By Eyas Hawari, Senior Managing Director, Immersive Labs
I recently marked a significant milestone — three incredible years with Immersive Labs growing the business with an amazing team. As I reflect on my journey so far with such a disruptive force for good in the cyber industry, I’m filled with pride for what we’ve accomplished together. Our mission to build a more resilient world has never been more vital, and I feel privileged to be part of a team that is helping our customers get the human edge against cyber threats.
What attracted me to the company
What initially drew me to Immersive Labs was the immense value the platform offers. Having spent years in the cybersecurity space, I’ve worn many hats—from operating a Security Operations Center (SOC) to managing and leading one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the region. Through these experiences, I’ve come to a fundamental belief that cybersecurity is, at its core, a people challenge. In an era of ever-evolving threats, people are truly the last line of defense.
What resonated with me most about Immersive Labs was how CEO and Founder James Hadley harnessed cutting-edge technology to tackle this critical people challenge in cyber. His vision, aimed at empowering enterprises and government institutions to upskill their teams and stay ahead of threats, was incredibly inspiring. Immersive Labs doesn’t just offer a product—it delivers a solution that recognizes the importance of human capabilities in defending against cyber threats.
This vision is nothing short of inspiring. Immersive Labs isn’t just offering a product; it’s delivering a solution that equips people—the key players in this space—to stay ahead of threats.
I was also captivated by the company’s impressive clientele, including global giants like Citi, HSBC, and the UK Ministry of Defence. These weren’t just names—they were a testament to Immersive Labs’ leadership and innovation in the industry. The opportunity to expand into new markets across the Middle East was a leadership role I was excited to embrace.
Anyone who knows me understands how deeply passionate I am about building strong, collaborative teams and driving meaningful results. Joining Immersive Labs gave me the platform to do just that, while contributing to a mission that’s both timely and critical.
Driving cyber resilience, globally
Since joining Immersive Labs, I’ve had the privilege of building an extraordinary team of brilliant, dedicated individuals. Together, we’ve been able to demonstrate the true value of Immersive Labs to organizations across the UAE, KSA, and beyond. From forming key partnerships with leading organizations like UAE Cyber Security Council and Sirar by STC, to conducting pioneering cyber drills, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. These drills put teams’ knowledge, skills, and judgment to the test in real-world scenarios, and the feedback we consistently receive highlights just how impactful these hands-on experiences are for both executives and technical teams.
By weaving together real-time threat intelligence, practical training, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we’ve empowered our customers and partners to respond to incidents swiftly and with greater precision, helping them mitigate the impact of cyber threats. Moreover, they value how Immersive Labs equips them to prove their cyber capabilities to Boards, C-level leaders, customers, and other key stakeholders. In today’s digital age, where human error is often the target, this proactive approach is not just important—it’s essential.
The importance of developing strong cyber skills cannot be overstated, and Immersive Labs is leading the way in this critical movement. Our innovative, people-centric approach to cyber resilience continues to earn recognition. Not only were we the only cyber vendor featured in the Gartner Hype Cycle for Micro Simulation, but we were also recently named a Leader in the Forrester Wave™: Cybersecurity Skills and Training Platforms, Q4 2023. These accolades underscore the significant impact we’re making in the industry and validate the value we bring to our customers.
Remarkable milestones and achievements
Looking back on both my journey and the company’s, I’m incredibly proud of the remarkable milestones we’ve reached together. We’ve created a suite of cutting-edge solutions that are redefining industry standards. Our dedication to research and development has produced an abundance of resources, empowering our clients to stay one step ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Additionally, our work across diverse industries—from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and education—has reinforced the critical role of cyber resilience in every sector. By sharing best practices and insights, we’re building a community that places security and preparedness at its core, paving the way for a safer, more resilient future for everyone.
Looking ahead
As I celebrate my Immersive Labs anniversary, I am more excited than ever for what lies ahead. The journey is far from over, and the challenges we face will only grow. However, with our dedicated team, supportive leadership, and a clear mission, I am confident that we can continue to make a positive impact in the world.
I am especially grateful for all the support Immersers throughout the company have given me from our leadership to my other colleagues. The culture is warm, innovative, and exciting. I am happy I made the decision to join such a mission-driven group.
We will continue to innovate, adapt, and expand our reach, ensuring that organizations globally are equipped to face the complexities of the modern digital landscape. Together, we are building a future that is not only safer, but also filled with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
To join us in this auspicious mission, check out current job openings on the Immersive Labs Career Page.
