The University of Dubai (UoD) has partnered with Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME) to launch CyberSHE, a regional initiative designed to train and empower women entering the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. The agreement was formalised through an MoU signed at the University of Dubai campus.
Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of UoD, and Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari, Chairperson of WiCSME, signed the agreement in the presence of WiCSME UAE leaders Irene Corpuz, Heide Young, and Shafeeqa Shakri, alongside Dr. Hussam Al Hamdi, Director of UoD’s Cyber-Security and Applied Resilience (C-SAR) Centre.
CyberSHE forms part of WiCSME’s “She Talks Security” initiative and seeks to train 1,500 women professionals across the Middle East within three years, targeting final-year undergraduates and recent graduates in cybersecurity, IT, and related fields.
The programme features:
- Industry-focused training mapped to emerging skill needs
- Career readiness modules addressing workplace integration
- Guidance and mentorship from leading cybersecurity specialists
Following a successful pilot programme in Kuwait, CyberSHE begins its UAE launch with further cohorts planned in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other Arab nations. Each location will train at least 25 students per intake, supporting the creation of a regional talent pipeline.
This collaboration blends WiCSME’s regional influence with UoD’s academic expertise, leveraging the C-SAR Centre’s facilities, cyber labs, faculty knowledge, and research networks to deliver impactful training programmes.
Aligned with the UAE Cybersecurity Strategy, the initiative supports the country’s ambition to advance digital capabilities, foster industry-academic partnerships, and develop a skilled, inclusive cybersecurity workforce.
Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari said:
“This partnership with the University of Dubai marks a defining moment for women in the cybersecurity space. Especially, when well-acknowledged inspiring and leading male allies who foster women growth like Dr. Eesa Bastaki is leading such partnership. This reinforces the facts that our societies enriched by our Arabic and Islamic values have been nurturing women empowerment for 1400 years.”
She added:
“CyberSHE is more than just a training program – it represents the power of collective efforts in action to open doors, build careers, and strengthen national cybersecurity through inclusion and innovation.”
Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki stated:
“We are delighted to collaborate with WiCSME to launch CyberSHE in the UAE. WiCSME’s community-driven mission aligns perfectly with our vision to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and create a more inclusive, skilled, and resilient workforce in the UAE and the region. The UAE, as a digital transformation leader in the region, provides an ideal ecosystem to scale such an initiative.”
Dr. Hussam Al Hamdi noted:
“CyberSHE not only addresses the cybersecurity talent gap through focused and inclusive training, but also creates an environment where women entering the field feel genuinely welcomed, supported, and valued. By cultivating this sense of belonging, the program empowers female professionals to grow with confidence, thrive in their careers, and take on leadership roles—while remaining fully aligned with the mission and objectives of the Cyber-Security and Applied Resilience Centre.”
Ms. Priyanka Chatterjee, Head of Operations at WiCSME, added remotely:
“True talent development can only happen when the different parts of the society, i.e., academia, industry, and government, come together to create practical pathways for young people, not just for filling roles, but also developing future leaders.”
WiCSME and UoD will now collaborate on programme rollout plans and engage with public and private sectors to scale CyberSHE regionally and nationally.
