SANS Institute has launched the Falcon 180 Mission, a new regional initiative aimed at strengthening cyber readiness among security professionals across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Türkiye, and Africa.
The program combines 180 days of SANS OnDemand training, GIAC certification, and flexible access to instructor-led SANS training events, creating a structured learning pathway designed to help cybersecurity practitioners develop job-ready skills without disrupting their daily responsibilities.
The launch comes as organizations face increasing pressure to defend complex digital environments against evolving cyber threats while addressing a persistent cybersecurity skills gap. According to SANS Institute, limited time remains one of the biggest barriers to professional development, with many cybersecurity professionals struggling to balance training requirements with operational demands.
The Falcon 180 Mission is designed to address these challenges by offering a flexible learning model that blends self-paced training with opportunities for live instructor engagement. Participants can access training materials for six months, revisit lessons, complete hands-on exercises, and prepare for industry-recognized GIAC certifications. The program also allows learners to attend the same enrolled course either in person or online at participating SANS training events across the region.
By integrating practical training, certification preparation, and live instruction into a single framework, SANS aims to help cybersecurity professionals strengthen technical expertise while remaining active in their roles.
“The fast pace of change in cybersecurity means that professionals do not have the luxury of learning only once every few years. The Falcon 180 Mission gives experts across the region access to flexible, high-quality training that strengthens cyber readiness while fitting around day-to-day responsibilities.” — Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, SANS Institute
The initiative reflects growing industry demand for continuous cybersecurity education as organizations invest in resilience strategies and workforce development. SANS believes that sustained skills development is critical for addressing emerging threats, improving incident response capabilities, and building stronger security teams.
To encourage participation, the Falcon 180 Mission includes a limited-time 10% discount on eligible enrollments, providing cybersecurity professionals with additional access to advanced training and certification opportunities.
The program underscores SANS Institute’s ongoing commitment to equipping security practitioners with practical, real-world skills and helping organizations across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa build stronger cyber defenses in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
