Manama: Arabian Gulf University (AGU) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Professional Diploma in Cybersecurity, offered by the Department of Computing at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences in collaboration with the University's Centre for Community Service, Consultancy, Training, and Continuing Education. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Saad bin Saud Al Fahaid, President of AGU, faculty and administrative staff members, and the graduates' guardians.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the programme is part of the University's initiative to offer specialised professional programmes that keep pace with developments in the technology sector and meet the needs of government and private institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It aims to train professionals capable of addressing growing cybersecurity challenges, proactively detecting threats and vulnerabilities, and contributing to the protection of digital systems and information.
Dr. Al Fahaid noted that the graduation of the first cohort represents a significant achievement for the University and reflects its commitment to developing educational programmes that meet future needs. He highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity as a field requiring qualified and specialised professionals, adding that AGU is dedicated to supporting programmes that prepare professionals to address digital challenges and protect information and systems. He congratulated the graduates for their achievement and wished them success in their professional careers.
Prof. Dr. Walid Zubari, Dean of the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, explained that the programme was designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical skills, based on a vision to develop the skills of cybersecurity professionals and equip them with the latest technologies. The programme integrates academic education with practical application, covering advanced topics including artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, and quantum computing, alongside critical thinking and the ability to address future cybersecurity challenges.
Prof. Dr. Zubari pointed out that the graduation of the first cohort comes in response to rapid developments in the field and contributes to preparing national and Gulf talent capable of addressing future cyber threats and meeting the needs of government and private institutions in the GCC countries.
Prof. Dr. Adel Bouhoula, programme coordinator, highlighted that the diploma programme focused on modern aspects of cybersecurity while providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge through practical projects. The first cohort has been trained in modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing, as well as ethical hacking, preparing specialists capable of understanding and effectively addressing cyber threats.
Dr. Afaf Mubarak Bugawa, Director of the University Centre for Community Service, Consultancy, Training, and Continuing Education, emphasized the Centre's commitment to offering high-quality training and professional development programmes that keep pace with scientific and technological developments and meet the requirements of the Gulf labour market. She noted that the Cybersecurity Diploma programme reflects this approach by combining advanced academic knowledge with practical application and leveraging the latest technologies and global trends in cybersecurity, enhancing the readiness of national talent and their ability to keep pace with rapid transformations in critical sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the programme participants, Graduate Saad Sinan expressed gratitude for being accepted into the programme, acknowledging that participants received high-quality education and gained knowledge and skills that broadened their expertise and contributed to the development of the organisations they represent, aligning with the vision of the Kingdom of Bahrain and GCC countries. He commended the teaching staff, supervisors, and administrators for their efforts, diverse educational resources, and continuous support, which helped strengthen the students' theoretical and practical knowledge and enriched their educational experience.
The graduation of the first cohort of the Professional Diploma in Cybersecurity reaffirms AGU's commitment to developing specialised programmes that meet labour market requirements and keep pace with rapid digital transformation, while strengthening its role in preparing academic and professional talent capable of supporting digital transformation and development in GCC countries.