The UAE Cyber Security Council and Fortinet have launched a cybersecurity internship programme to develop Emirati talent. Part of the Cyberani initiative, the programme offers students hands-on experience, mentorship, and industry-recognised Fortinet NSE 4 certification to support the nation’s digital resilience.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the UAE Cyber Security Council and Fortinet following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this year. The MoU outlined plans to collaborate on advancing national cybersecurity capabilities, supporting cybersecurity skills development, and exploring the establishment of a Center of Excellence in the UAE focused on threat intelligence, talent development, startup enablement, and policy collaboration. The internship program represents an important step toward developing the talent pipeline that can support the UAE’s future cybersecurity ecosystem and the planned Center of Excellence.
The first phase of the program will be delivered in partnership with a UAE-based university, providing selected students with opportunities to gain practical cybersecurity experience through structured learning, hands-on labs, technical training, and mentorship from Fortinet experts. Through the Fortinet Training Institute, participants will have the opportunity to earn the Fortinet NSE 4 FortiOS certification, which is often sought by employers looking for cybersecurity and network security professionals. The certification focuses on practical skills, including firewall policies, VPNs, authentication, routing, security profiles, and threat protection, alongside hands-on expertise with Fortinet technologies. The program is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations with additional universities and educational institutions across the country.
The program will be delivered as the first project of its kind under the UAE Cyber Security Council’s Cyberani Practical Training Initiative, of which Fortinet is a Technology and Cloud Computing Partner. Launched in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Cyberani aims to prepare and professionally equip university students for careers in cybersecurity through practical training opportunities across government and industry, while aligning academic learning with the evolving needs of the cybersecurity sector.
The announcement reflects the shared commitment of the UAE Cyber Security Council and Fortinet to advancing cybersecurity education, workforce development, and innovation across the UAE. By combining government leadership, academic excellence, and industry expertise, the initiative will help to develop a sustainable pipeline of cybersecurity professionals equipped to meet the UAE’s future cybersecurity needs.
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said: “Developing a strong and sustainable national cybersecurity ecosystem starts with investing in the people who will shape and protect our digital future. Through initiatives such as Cyberani and our collaboration with Fortinet, we are creating practical pathways for Emirati university students to gain the knowledge, skills and real-world experience needed to build successful careers in cybersecurity. This partnership reflects the importance of bringing together government, industry and academia to develop national capabilities, foster innovation and ensure that our cybersecurity workforce is equipped to support the UAE’s ambitions for a secure and resilient digital future.”
Alain Penel, Regional Vice President, Middle East, Turkey and CIS at Fortinet said: “When we signed our memorandum of understanding with the UAE Cyber Security Council, we shared a vision of strengthening national cyber resilience not only through technology, but through people. This training program demonstrates that commitment in action.
Participants will receive mentorship from cybersecurity professionals, develop practical skills aligned with industry needs, and build the career readiness needed to take their next steps in the cybersecurity field. We are helping build a pipeline of skilled local talent that can contribute to the UAE’s cybersecurity ecosystem today and support the planned Center of Excellence.”
