The Manchester Innovation and Technology Academy, in collaboration with the University of Dubai (UD), has launched the Professional Diploma in Cyber Security, marking a first in the Middle East. This diploma has garnered significant attention from both government and private sectors across the UAE and Gulf countries. The course development is supervised by experts and academics from renowned British universities, including Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Warwick, University of Salford, University of Sheffield, and University of Bradford.

An advanced platform has been created for the eight-month English-taught diploma, featuring online lectures, practical applications, self-study, virtual tests, homework, and one-to-one online meetings between students and lecturers. Course topics cover a wide range, including an introduction to hacking, electronic identity protection, data mining and security, spam, cyber terrorism, digital forensic analysis, and a final graduation project.

Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of UD, emphasized the diploma's importance in educating individuals from diverse backgrounds about cyber challenges and equipping them with the necessary tools to address these threats on personal and corporate levels. He highlighted the professional design of the courses, aimed at protecting networks and programs from digital attacks that seek to access, alter, or destroy sensitive information, extort money, or disrupt business operations. Dr. Bastaki also pointed out the growing sophistication of cyber crimes and the consequent need for such educational programs to protect individuals and society.

Dr. Wissam Steitie, Executive Director of the Academy – Dubai Branch, noted that cybersecurity is projected to grow by 32% between 2018 and 2028, with over half a million vacancies in this field at the start of 2018. He added that cybercrime and data breaches are expected to increase by more than 27.9%, surpassing the 27.7% rate in 2017. This rise necessitates the employment of cybersecurity experts to combat ongoing cyber attacks and the growing number of hackers. "We designed this professional diploma to develop skilled Arab professionals from both private and public sectors, equipping them to thwart cyber attacks and secure data networks," he said..