What inspires you in your current role? What inspires me most in my role is the critical responsibility of safeguarding Abu Dhabi government’s digital assets. I am driven by the mission to protect national infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, ensuring the security and resilience of Abu Dhabi’s digital ecosystem. The dynamic nature of cybersecurity, the challenge of staying ahead of adversaries, and the opportunity to contribute to a safer digital future for Abu Dhabi motivate me every day. 

What do you enjoy most about your company or role? What I enjoy most is the opportunity to make a real impact in protecting Abu Dhabi critical digital assets and national infrastructure. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and I find it both challenging and rewarding to stay ahead of adversaries, develop proactive defense strategies, and ensure the security of Abu Dhabi’s digital ecosystem. Additionally, contributing to a safer and more resilient future for the Abu Dhabi government and its citizens. 

How did your journey into cybersecurity begin—was it a twist, a calling, or a leap of faith? My journey into cybersecurity was a calling. I was drawn to the field because of its complexity and the challenge it presents. I wanted to pursue something that wasn’t easy, something that would push me to continuously learn and adapt. Cybersecurity is dynamic, constantly evolving, and requires a deep understanding of both technology and strategy. Studying this field was difficult, but that challenge is what motivated me. 

What do you like most about cybersecurity? What I like most about cybersecurity is the constant challenge and complexity of the field. Cyber threats are always evolving, which means there is always something new to learn, analyze, and defend against. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect, investigating threats, understanding adversaries’ tactics, and developing strategies to stay ahead of them. 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. What does that mean to you? To me, #AccelerateAction means taking bold and intentional steps toward meaningful change, especially in fields like cybersecurity where diversity and inclusion are crucial. It’s about moving beyond conversations and actively creating opportunities for women to thrive in leadership, innovation, and decision-making roles. In cybersecurity, we need to accelerate efforts to close the gender gap, mentor the next generation, and ensure that diverse perspectives shape the future of digital security. Progress happens when we take action, challenge norms, and create a more inclusive and empowered workforce. 

If you could give your younger self a piece of career advice, what would it be? If I could give my younger self a piece of career advice, it would be to embrace challenges and trust the learning process. Cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving field, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and persistence is key. Always seek mentors, build a strong network, and never hesitate to ask questions. Most importantly, I would say: Believe in yourself, every expert was once a beginner, and your hard work will pay off.

LinkedIn: Sara Alhosani