Enhanced National Cybersecurity Training Initiative Launched in Qatar
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), via the National Cyber Security Academy, has unveiled an updated iteration of the National Cybersecurity Training Programme along with the comprehensive 2026 Training Agenda.
This initiative stands as a cornerstone of Qatar’s strategic national efforts to bolster its cybersecurity framework.
This initiative plays a pivotal role in augmenting capabilities and empowering professionals within the cybersecurity domain. By providing contemporary training content, it seeks to fortify the expertise of individuals amidst the swiftly evolving cyber milieu, thereby contributing positively to the overall stability of cyberspace.
Dalal Al Aqeedi, the assistant director of the Cybersecurity Policies and Strategies Department, highlighted that the revamped national training programmes for 2026 have been meticulously revised to incorporate additional focus areas that tackle emerging challenges and evolving training exigencies.
New programmes targeting artificial intelligence have been introduced as a strategic manoeuvre to remain vigilant against evolving cyber threats and to cultivate advanced competencies for the future.
As part of its national strategy, the programme aspires to enhance cyber preparedness and foster sustainable, long-term capabilities.
This is achieved by cultivating professional skills and striving for self-sufficiency in cybersecurity, aligning with the nation’s priorities concerning digital transformation and cyberspace protection.
The programme underscores the development of technical skills through integrated training pathways that cater to various job roles and levels of experience.
It offers a lucid progression route, spanning from fundamental training initiatives to specialised tracks, ultimately culminating in executive leadership programmes, all within a cohesive and structured educational framework.
A notable feature of this programme is a dedicated training bootcamp designed for recent graduates. This bootcamp is focused on equipping aspiring cybersecurity and information technology professionals with the essential technical and practical skills necessary to confront cybersecurity challenges and embark on successful careers.
The initiative casts a wide net, targeting all employees within Qatar, regardless of their specialisation in cybersecurity. This ensures extensive national reach and enhanced participation from varied institutions.
Through this concerted effort, the National Cyber Security Agency reiterates its steadfast commitment to nurturing local talent, bolstering institutional preparedness, and advancing Qatar’s cybersecurity landscape.
The updated offerings now comprise a Cybersecurity Self-Awareness Programme, an online self-paced learning avenue made available through a learning management system, alongside in-person workshops on essential cybersecurity practices.
Career progression tracks feature several programmes, including the Graduate Cybersecurity Bootcamp, which prepares freshly minted graduates in cybersecurity and IT with the requisite technical and professional acumen; the Cyber Capability Development Programme geared towards new entrants in the cybersecurity sector; and the Cyber Guardians Programme, which aims to cultivate specialised professionals by refining analytical skills and leveraging available technical assets.
Moreover, the Cyber Guardians – Cyber AI Programme emphasises the integration of artificial intelligence into security protocols tailored for both cloud and enterprise environments.
The Cyber Elite Programme seeks to elevate the expertise of seasoned cybersecurity professionals by enhancing their competencies in risk management, assessment, monitoring, and governance.
In parallel, the Cyber Elite – Cyber AI Programme presents an advanced track centred on merging artificial intelligence with sophisticated cybersecurity methodologies.
Leadership development initiatives include the Cybersecurity Managers Programme and the Technical Cybersecurity Leaders Programme, designed to arm technical leaders with advanced capabilities in governance, risk management, and operational leadership.
Additionally, the initiative encompasses specialised workshops, meticulously tailored to specific sectors, aimed at elevating awareness concerning emerging cyber threats and their effective management.
Noteworthy amongst these is the Cyber Protection Workshop for managers, which delivers actionable insights on cybersecurity from a managerial standpoint.
Furthermore, the Cybersecurity Strategy Execution Workshops – Leaders Track enables executives to comprehend cyber risks through financial, legal, and reputational lenses, aligning these risks with institutional strategic objectives while bridging the divide between technical operations and strategic oversight.
The 2026 revisions to the National Cybersecurity Training Programme build upon the substantial achievements realised in 2025, which witnessed engagement from over 100 entities, participation exceeding 54,000 individuals in awareness initiatives, and the execution of more than 20 training cohorts nationwide.
Source link: Qatar-tribune.com.
