First published: 11-Feb-2026 11:59:58

Dubai, UAE: Microsoft, in partnership with CPX, a G42 company, announced the official launch of She Protects , a pioneering national initiative designed to empower female university students in the UAE and equip them with the skills needed to safeguard the digital future. The program's launch event, held at Microsoft's Dubai offices, brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in building a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce.

This initiative coincides with Safer Internet Day 2026 , underscoring Microsoft and CPX’s shared commitment to building a safer and more inclusive digital ecosystem by empowering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

The launch event included keynote addresses from Microsoft and CPX leaders, as well as panel discussions featuring cybersecurity experts. Attendees also participated in LinkedIn career development sessions and networking opportunities, underscoring the program's commitment to making a real impact and fostering professional growth.

The changing economic climate and the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape have placed significant pressure on the global cybersecurity workforce, resulting in a talent shortage and widening skills gaps at a time when demand has never been higher. The need for cybersecurity professionals with expertise in generative artificial intelligence is particularly acute in the UAE, where ambitious national goals are driving the transition to an AI-driven society. Despite the documented global talent shortage in the cybersecurity sector, women remain discouraging from entering the field, comprising only about 25 % of cybersecurity professionals, according to a recent report by the International Certification Consortium for Information Systems Security 2 (ISC2).

The She Protects initiative, running from February 2026 to June 2026 , offers participants a comprehensive pathway to building a career in cybersecurity. The initiative includes CPX -led webinars on cyber hygiene practices and the threat landscape, a Microsoft SC-900 certification track for security, compliance, and identity, professional readiness training through IDEA HR , LinkedIn workshops titled "Stand Out with Your Professional Profile," and advanced interactive cyber labs powered by Cyberbit and supported by Injaz UAE.

On this occasion, Amr Kamel, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said: “For more than three decades, Microsoft has collaborated with the UAE to expand opportunities through technology. Today, the She Protects initiative strengthens this partnership by building the talent that will protect our digital future. At Microsoft, we believe that empowering a new and diverse generation of security professionals is essential to protecting our communities and driving innovation in an AI-led era. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to providing young women with the skills, resources, and global standards needed to address evolving cyber threats and enhance trust in the region’s digital economy.”

Hadi Anwar, CEO of CPX, said: “Despite the opportunities available, young working women are still discouraged from entering this sector, and through this program, CPX aims to raise awareness to make the sector more inclusive and gender-diverse. Empowering women in cybersecurity is not just about closing a gap; it’s about opening new horizons for innovation and resilience, and building confidence in the future of the digital economy and the AI-led economy in the UAE.”

By training and developing the skills of 50 young women, the She Protects initiative strengthens the UAE's cybersecurity talent pool and promotes diversity in a field where women's presence remains limited. This initiative falls under Microsoft Elevate UAE , reinforcing Microsoft's long-standing commitment to developing talent, supporting the nation's digital and AI ambitions, and empowering individuals to thrive in a digitally driven world.

With the support of the UAE Cyber Security Council, the She Protects initiative is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to diversity and excellence in technology, by investing in young women to ensure the future of cybersecurity.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT @microsoft ) is a global technology company that develops AI-powered platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs. The company is committed to making AI technologies widely and responsibly available, driven by its mission to empower every person and every organization on Earth to achieve more.

For media inquiries only:

Magdalena Stepian – Microsoft UAE
Email: mastepie@microsoft.com

Kriti Kulshreshta – Assembly Company Middle East
Email address: Kriti.Kulshreshtha@assemblyinc.com

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