University of Dubai and WiCSME sign MoU to launch CyberSHE in the UAE, boosting women in cybersecurity

The University of Dubai (UoD) and Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce CyberSHE, a regional bootcamp program dedicated to equipping aspiring women in cybersecurity with industry-ready skills in the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement was formalized at the University of Dubai campus by Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of UoD, and Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari, Chairperson of WiCSME and an internationally recognized cybersecurity leader. The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives including Irene Corpuz, Heide Young, and Shafeeqa Shakri from WiCSME UAE, alongside Dr. Hussam Al Hamdi, Assistant Professor and Director of the Cyber-Security and Applied Resilience (C-SAR) Centre at UoD.

CyberSHE: Building women cyber leaders

CyberSHE is WiCSME’s flagship training initiative under its “She Talks Security” umbrella. The program aims to create a pipeline of 1,500 trained women cybersecurity professionals across the Middle East within the next three years. Targeted at final-year students and recent graduates in cybersecurity, IT, computer engineering, and related disciplines, the program offers:

• Practical, hands-on training aligned with market needs

• Workplace readiness modules to bridge academic and industry requirements

• Mentorship from leading cybersecurity experts

The UAE launch follows a successful pilot in Kuwait in May 2025, with expansion planned across Oman, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab countries. Each cohort will include at least 25 students, with structured plans for regional scalability.

Academic and strategic collaboration

The MoU highlights a strategic partnership between WiCSME and the University of Dubai, combining community-driven leadership with academic expertise. UoD will provide key resources, including access to the C-SAR Centre, faculty, and cyber labs, strengthening the initiative’s foundation.

Aligned with the UAE Cybersecurity Strategy, the program contributes to national goals of enhancing digital resilience, fostering public-private partnerships, and developing specialized local talent.

Voices from the leadership

Dr. Reem Faraj Al-Shammari emphasized, “This partnership with the University of Dubai marks a defining moment for women in cybersecurity. CyberSHE is more than a training program—it represents collective efforts to open doors, build careers, and strengthen national cybersecurity through inclusion and innovation.”

Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki added, “We are delighted to collaborate with WiCSME. Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity leaders while ensuring a more inclusive and resilient workforce.”

Dr. Hussam Al Hamdi noted, “CyberSHE not only addresses the talent gap but also creates a sense of belonging for women entering the field, enabling them to grow with confidence and step into leadership roles.”

Collective mission for impact

The event also featured discussions on training models, student selection, and future program expansions. The presence of WiCSME leaders such as Irene Corpuz, Heide Young, and Shafeeqa Shakri underlined the UAE chapter’s commitment to real change through practical talent development.

Although unable to attend in person, Ms. Priyanka Chatterjee, Head of Operations at WiCSME and CEO of the London School of Cybersecurity, shared that, “True talent development requires academia, industry, and government working hand in hand to build pathways for future leaders, not just fill existing roles.”

With the MoU in place, WiCSME and the University of Dubai will now move forward with program implementation and engagement of both public and private sector partners to maximize CyberSHE’s reach and impact.