More than 50 professors and instructors from several universities and educational institutions around the UAE gathered from January 8^th -12^th 2017 at the University of Dubai (UD) to attend certified training sessions on ìBigData,î organized and delivered by representatives from International Business Machines Corporation or IBM. These training courses are part of the effective ìIBM Skillsî program which is designed to enhance professional, key skills for international professors and teachers in specific fields and grant them certifications after passing certain exams so that they would be able to teach the course. Three faculty members from UD took part in the ìBigDataî training course which brings to light the main technological advances in various fields and areas. Welcoming the trainer, UD President Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki stated that it is extremely significant to connect faculty members from prestigious UAE universities and provide them with advanced trainings from reputable and global organizations like IBM. He added that UAE universities are well connected when it comes to big data and cloud computing via many platforms including the well-known Ankabut, an Emirati Advanced National Research and Education Network (NREN). Commenting on the IBM training sessions at UD, CEO of Ankabut Mr. Fahem Al Nuaimi reaffirmed the fact that Ankabut supports the initiative of UD and IBM as part of its mission to advance academic connectivity around the world. He also urged schools, education centers, and institutions of higher education to connect and become a part of Ankabut infrastructure to foster collaboration and cooperation in the educational sector.