CASE STUDY
The Arab Open University is a pioneering nonprofit higher education institution established in 2000 through the visionary initiative of the late HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. With its headquarters in Kuwait and branches in eight Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, and Kuwait, Arab Open University is committed to expanding access to quality education across the Arab world.
Arab Open University delivers accredited undergraduate and graduate programmes through a blended learning model that combines online and in-person instruction, offering flexibility and inclusivity for students of diverse backgrounds. The university partners with the UK Open University to ensure international academic standards and continuous programme development.
With over 60,000 students and a broad academic portfolio across disciplines such as Business, Computer Studies, Education, Language Studies, Media, and Law, Arab Open University is shaping the future of higher education in the region. The university remains dedicated to empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and contributing to the sustainable development of Arab societies.
Arab Open University Kuwait serves as a central hub for more than nine Arab countries, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields like Business Administration, Information Technology and Computing, English Language and Literature, and Education, in partnership with the Open University in the United Saudi Arabia.
Rising incidence of cyber attacks
In response to the rising volume and sophistication of cyber threats targeting academic institutions, Gulf Business Machines, GBM, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, with Kuwait based Arab Open University.
The MoU is aimed at fortifying cybersecurity resilience, building digital trust, and supporting the sustained evolution of secure digital learning in the region’ s education sector. Arab Open University is committed to providing accessible and high-quality blended learning opportunities across the Arab world.
The agreement sets the foundation for a fullspectrum cybersecurity engagement. The initiative will be powered by GBM’ s proprietary COR. platform, delivering a comprehensive suite of Managed Detection and Response, MDR services, integration, and cybersecurity consultancy.
As part of the engagement, GBM Kuwait, also known as Khorafi Business Machines – KBM will provide Arab Open University with 24x7 threat monitoring, threat hunting, digital forensics, and strategic advisory support.
Leveraging the vendor-agnostic GBM Shield framework and the AI-powered COR. platform, the university will benefit from deep visibility, predictive analytics, and fast response capabilities to reduce risk exposure and increase operational resilience.
“ At Arab Open University, we view cybersecurity not just as a technical necessity, but as a strategic enabler of educational progress,” said Prof Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development and CIO at Arab Open University.
“ By partnering with GBM, we are investing in the safety and integrity of our digital infrastructure, empowering our faculty and students with the confidence to teach, learn, and collaborate without disruption. This collaboration reinforces our role as a future-ready institution committed to delivering secure, high-quality education across Kuwait and the wider region.”
GBM’ s product stack
GBM Shield is more than just a cyber defence programme; it is a next-generation solution crafted to combat complex digital threats. In a digital age where cyber threats constantly evolve, GBM’ s approach combines technology with expert guidance.
GBM Shield offers a solution and practice framework designed to empower organisations in achieving
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