In a concerted effort to reshape the male-dominated landscape of cybersecurity, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has partnered with Microsoft and CPX, a G42 company, to launch the second phase of the ‘She Protects’ initiative. This program aims to bridge the industry’s skills gap by equipping recent Emirati female university graduates with the practical expertise needed to secure roles in the tech sector. Following the success of the inaugural session, which saw 50 women graduate earlier this year, the new cohort is set to triple in size, welcoming 150 participants from universities across the nation.

Scheduled to run from November 2026 through April 2027, the program focuses on intensive, hands-on learning rather than purely theoretical instruction. Participants will undergo a rigorous curriculum that includes the Microsoft SC-900 certification, comprehensive cyber threat training from CPX, and immersive simulation labs provided by Cyberbit. By fostering a new generation of skilled experts, the initiative not only addresses the global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals but also creates a clear pathway for Emirati women to thrive in high-impact roles at leading technology firms.