Satendra K Oct 25, 2024

10 Best Cyber Security Certifications in Dubai To Boost Your Career

With cyber threats evolving rapidly daily, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. The UAE Cybersecurity Market size is estimated at USD 0.59 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.07 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 12.72% during the forecast period (2024-2029). The rapid digitalisation in the United Arab Emirates has triggered the number of connected devices by opening new cyberattack gateways. 

With increased emphasis on data protection by both government initiatives like the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy and private business enterprises, cybersecurity has emerged as an exceptionally promising and high-paying career in Dubai. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional in Dubai is  AED 319,600 yearly. 

Holding internationally recognised cybersecurity certifications gives you an edge to build your expertise and accelerate your career in this field. This article discusses the top 10 cyber certifications that are extremely valuable for security professionals looking to establish themselves in Dubai's thriving cyber landscape.

Best Cyber Security Certifications in Dubai to Boost Your Career

Below are the top cyber security certifications in Dubai, that can help you with top career opportunities. Here are the top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications in Dubai. 

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • CompTIA Security+ 
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
  • Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Audit (CRISA)
 
Let’s take a brief look at each certification. 
 

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Offered by the EC-Council, the CEH certification trains security pros to think like attackers to assess and secure systems. A Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH v12 AI) Course Certification can help participants build 

  • Hands-on hacking skills using leading tools like Kali Linus
  • 10 domains including footprinting, scanning, enumeration, system hacking
  • Valid for 3 years, must renew to retain skills currency
  • Prepares you to perform authorised penetration testing and vulnerability assessments

For those seeking roles as security consultants, penetration testers or vulnerability assessment analysts in Dubai, CEH adds impressive skills in ethical hacking methodologies and network defence strategies visible to recruiters.

Do you want to upgrade to CEH v13 AI? 

Get Edoxi’s CEHv13 AI Training and become an Upgraded Certified Ethical Hacker!

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP offered by (ISC)2 is the most prestigious and globally recognised certification in the cybersecurity industry. The CISSP Certification exam covers 8 important security domains including asset security, security architecture and more through 250 questions. 

Obtaining CISSP Certification can boost your cybersecurity career and give you a competitive advantage in the dynamic job market. Some other key benefits of CISSP Certification are:

  • Requires minimum 5 years work experience (or alternative route with education, certification substitution)
  • Lifetime credential that must be maintained through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits
  • The high standard ensures the quality of a seasoned cyber expert capable of architecting & managing security programs at senior levels.

With no expiration date, CISSP proves your dedication to protecting critical assets and infrastructure. It establishes you as a respected senior security professional worth huge salaries in executive leadership positions within MNCs across Dubai.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Targeting security leaders managing teams and programs, CISM focuses on best practices for security governance, program development and compliance topics. Some salient points of obtaining CISM Certification are:

  • Covers managing risk, assets, security operations, communications & more
  • Valid for 5 years, requires ongoing CPE to maintain
  • Highly respected credential for directors, CISOs, consultants and security managers
  • Additional specialized track available on Risk Management, Asset Security or Compliance
  • Eligibility criteria involve a minimum 5 years of experience in security functions

CISM Certification will gain you global recognition and help you become certified information security manager. You will develop skills needed to effectively develop, build and lead strategic security initiatives within regulated environments like healthcare, and finance in Dubai with authority and responsibility.

4. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

CRISC by ISACA proves expertise in IT risk identification, assessment and control. Exam domains include regulatory environment, governance, risk identification techniques and frameworks. Some notable aspects are:

  • Targets professionals in risk, governance, compliance & audit functions
  • Requires 5+ years’ experience mitigating IT risks & implementing controls
  • Focuses on translating policy to hands-on risk guidance
  • Valid for 3 years, must renew to maintain expertise and credential validity

With CRISC training, you portray your ability to effectively manage information security risks within an organisation to senior executives and boards in Dubai and the wider GCC. It boosts careers across enterprise risk management, auditing and security consulting domains.

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

CCSP by (ISC)2 validates expertise in architecting, securing and managing applications and workloads on cloud platforms. Key features include:

  • 6 exam domains covering cloud concepts, migration risks & controls
  • Minimum 5 years of work experience in one of the cloud security domains
  • Recognised globally by cloud providers and service organisations
  • 3-year credential maintains market relevance with fast cloud advancements

With major initiatives to adopt cloud capabilities, CCSP-certified candidates are in high demand by GCC government entities and enterprises rolling out cloud programs. It opens up challenging cloud security architect and consultant roles in Dubai's thriving tech industry.

6. CompTIA Security+ Certification

The CompTIA Security+ certification covers core security tenets making it suitable for security analysts, engineers and admins. The exam tests knowledge of threats, vulnerabilities, technologies and best practices for properly securing IT infrastructure and applications. 

Some key benefits of obtaining this certification include:

  • Foundational understanding of security concepts
  • Eligibility for US government cybersecurity jobs
  • Global recognition with over 150,000 certified professionals worldwide
  • Continuing education option with recurring training/CEUS.
  • The average salary for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals in Dubai is over $86,000 per year.

With a validity of 3 years, it has become one of the most popular Cyber Security Courses in Dubai shows employers your commitment to staying updated with changes and secures your position as a true cybersecurity generalist ready to tackle a broad spectrum of security roles in Dubai. 

7. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

The SANS GCIH certification is focused on incident response best practices and forensics. Key benefits encompass:

  • The exam covers the incident handling process including preparation, identification and more
  • Recognised globally by major CERT teams and security consulting firms
  • Strongly complements cybersecurity degree, engineering backgrounds
  • Valid for 3 years but maintains lifelong student access to SANS library

With rising cyber-incidents involving ransomware, GCIH skills position you as critical first responders capable of protecting networks and data during security emergencies within Dubai and beyond. 

8. SSCP Systems Security Certified Practitioner

The SSCP credential from (ISC)2 gauges hands-on security application of principles from previous certifications like Security+ or CISSP. The benefits of this Cyber Security Certification include;

  • Focuses on implementation of technical security controls and architecture
  • 6 domains include access controls, cryptography, security operations & more
  • The SSCP certification can significantly enhance your career prospects
  • Valid for 5 years, must earn continuing education credits to maintain

Engineers, analysts and network administrators acquire skills to deploy industry best security practices and architecture at a more applied level through SSCP for critical infrastructure projects in Dubai's sectors.

9. Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

Offered by ISACA, the CGEIT certification proves expertise in aligning technology goals with business policy. Its key attributes are:

  • Covers governance concepts, strategies, frameworks and program development
  • Requires 3+ years in IT governance, management or advisory roles
  • Maintains credentials currency with ongoing CPE for 5-year validity
  • Recognised globally for controlling risks across digital transformations.

For IT directors and managers setting security visions, CGEIT displays skills in implementing governance initiatives, audits and compliance frameworks driving technology stewardship within regulated banks, and government in Dubai.

10. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Audit (CRISA)

The CRISA credential by ISACA demonstrates audit proficiency across IT, cyber risks, governance and compliance domains. Core features cover:

  • IT audit process planning, reporting and validating controls effectiveness
  • 5+ years’ experience in evaluating risks, and controls within IT infrastructure
  • Valid for 3 years, must maintain expertise through continuing education
  • Trusted globally, especially for attesting financial technology systems

Strong analytical abilities and control-based methodologies of CRISA-certified individuals prove valuable for internal and external auditors overseeing UAE organisations transitioning digital services and meeting regulatory demands.

Read on: Benefits of Cyber Security Certifications

Conclusion

Choosing the right industry-recognised cybersecurity certification based on your goals and experience will boost expertise and job prospects in one of the most in-demand career fields today in Dubai's digital economy. With strategic preparation and continuing education, these credentials ensure staying relevant in this rapidly evolving domain for decades to come. If you are thinking about pursuing any of the above-mentioned courses, you can connect with the experts at Edoxi and get all the assistance. Good luck! 

You may also like: How to Upskill Your Cybersecurity Team 

 

Chief Technology Officer & Cyber Security Expert Trainer

Satendra Trainer change description: Satendra Singh Khari is a renowned cybersecurity expert and the Chief Technology Officer at Edoxi, where he leads the CEH v13 AI program. With over 12 years of experience, he has trained more than 10,000 professionals and earned recognition in the Circle of Excellence for 2023 and 2024. Mr. Khari holds multiple industry certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CEH, CPENT, and CREST, which showcase his expertise in vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and incident handling.

His practical insights, gained during his tenure as Head of Information Security in Malaysia, enhance the learning experience by providing students with essential technical skills and a clear path to career advancement. Recognized as a leader in his field, he has received the Internet 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award for three consecutive years (2022-2024), reflecting his dedication to empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

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