SANS Institute Unveils Largest Cybersecurity Training Program in the Gulf

As the Gulf accelerates its transformation into a digital-first region, the shortage of cybersecurity talent is increasingly alarming. To address this, the SANS Institute, a global leader in cyber training and certification, is launching SANS Gulf Region 2025, the region’s largest-ever cyber upskilling event.
Running from November 8–27 at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach Resort, the event will offer 14 hands-on, advanced courses designed to ready professionals for next-generation cyber threats.
The timing is critical: while the UAE is positioning itself as a global AI powerhouse under its National AI Strategy 2031, faster digital adoption also heightens cyber risk—from AI-enhanced phishing to attacks on vital infrastructure.
Ned Baltagi, Managing Director for Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at SANS, emphasized the urgency:

“With the speed at which the region is accelerating in digital transformation, a skilled workforce is a critical need.”

The 2025 curriculum covers key domains such as Incident Response & Digital Forensics, GenAI & LLM Security, Cloud & Network Security, ICS (Industrial Control Systems) Protection, and Zero Trust Architecture—delivered through simulations, case studies, and practical labs.
Complementing training, the event will host two NetWars tournaments: interactive, gamified cyber-range challenges where participants defend against or launch simulated attacks.
Another major goal is to boost regional resilience. As the GCC invests aggressively in smart cities and cloud infrastructure, demand is surging for GIAC-certified professionals, and SANS Gulf Region 2025 aims to help fill that gap.
To enrich the experience, there will also be Community Night Talks on November 10, 17, and 24, featuring experts like Frank Kim, Ahmed Abugharbia, and Mattia Epifani.
By bringing this level of expertise to Dubai, SANS is not just supporting the Gulf’s digital ambition — it’s helping build a cyber-secure foundation for its future as an AI-driven economy.