UAE cyber readiness takes center stage as SANS partners with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to deliver certified technical workshops and advanced certifications in Dubai.
SANS Institute is gearing up for GISEC Global 2026, scheduled from September 16–18 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. Aligning with the event’s core theme, “Everything Cybersecurity: Quantum Ready, AI-Resilient,” the organization will spotlight critical infrastructure defense, artificial intelligence security, and executive leadership development.
Building on a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UAE Cybersecurity Council in December 2025, SANS aims to bolster regional cyber readiness. The initiative supports the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy by expanding access to top-tier training and globally recognized credentials.
“As the attack surface expands and technologies like AI reshape both cyber risk and defense, businesses need professionals who can turn knowledge into action,” said Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute.
Attendees visiting stand D80 in Hall 4 can explore the Gulf Edition of the AI Security Maturity Model, the AI Cybersecurity Career Guide, and quantum readiness training. Furthermore, SANS has rolled out a special community offer, providing a 25% discount on certified training registrations using the promo code SANSCT25 on the GISEC website.
Three-Day Technical Workshop Lineup
- Day 1 (September 16): Defending Critical Infrastructure: Breaking Into ICS/OT Security – Led by Paul Piotrowski, focusing on industrial control system architectures, real-world case studies, and the SANS Five ICS Cybersecurity Critical Controls.
- Day 2 (September 17): Leading Through Risk: Cybersecurity Strategy for Executives – Led by Jan D’Herdt, concentrating on translating technical risk into business strategy, security frameworks, and CIS Controls prioritization.
- Day 3 (September 18): AI Lab: Building Secure AI for Cybersecurity Operations – Led by Moses Frost, exploring machine learning, generative AI, private AI assistants with guardrails, and zero-trust human oversight.
Additional specialized workshops covering cloud security, container security, and third-party risk management will run across all three days of the exhibition.
