Microsoft and CPX celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of ‘She Protects’, a pioneering national initiative designed to inspire and equip women in UAE universities with the skills, certifications, and practical experience needed to pursue careers in cybersecurity. The programme marks an important step in strengthening the UAE’s cybersecurity talent pipeline and advancing greater participation of women in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology fields.
Over the course of the programme, participants completed a comprehensive learning journey that combined globally recognised certification training with hands-on cyber defence experience. The curriculum included Microsoft’s SC-900 Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals certification, cyber awareness and threat landscape training led by CPX, immersive simulation-based cyber labs powered by Cyberbit, and career-readiness workshops delivered in collaboration with IDEA HR, LinkedIn and INJAZ UAE.
Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, Microsoft and CPX also announced a second cohort of the programme, reaffirming their commitment to developing cybersecurity talent in the UAE.
Commenting on this, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said: “As the UAE accelerates its journey toward an AI-powered future, cybersecurity talent will play a critical role in safeguarding our digital infrastructure and driving innovation with confidence. Initiatives such as She Protects help expand the nation’s talent pool, create new pathways for women in technology, and strengthen the capabilities needed to secure the digital economy of tomorrow.”
Hadi Anwar, CEO, CPX, said: “Cybersecurity is fundamentally a people-powered discipline. As cyber threats become more sophisticated in the age of AI, organisations and nations need diverse perspectives and highly skilled professionals to stay ahead. Through She Protects, we are helping cultivate a new generation of cyber defenders and creating greater opportunities for women to shape the future of digital security in the UAE.”
Amr Kamel, General Manager, Microsoft UAE, said: “Today is about opening doors to meaningful careers and creating a stronger, more diverse cybersecurity workforce for the UAE. The graduates from the She Protects initiative have gained foundational expertise, practical experience, and access to professional networks that will help them contribute to the country’s digital future. The launch of a second cohort reflects our long-term commitment to developing local talent and supporting the UAE’s ambitions as a global leader in AI and digital innovation.”
As cybersecurity continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic and in-demand professions, initiatives such as She Protects are helping more women build the skills, confidence, and industry credentials needed to pursue careers in the field.
Beyond certification and technical training, ‘She Protects’ was designed to provide participants with meaningful industry exposure and practical experience. Through mentorship opportunities, immersive cyber simulations and career development workshops, participants gained a deeper understanding of cybersecurity career pathways while building the confidence and skills needed to transition from academic study into the workforce.
The initiative forms part of Microsoft Elevate UAE, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the nation’s digital transformation and AI ambitions through skills development and workforce readiness. As demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow across the UAE, programmes such as She Protects are helping build the talent required to secure critical digital infrastructure, protect organisations, and enable trusted innovation in an increasingly AI-driven economy.