Flagship program to empower women in cybersecurity, targeting 1,500 trained talents across the Middle East
The University of Dubai (UoD) has partnered with Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME) to launch CyberSHE, a flagship bootcamp program aimed at equipping aspiring women with market-ready cybersecurity skills.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at UoD by Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, and Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari, Chairperson of WiCSME, in the presence of leading cybersecurity advocates including Irene Corpuz, Heide Young, and Shafeeqa Shakri.
“CyberSHE is more than just training — it represents collective action to build careers and strengthen national cybersecurity through inclusion and innovation.” – Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari, Chairperson, WiCSME
CyberSHE, under WiCSME’s “She Talks Security” initiative, seeks to create a pipeline of 1,500 trained women cyber professionals across the Middle East within three years. It is tailored for final-year students and recent graduates in cybersecurity, IT, and computer engineering, providing:
- Hands-on training aligned with market needs
- Workplace readiness modules bridging academia and industry
- Mentorship from industry leaders
Following a successful pilot in Kuwait earlier this year, the UAE launch marks the first step in a regional rollout that will extend to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari said:
“This partnership with the University of Dubai marks a defining moment for women in the cybersecurity space. With respected leaders like Dr. Eesa Bastaki championing this cause, we are reinforcing the fact that women’s empowerment has long been rooted in our values. CyberSHE is not just a program — it’s a movement to open doors, build careers, and elevate national resilience.”
Dr. Eesa Bastaki added:
“We are delighted to collaborate with WiCSME. The UAE’s digital transformation journey provides the ideal ecosystem to scale such an initiative. Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of women leaders in cybersecurity.”
Dr. Hussam Al Hamdi, Director of UoD’s Cyber-Security and Applied Resilience Centre, emphasized CyberSHE’s role in addressing the talent gap while creating an inclusive environment where women feel supported and empowered to thrive.
Aligned with the UAE Cybersecurity Strategy, the program reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and building specialized national talent.
With this collaboration, WiCSME and UoD are not only addressing immediate workforce needs but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven cybersecurity ecosystem.
