Ms. Zari was awarded the "Innovative Technology in Industry Cybersecurity of the Year" prize at the MEICA Awards 2025, held within the framework of the Middle East Instrumentation, Cybersecurity, and Automation (MEICA) Expo 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Taking the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Zari on her recent achievement, we are pleased to present to you an interesting interview conducted with her.
Our interviewee, Ms. Zari Uslu-Abdullayeva, graduated from the Faculty of Philology at Azerbaijan University of Languages in 2012, with a specialization in Azerbaijani language and literature teaching. She began her professional career in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Between 2020 and 2023, she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity at EC-Council University in New Mexico, USA. During this period, she continued her professional activities, working for leading telecommunications company Etisalat and various IT firms in the UAE. Currently, she works as a Threat-Oriented Security Manager at one of the UAE's leading ICT companies in Abu Dhabi.
Could you please provide a brief overview of your career journey, highlighting the most significant milestones and the main challenges you faced?
My career began in the field of Philology, but I always had a strong interest in IT. After reading a book on the subject, my enthusiasm grew even more, and I decided to change my field of work after a nine-year hiatus. This decision was not easy for me, as I had to prove myself in a new sector as a woman, and balancing my studies with family responsibilities as a mother of a three-year-old presented significant challenges. Nevertheless, between 2020 and 2023, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity at EC-Council University in the USA, while simultaneously working at Etisalat and other IT companies in the UAE. The most important milestone was managing to pursue education and gain practical work experience concurrently. This journey equipped me with both technical skills and resilience.
Could you please provide detailed information about the achievements and successes you have attained throughout your career?
Throughout my career, my achievements are not only measured by project successes or professional positions held. As a woman working in a technical field in a different country, I have successfully established my position in the cybersecurity sector. Working as a Threat-Oriented Security Leader is a significant accomplishment for me.
At the same time, in addition to enhancing my professional skills, I consider it a great achievement to serve as a role model for young women in the field, especially given the underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity. Inspiring others to enter this field is a source of pride for me. In this regard, every success I have achieved is valuable to me both from a technical perspective and socially.
Could you share your thoughts on the main advantages and potential challenges of working in the cybersecurity field abroad?
Working in cybersecurity abroad offers both significant advantages and certain challenges. One of the main benefits is gaining experience in diverse technological environments and participating in international projects, which enriches professional skills. Additionally, there are more opportunities and support for women to enter this field abroad, which serves as a strong source of motivation for me.
On the challenging side, especially for newcomers, finding employment can be difficult. In my case, being both a woman and living in a foreign country, starting from scratch and participating in suitable projects required extra effort and perseverance. Entering this sector demands dedication and hard work, but the personal and professional growth gained from overcoming these challenges is immensely valuable.
What advice and recommendations would you give to women working in the cybersecurity field to support their professional development and progress?
Women in cybersecurity should maintain confidence in their knowledge and skills and focus on continuous learning. Although the field is still male-dominated, there are open opportunities for women, and it is important to recognize and leverage these opportunities.
For professional development, networking is crucial—establish connections with mentors and industry leaders, participate in conferences, and gain hands-on experience through real projects. Sharing ideas and proposals openly, asking questions, and seeking support can accelerate progress in this sector. Confidence and patience are key keys to success in this journey.
