SANS Institute will participate in GISEC Global 2026, delivering certified training and workshops on AI security, critical infrastructure, and cybersecurity leadership. Aligned with the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, the institute will highlight its AI Security Maturity Model and new GIAC certifications to help practitioners navigate evolving threats.
Strengthening cyber resilience depends both on robust systems and the expertise needed to protect and manage them. This is reflected in the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which sets out five pillars and 60 initiatives to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem. SANS Institute is supporting this effort through its partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council. This partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2025 to expand access to advanced cyber training and globally recognized certifications.
“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. “Building cyber resilience is ultimately about building capability, and this requires practical skills grounded in the threats companies face today. The UAE Cybersecurity Council has been instrumental in advancing that capability through its partnership with SANS, helping expand access to the expertise and training needed to strengthen the country’s cyber resilience. GISEC gives us an important platform to build on that work, combining hands-on training with industry and government engagement. Through our program this year, we are equipping practitioners and security leaders with the skills to secure AI, strengthen critical infrastructure, manage third-party risk and make better-informed security decisions.”
GISEC Global 2026’s “Everything Cybersecurity: Quantum Ready, AI-Resilient” theme aligns closely with SANS Institute’s focus on preparing cybersecurity professionals for emerging threats. The company will also highlight its Gulf Edition of the AI Security Maturity Model and AI Cybersecurity Career Guide, alongside new GIAC certifications in offensive AI, red team automation, model integrity and AI operations. The institute will also showcase its quantum readiness training, offering executive briefings on the impact of quantum computing on encryption. Additionally, hands-on workshops will cover quantum-resistant algorithms and asset inventory.
The certified training sessions are now live on the GISEC website, where attendees can register using the promo code SANSCT25 to receive 25% off as part of the SANS Community offer. SANS instructors will lead the sessions for three days:
- Day 1 – Defending Critical Infrastructure: Breaking Into ICS/OT Security: Instructor Paul Piotrowski will cover ICS architectures and components, real-world case studies and the SANS Five ICS Cybersecurity Critical Controls.
- Day 2 – Leading Through Risk: Cybersecurity Strategy for Executives: Jan D’Herdt will focus on translating technical risk into business insights, applying leading security frameworks and prioritising the CIS Controls.
- Day 3 – AI Lab: Building Secure AI for Cybersecurity Operations: Moses Frost will cover machine learning and generative AI, private AI assistants with appropriate guardrails, and human oversight of
AI-driven zero-trust networks.
The lineup will also include technical workshops on third-party and industrial risk, cloud security and container security, led by Piotrowski, D’Herdt and Frost from September 16–18.
