DEF CON Villages Debut
Bahrain is set to become the region's new epicentre for cybersecurity innovation, with the third Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS 2025) unveiling the launch of the Arab world's first DEF CON Villages.
The announcement was made yesterday at a press conference held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The event, scheduled for 5 to 6 November at Exhibition World Bahrain, is organised for the third consecutive year by Faalyat.
DEF CON Villages debut
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with DEF CON, one of the world's most iconic hacker communities, confirmed that the Villages will focus on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems. Interactive Demo Labs will accompany the Villages, offering hands-on tech experiences to researchers, startups, and students.
H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, said the collaboration with DEF CON represented a leap forward in positioning Bahrain as a global cybersecurity hub. 'It's a platform to exchange global expertise, showcase innovation, and prepare the region for evolving cyber threats,' he said.
Youth front and centre
The event will include a youth empowerment programme, mentorship initiatives, and a Capture the Flag (CTF) cyber contest to spotlight local and international talent. The NCSC also announced a strategic partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to deliver specialised training for emerging cybersecurity professionals.
A new local community initiative, DEF CON Group Bahrain, was also launched to unite experts, students, and enthusiasts focused on defensive cybersecurity practices and digital resilience.
Building cyber leadership
More than 10,000 participants from 50 countries are expected to attend, alongside 100 international speakers and experts. The programme includes pavilions, technical workshops, cyber competitions, and a global tech exhibition.
H.E. Shaikh Salman praised the ongoing collaboration with Faalyat, which continues to bring world-class stakeholder engagement and experiential design to the region's most prominent cyber event.
The third edition of AICS builds on Bahrain's commitment to secure digital transformation and cyber innovation, reinforcing its vision to lead the Arab world in shaping future cyber ecosystems.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
3 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Online investment scam
A ruling is expected on 26 August in the case of three defendants, two Arab and one foreign, along with their company, accused of laundering nearly BD500,000 linked to a series of online frauds. Prosecutors say the accused lured victims through online adverts claiming to offer investment opportunities in cryptocurrency, stock trading and gold. People transferred money, believing they were securing future profits, only to realise later that the entire operation was a sham. The Financial Intelligence National Centre (FINC), drawing on confidential sources, identified a company established by the second and third defendants. It was registered as a gold investment business but is believed to have served as the main vehicle for the fraud. The group allegedly ran online campaigns promising stable returns, backed by doctored images of growing financial portfolios sent to reassure investors. Investigators estimate that over BD400,000 were collected. The money was then sent out of Bahrain and converted into cryptocurrency, with the aim of concealing its origin. Transfers were carried out through several overseas banks. The matter came to the attention of the authorities after a number of victims filed complaints. Each had responded to adverts, deposited funds and later found themselves ignored. The court is due to rule on the charges against the three accused and their company later this month.
Daily Tribune
3 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Dubai Airshow 2025 Set to Take Flight with Innovation and Global Collaboration
TDT | Dubai Dubai is preparing to host a bigger and bolder edition of the Dubai Airshow, taking place from 17 to 21 November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow Site (DWC). The event promises to bring together the brightest minds in aviation, space, and defence, offering a glimpse into the future of global air travel and technology. This year, the airshow will feature over 350 industry experts delivering more than 90 hours of live content across 12 dedicated tracks on four interactive stages. The agenda is packed with discussions on digital transformation, advanced air mobility, airport technology, cybersecurity, workforce inclusivity, and the future of flight. New highlights for 2025 include: 'Future Flight: Powered by Women' in collaboration with the International Aviation Women's Association. A dedicated Sustainability track exploring greener skies, cleaner fuels, and net-zero aviation. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sessions introducing cutting-edge tech and business models. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) showcases, highlighting urban air mobility and the next era of flight. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the airshow comes at a time when the aviation industry is 'redefining the way people and economies connect.' He emphasized that the event will help forge global partnerships and set the stage for innovation and sustainability in aviation.
Daily Tribune
9 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
BDB grooms future bankers in new internship push
TDT | Manama Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) has launched its 2025 Summer Internship Programme, offering university students hands-on experience across key banking functions in a move that ties directly into Bahrain's broader economic transformation strategy. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and the operational realities of the financial sector, helping young people build the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Interns will work under the guidance of BDB professionals and be embedded in real-world projects across the bank's operations. Human capital focus Group Chief Executive Officer Dalal Al Qais said the programme reflects BDB's vision of national development not just through financing, but by investing in people. 'We welcome our ambitious next generation,' she said. 'This initiative aligns with our vision to be a key partner in national development, not only by providing financial support, but also by investing in human capital.' Al Qais added that she had personally met the interns and wished them an 'enriching experience.' Strategic alignment The programme, developed by BDB's Human Resources Department, is also designed to foster innovation and teamwork among participants. Chief Human Resources Officer Hend Mahmood said it provides an immersive experience in banking operations, preparing youth to play an active role in economic growth.'This initiative reflects our belief in empowering youth with the knowledge and confidence needed to build successful careers,' she said. Broader mandate Established in 1992, BDB is a key player in Bahrain's SME ecosystem and national economic diversification agenda. The bank's efforts in digital banking through its 'tijara' platform and women-led business support under the Riyadat scheme are among its contributions to inclusive financial access and sustainable growth. The new internship programme complements that mandate by ensuring that future banking professionals emerge with both technical skills and a deep understanding of the national development context.
