The UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM today announced a skills development initiative designed to help strengthen the country’s pipeline of digital and cybersecurity talent. Through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free technology education program, learners across the UAE will gain access to learning opportunities and industry-recognized digital credentials in areas including AI, cybersecurity and other in-demand technology fields.
Announced at GISEC Global 2026, the initiative will be available to five learner groups: High school Students, University Students, Entry-level Employees, Government Employees, and participants in the Start-up and Innovation Track. Through IBM SkillsBuild, learners can access more than 1,000 courses spanning AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, project management, and workplace skills.
As part of the initiative, IBM and the UAE Cyber Security Council will work together to expand access to IBM SkillsBuild through the Council’s ecosystem, including CyberE71 and relevant national platforms. The parties will also explore opportunities to extend the initiative through the Council’s regional and international networks.
The collaboration will bring learning closer to real-world cybersecurity challenges. Through engagement with universities and the Council’s wider ecosystem, students will have opportunities to apply their skills to practical challenges drawn from industry and the evolving cyber landscape. This will include hackathons and other hands-on learning experiences exploring areas such as the risks and opportunities.
The initiative supports the UAE’s wider focus on developing future-ready talent and strengthening national cybersecurity capabilities. Under the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, the country aims to rank among the world’s top three in the Global Cybersecurity Index and among the top 10 countries globally for attracting talent. National skills platforms are already operating at scale: Jahiz provides structured learning pathways designed to strengthen the readiness of federal government employees, while a large number of Emiratis have enrolled in Nafis programmes focused on competencies, work experience and training for employment. Expanding access to practical learning in AI, cybersecurity and other digital technologies can further support these national ambitions.
“Building national capabilities in cybersecurity and advanced technologies requires skills that can be applied in the real world,” said His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government. “By connecting learning with practical challenges and expanding its reach across the UAE, this initiative can help strengthen the talent pipeline that underpins thecountry’s cybersecurity readiness.”
As AI changes the nature of work, workforce skills are becoming increasingly important. In a global IBM Institute for Business Value study, surveyed CEOs said they expect 53% of employees to need upskilling between 2026 and 2028, and 83% believe AI success depends more on people’s adoption than on technology.
“As technology reshapes jobs and skills requirements, access to practical learning becomes increasingly important,” said Shukri Eid, General Manager, IBM Gulf, Levant and Pakistan. “Through IBM SkillsBuild, we aim to equip learners with relevant skills and credentials that can support their education, careers and participation in the digital economy.”
The initiative contributes to IBM’s global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030. As of June 2026, IBM had reached more than 22 million people through IBM SkillsBuild and other programs. It also builds on the existing agreement between the UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM, which includes collaboration on talent development and national cybersecurity capabilities.