Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a leading end-to-end digital solutions provider, has announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arab Open University (AOU).
The agreement aims to strengthen cybersecurity resilience, build digital trust, and support the secure growth of digital learning in the region’s education sector.
Arab Open University, headquartered in Kuwait, is a pioneering non-profit institution. It is committed to providing accessible and high-quality blended learning opportunities across the Arab world.
The MoU was signed in response to the rising volume and sophistication of cyber threats targeting academic institutions. GBM revealed that the agreement sets the foundation for full-spectrum cybersecurity engagement.
This initiative will be powered by GBM’s proprietary COR. platform. The platform delivers a comprehensive suite of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, along with integration and cybersecurity consultancy.
GBM Kuwait, also known as Khorafi Business Machines (KBM), will lead the implementation. As part of the engagement, AOU will receive:
GBM reported that the partnership will leverage its vendor-agnostic GBM Shield framework and AI-powered COR. platform. These tools will provide deep visibility, predictive analytics, and rapid response capabilities. This will help reduce risk exposure and enhance operational resilience.
Prof. Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development and CIO at Arab Open University, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity. He stated that cybersecurity is viewed not just as a technical requirement, but as a strategic enabler of educational progress.
He added that the partnership with GBM is an investment in the safety and integrity of AOU’s digital infrastructure. The goal is to empower faculty and students to teach, learn, and collaborate without disruption.
Established in 2002, AOU Kuwait serves as a central hub for more than nine Arab countries. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, IT and Computing, English Language and Literature, and Education, in partnership with the UK’s Open University.
This collaboration highlights AOU’s commitment to protecting its digital ecosystem. It also enhances the student and faculty experience through secure, uninterrupted access to digital education platforms.
GBM reaffirmed its position as a leading cybersecurity partner for the public sector in Kuwait and the wider region.
Wassim Seliman, General Manager of GBM Kuwait, reported that the education sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation. He noted the increasing responsibility to protect sensitive academic and personal data.
He added that proactive cybersecurity measures are essential to protect institutions’ people, platforms, and intellectual property. Seliman confirmed that GBM will support AOU with advanced solutions to build a trusted, secure digital learning environment.
As regional education systems accelerate digital adoption, the initiative demonstrates how layered cybersecurity frameworks can defend against threats and support secure digital classrooms.
