Unveiled at GISEC Global 2026, the national program scales from 50 inaugural graduates to welcome over 150 participants, accelerating pathways to early-career opportunities and bridging the gender gap in cybersecurity.
Microsoft and CPX (a G42 company) have officially launched the second cohort of ‘She Protects’ at GISEC Global 2026. Expanding upon the success of its inaugural class, which graduated 50 women in June 2026, the expanded national initiative scales to welcome over 150 participants from universities and recent graduate pools across the UAE.
Running from November 2026 through April 2027, the program is designed to equip women with the technical skills, professional credentials, and direct employer exposure needed to thrive in cybersecurity careers.
Delivered in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council, ‘She Protects’ directly connects education with employability. Graduates from the first cohort completed a rigorous six-month curriculum spanning Microsoft security certifications, CPX-led threat education, immersive cyber simulations, and career readiness support—resulting in over 10 graduates successfully launching careers through internships and full-time positions.
“The UAE’s cybersecurity leadership will be defined not only by the technologies we adopt, but by the people we empower,” said H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security forنده the UAE Government. “By encouraging more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, we are broadening the talent base that will help protect our digital and AI-powered economy.”
Amr Kamel, General Manager at Microsoft UAE, emphasized the focus on tangible career opportunities:
“The UAE’s next phase of AI transformation will depend on having the cybersecurity talent to secure it. ‘She Protects’ is built around a simple principle: skills have the greatest impact when they lead to opportunity.”
Participants in the second cohort will undertake:
- Microsoft SC-900 Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification.
- Comprehensive threat landscape and cyber awareness training delivered by CPX.
- Immersive simulation-based cyber labs powered by official technology partner Cyberbit.
Hadi Anwar, CEO of CPX, highlighted the value of workforce diversity:
“At CPX, we believe that a diverse workforce drives stronger collaboration, broader perspectives, and greater innovation, ultimately strengthening our collective ability to safeguard the UAE’s digital future.”
As the UAE rapidly expands its digital and AI-powered infrastructure, initiatives like ‘She Protects’ serve as a vital pillar in building a resilient, highly skilled workforce.
