Khalifa University of Science and Technology has launched its inaugural Winter School on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, an initiative supported by Google.org, the UAE Cyber Security Council, and CyberE71. The program brought together 270 participants, including 100 in-person attendees and 170 online, to address the region’s growing need for skilled digital security professionals.
The cohort included a diverse mix of high school and university students, PhD candidates, academics, and professionals from both the public and private sectors. Upon completion, participants received certificates endorsed by Khalifa University and the UAE Cyber Security Council, signifying a high level of readiness to tackle emerging cyber threats.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Digital Threats
The Winter School offered a holistic curriculum that blended theoretical knowledge with practical skills and policy insights. The program was designed to provide a practice-oriented learning experience, preparing attendees for real-world challenges at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.
Key focus areas included the geopolitics of technology, the application of Graph Neural Networks for hardware security, and the human factors in cybersecurity. The agenda also covered critical topics such as quantum computing, national security, threat intelligence, incident response, and digital forensics in the age of AI. A hands-on Capture-the-Flag cybersecurity simulation provided a practical capstone to the program.
Fostering a National Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The initiative aligns directly with the UAE’s strategic goal of becoming a global hub for advanced technology and strengthening its national cybersecurity framework.
Prof. Bayan Sharif, Provost at Khalifa University, stated, “The Winter School on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, organized with support from Google.org, reflects Khalifa University’s commitment to building critical human capital in cybersecurity and AI. By partnering the UAE Cyber Security Council and CyberE71, we are equipping the region with a multidisciplinary talent pool capable of tackling digital security challenges head-on.”
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, affirmed that the initiative is an extension of national efforts to nurture talent and develop innovative solutions. He emphasized that these efforts are vital for empowering youth and cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity leaders, noting that innovation is a cornerstone of the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Global Collaboration for Regional Impact
The partnership with Google.org highlights a growing trend of global tech leaders investing in regional talent development. The program is part of the broader Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars, which provides funding and support to bolster cybersecurity education in higher education institutions.
“There is a critical demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals as new technologies, like AI, present both opportunities and threats to the field,” said Dr. Wieland Holfelder, Vice President Engineering and Regional CTO for Google Cloud Security and Sovereignty. “We’re proud to support universities across EMEA to help build a strong, diverse, and AI-savvy cybersecurity workforce.”
Dr. Luigi Martino, the program’s Principal Investigator, added, “This initiative has clearly demonstrated the strong interest in topics such as Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity across different disciplines and sectors. It has confirmed that without a robust and supportive ecosystem, initiatives of this kind cannot succeed.”
About Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Khalifa University of Science and Technology is the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, focused on developing world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering, and health science. The university aims to be a catalyst for the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy.
Source: Zawya
