GISEC
Mansoor bin Mohammed Opens GISEC Global 2024 at DWTC

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, today opened GISEC Global 2024, the Middle East and Africa’s largest and most impactful cyber security event. Running for three days at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), GISEC Global’s 13th edition features more than 750 exhibiting brands – a 50 per cent increase over the previous year – as more than 20,000 cyber professionals from 130-plus countries gather to combat digital threats in a Gulf Cooperation Council cybersecurity market that, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan, will triple in value by 2030 to reach $13.4 billion.
The three-day powerhouse showcase, organised by DWTC, and hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, features returning headline players and tech titans Huawei, Honeywell, du, Microsoft, and Google Cloud Security, alongside groundbreaking cybersecurity companies such as Spire Solutions, Pentera, Cloudflare, and Kaspersky. More than 350 expert speakers and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), alongside 1,000-plus ethical hackers, are also convening under the show’s ‘AI-driven cyber-resilience’ theme to detangle and demystify the rising global threats of the dark cybercriminal underworld, as they deliver 300-plus hours of immersive content across nine conference and workshop stages.
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration to develop a more cyber-resilient society amid the new era of cyber threats. “The evolution of cybersecurity continues to present new challenges and opportunities for industry leaders around the world,” said Dr. Al-Kuwaiti.
“The UAE Cybersecurity Council aims to create a safe and trusted cyber environment that helps organisations, institutions, and individuals achieve their potential. Such results are amplified at GISEC Global, which acts as a super-connector bridging the industry gap, encouraging thought-provoking discussions, and promoting forward-thinking collaborations critical to the future of digital services and assets. In light of the latest developments in AI technology, GISEC Global 2024 serves as a pivotal platform in our relentless mission to forge and advocate for a cyber-resilient society grounded in the partnerships between the private and public sectors and aims to cultivate a bold ecosystem that safeguards the integrity of companies and individuals,” he added.
Dr Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, added: “GISEC Global is the region’s largest and most reputable cybersecurity event that is in its thirteenth year. I would expect no less in terms of relevance, forward-thinking and innovation when it comes to programming. “It will be the perfect opportunity not only for the industry to gather and share stories from the trenches but also the right platform for networking at the highest level. GISEC Global and the UAE together is the formula for building a trusted digital oasis in the heart of the Arab World,” added Dr Cheang.
Exclusive cybersecurity experiences will take place during the three-day event, including the inaugural edition of the Global CyberDrill, a realistic simulation assessing critical targets and engaging experts from CERTs, CIRTs and CSIRTs hailing from over 100 countries, fostering global cooperation to mitigate cyber threats. Dubai security teams from several government entities will for the first time join the new Capture the Flag competition in partnership with the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), GISEC Global’s official government cybersecurity partner while flourishing start-ups from all across the region will compete on the most awaited Unlock Pitch Competition at the returning GISEC Cyber Stars.
Showing its appreciation for the most prominent and visionary players in the Middle East and Africa’s cybersecurity industry, GISEC Global this year will see the launch of the inaugural GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards in partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the United Cybersecurity Alliance. Another brand-new feature designed to showcase the best of open-source projects, tools, and solutions, GISEC Armory will offer developers and experts a unique opportunity to display their work and connect with like-minded professionals in the cybersecurity space.
An extensive conference programme with 300+ hours of future-oriented content will promote a new enhanced experience with exciting highlights spanning everything from the inaugural series of executive boardrooms and conference roundtables to the new cyber defence track discussing the mitigation plans and weaponry against rising threats. The 2024 agenda will also launch the most awaited Ask the Hacker Q&A sessions and the spotlight on True Stories where the audience will hear world-class CISOs narrating true horror stories around billion-dollar ransomware attacks, financial frauds, celebrity phone hacks, and more, for the first time on stage.
Expert Speak
RACE Model: Building Cyber Resiliency and Mitigating Network Risks by Going Back to Basics

Written by H.E. Dr. Mohamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government, and Dr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia (more…)
Cyber Security
World’s Largest Cybersecurity Startup Hub GISEC North Star Debuts in 2025

GISEC Global is thrilled to announce the launch of GISEC North Star, an expanded startup zone designed to connect cybersecurity innovators, investors, and industry leaders on an unprecedented global scale. In partnership with Expand North Star, the world-renowned startup and investor networking event, GISEC North Star aims to elevate the cybersecurity startup ecosystem by featuring 250 leading-edge cybersecurity startups and 150 investors. The 14th edition of GISEC Global anticipates over 25,000 visitors and participants from 160 countries.
The event will take place during GISEC GLOBAL 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6-8 May 2025, introducing unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and investment. As cybersecurity threats escalate globally, GISEC North Star is designed to foster an ecosystem of innovation and resilience by connecting global minds in cybersecurity technology, venture capital, and enterprise solutions.
As an anchor of GISEC Global, GISEC North Star will serve as a premier platform where disruptive startups can showcase their innovations, connect with leading global investors, and engage with key industry leaders across various sectors. The event will feature cutting-edge showcases, live demos, and panel discussions with top minds in cybersecurity technology and business.
“We are thrilled to expand GISEC’s role in the global cybersecurity ecosystem through our partnership with Expand North Star. GISEC North Star is committed to bringing together the brightest minds in cybersecurity, empowering startups with unparalleled access to the resources, networks, and investments they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape,” said Nawaz Ali, Commercial Director at GISEC Global.
GISEC North Star’s expansive setup is designed to attract the best cybersecurity talent from across the globe, uniting startups, investors, and visitors to collaboratively tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges. With participants from over 160 countries, the event will foster diverse and impactful exchanges that shape the future of global cybersecurity.
Designed to promote collaboration and growth, GISEC North Star is set to showcase breakthrough innovations that address critical challenges in cybersecurity, ranging from AI-driven threat detection to secure data management solutions. Investors will have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with and support promising startups driving advancements that safeguard the future.
GISEC
Video: Interview with Bertil Brendeke of BotGuard at #GISEC2024

We spoke to Bertil Brendeke, the Chief Revenue Officer of BotGuard, at GISEC 2024, in Dubai, UAE:
Check out Arabian Reseller’s GISEC 2024 Special Edition, here: https://arabianreseller.com/april2024
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