative to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity talent pipeline by connecting university education with practical industry experience.

The initiative was announced during GISEC Global 2026 and will provide university students across the UAE with opportunities to develop hands-on cybersecurity skills, address real-world challenges, engage with industry experts and gain exposure to leading government, technology and cybersecurity organisations.

CYBRANI supports national efforts to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and prepare a new generation of professionals equipped with the technical knowledge and practical experience required to support the UAE’s expanding digital economy.

The initiative brings together government entities, academic institutions and industry partners to strengthen the connection between university education and the practical skills required by the cybersecurity sector.

The UAE Cyber Security Council will oversee the initiative by coordinating participating organisations, connecting students with training opportunities and supporting the delivery of high-quality programmes. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will facilitate the participation of universities and students while ensuring alignment with national educational objectives.

The first phase of CYBRANI will be implemented in partnership with Abu Dhabi Police, Mawaheb Talent Hub of the Department of Government Enablement, CPX, Core42, ANSEN, Cyber50 Defense, Sia and Fortinet. These organisations will contribute practical training, mentorship, supervision and industry exposure.

Participating academic institutions include Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Rabdan Academy and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).

The training programme will cover six key areas: Governance, Risk and Compliance; Cybersecurity Operations; Cyber Threat Intelligence; Digital Forensics and Incident Response; Secure Software Development; and Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity.

Students will also benefit from practical projects, professional mentoring, networking opportunities and career development pathways designed to strengthen their preparedness for employment in the cybersecurity sector.

Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion jointly endorsed by the UAE Cyber Security Council and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

CYBRANI aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of national cybersecurity talent, enhance collaboration across the UAE’s cybersecurity ecosystem and contribute to the country’s digital transformation and long-term cyber resilience.