Microsoft and CPX launch She Protects to empower women in UAE cybersecurity

Microsoft and CPX have launched She Protects, a national initiative designed to empower young women in UAE universities with cybersecurity skills. The programme addresses the UAE's acute shortage of cybersecurity professionals, particularly those with expertise in generative AI, which is vital to the nation's transition toward an AI-native society.

The strategic imperative behind She Protects

The value chain for cybersecurity talent comprises three critical components: education providers, skilled professionals, and organisations in need of protection. She Protects aims to strengthen the first link while addressing a fundamental market failure: despite documented talent shortages, women constitute only 25% of cybersecurity professionals according to ISC2 research.

This has fundamentally changed the competitive dynamics. As Hadi Anwar, CEO at CPX explains: "Empowering women in cybersecurity is not just about closing a gap—it's about unlocking new potential for innovation and resilience and building trust in the UAE's future digital and AI-powered economy."

The initiative's timing coincides with the UAE's ambitious AI-native goals, where data sovereignty requirements and rising cyber threats create urgent demand for specialised talent.

The programme structure

She Protects runs from February to June 2026, offering participants multiple pathways into cybersecurity careers. The initiative features CPX-led webinars on cyber hygiene and threat landscapes, Microsoft's SC-900 Security, Compliance & Identity certification track, career readiness training through IDEA HR, LinkedIn workshops, and immersive cyber labs powered by Cyberbit and INJAZ UAE.

The programme targets 50 young women across UAE universities, creating a concentrated talent pool with standardised training. This approach mirrors successful models in which focused cohorts generate network effects — participants benefit not just from training but also from peer connections that extend career opportunities.

Microsoft's strategic positioning

For Microsoft, She Protects represents more than corporate responsibility. As Amr Kamel, General Manager at Microsoft UAE notes: "For more than three decades, Microsoft has partnered with the UAE to expand opportunity through technology. Today, She Protects strengthens that partnership by building the talent that will secure our digital future."

The initiative forms part of Microsoft Elevate UAE, positioning the company as the preferred partner for national talent development. By training professionals on Microsoft's security stack (SC-900 certification), the company creates familiarity with its platforms while addressing genuine skill shortages.

This strategy aligns with broader regional patterns, where government-backed tech initiatives increasingly partner with global platforms to build local capabilities.

The competitive landscape

She Protects enters a market where similar initiatives compete for university talent. The CyberSHE programme at the University of Dubai represents direct competition, though with different partner networks and focus areas.

What matters is not just training provision; what matters is career placement and long-term impact. The programme's endorsement by the UAE Cyber Security Council provides institutional credibility that may prove decisive in attracting top candidates.

Looking forward, this suggests the cybersecurity education market will consolidate around programmes with the strongest government backing and industry partnerships. Microsoft's three-decade UAE relationship provides a competitive advantage that pure-play education providers cannot easily replicate.

Programme details

She Protects launches in February 2026 and runs through June 2026. The programme is designed for young women in UAE universities, though specific application processes have not been detailed. Participants receive Microsoft SC-900 certification training, career development workshops, and access to immersive cyber labs.

The initiative launched on 10 February 2026 at Microsoft's Dubai offices, coinciding with Safer Internet Day 2026. It forms part of Microsoft Elevate UAE's broader commitment to local talent development and digital transformation goals.

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