Collaboration over competition powers future of cybersecurity, says EVAD
The 14th edition of GISEC Global witnessed a remarkable convergence of cybersecurity leaders, with vibrant energy lasting through all three days of the event. Among the notable voices was Abdullah A. Qaisi, CEO & General Manager of EVAD, who reflected on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, both regionally and globally. Having just returned from RSA Conference in San Francisco, Qaisi brought a unique perspective to the table—highlighting how the Middle East, and particularly GISEC, is matching global standards in terms of scale, relevance, and impact.
In his conversation with Tahawultech.com, Qaisi emphasised that cybersecurity today is less about product pitches and more about impactful storytelling and ecosystem collaboration. He underscored the importance of moving away from a siloed, competitive mindset toward a community-driven approach where distributors, vendors, and partners collectively raise awareness and readiness in the cybersecurity space.
Interview Excerpts:
How do you compare the energy and scale of GISEC 2025 with other global cybersecurity events?
Recently, I attended the RSA Conference in San Francisco, and coming from RSA to GISEC was a different kind of challenge—but a very exciting one. RSA is known for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, but I must say, coming back to Dubai and experiencing GISEC at this scale fills me with pride. This event truly matches international standards. Compared to last year, GISEC 2025 has seen higher visitor turnout and more focused interactions. The arrangements have been seamless, making it easy to connect and engage. Even on the third day, the energy feels like day one.
What did EVAD showcase at GISEC Global 2025?
This is our first year exhibiting at GISEC, although we've been part of other events like GITEX in the past. Choosing GISEC this year was the right move—its cybersecurity focus aligns perfectly with our position as a value-added distributor in the field. The audience here knows what they want, and that made it easier to present our offerings. At I(VAD), we believe cybersecurity isn't just a product to sell—it's a story to tell. We've focused on storytelling to help customers understand their needs and how our solutions fit.
The cybersecurity distribution space is growing fast. How do you view this evolution and competition?
Competition is intense, but I don't see other distributors as competitors. I see them as partners in building a stronger cybersecurity community. If one distributor grows, it benefits the entire ecosystem. For example, where EVAD is strong—like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or even Kenya—we help others gain ground, and vice versa. This shared growth enriches the community. It's about collaboration, not combat. Our collective goal should be to raise awareness and understanding of cybersecurity together.
That's an inspiring perspective. How do you foster this mindset across the cybersecurity community?
We need to stop operating in silos. I had a recent experience at our booth where a client arrived with a distributor. The moment I introduced myself, the distributor said they couldn't engage as they were from a competing firm. I told them, 'Let's collaborate. If I can't close the deal, maybe you will. Or maybe we do it together.' That mindset shift—from competition to cooperation—is key. If your competitor is doing well, don't pull them down—rise to their level. Together, we can build a safer ecosystem.
What challenges still exist in making cybersecurity more relatable?
The issue is that people outside the cybersecurity world still see us as a cost rather than a safeguard. That's because the domain is complex and often poorly understood. To change this perception, we need more storytellers.
'We must humanise cybersecurity through storytelling—explain it in ways that resonate with real business needs. Once we do that, understanding and investment will follow naturally.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Crypto Insight
an hour ago
- Crypto Insight
How to book a flight with crypto in the UAE: Step-by-step guide
Airlines and travel agencies, including Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now support cryptocurrency payments for bookings, targeting tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads. Travelers can pay with Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins and other digital assets via checkout or gift cards, depending on the platform. The UAE's initiatives, such as Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), could help expand crypto-powered services like flight tickets and loyalty programs. Travelers should monitor exchange rates, choose regulated platforms and maintain transaction records for a smooth booking experience. The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a torchbearer in cryptocurrency adoption, with travel being the latest sector to embrace this trend. In July 2025, Emirates signed an agreement with to allow passengers to pay for flights and in-flight purchases using cryptocurrencies. The move reflects the UAE's efforts to attract tech-savvy tourists, digital nomads and residents who value secure and flexible payment options. As more travelers choose to pay with digital currencies, integration of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, USDt and more. This article briefs you about platforms enabling you to purchase crypto flight bookings. It explains the step-by-step process to make these bookings and provides tips for making an optimum deal. Platforms in the UAE that accept flight bookings The UAE has set up an advanced financial ecosystem with regulations supporting crypto. The aviation and travel industries are also part of this trend, and you can book flights with cryptocurrency with several airlines and travel agencies. Here is a review of key platforms and agencies accepting cryptocurrencies with flight bookings, comparing their fees, supported digital currencies and overall user experience. Emirates Airlines Overview: Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, has collaborated with to enable cryptocurrency payments through Pay, scheduled to launch in 2026. Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, has collaborated with to enable cryptocurrency payments through Pay, scheduled to launch in 2026. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, Cronos and stablecoins like USDT and USDC, with plans to support over 30 currencies. BTC, ETH, Cronos and stablecoins like USDT and USDC, with plans to support over 30 currencies. Availability: Payments will cover flights and extra services across Emirates' routes, such as upgrades and duty-free items. Air Arabia Overview: Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed budget airline, accepts AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for bookings. Using one stablecoin simplifies payments for local users familiar with digital AED. Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed budget airline, accepts AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for bookings. Using one stablecoin simplifies payments for local users familiar with digital AED. Supported cryptocurrencies: AE Coin only; AE Coin is a stablecoin issued by AED Stablecoin. AE Coin only; AE Coin is a stablecoin issued by AED Stablecoin. Availability: Bookings are available across Air Arabia's Middle East, North Africa and Asia networks. Did you know? In 2014, Latvian airline airBaltic became the world's first airline to accept Bitcoin for flight bookings. This move paved the way for global carriers like Emirates and platforms such as Travala to integrate cryptocurrency payments. Travala Overview: A blockchain-based booking platform covering flights, hotels and experiences, popular in the UAE for its extensive crypto support. A blockchain-based booking platform covering flights, hotels and experiences, popular in the UAE for its extensive crypto support. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB and AVA (Travala's token). BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB and AVA (Travala's token). Availability: Global travel services. Alternative Airlines Overview: This online travel agency allows bookings with over 650 airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, and is a favorite among crypto users. This online travel agency allows bookings with over 650 airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, and is a favorite among crypto users. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, XRP, Litecoin, Cardano, Dogecoin, USDT and more. BTC, ETH, XRP, Litecoin, Cardano, Dogecoin, USDT and more. Availability: Offers global bookings, including those of UAE-based airlines. Destinia Overview: A worldwide travel agency supporting crypto for flights, hotels and car rentals, offering flexible payment options for UAE travelers. A worldwide travel agency supporting crypto for flights, hotels and car rentals, offering flexible payment options for UAE travelers. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT and other major cryptocurrencies. BTC, ETH, USDT and other major cryptocurrencies. Availability: Global bookings, including UAE-based airlines. How to make a crypto payment for booking a flight Airlines in the UAE don't take direct crypto payments; instead, they collaborate with a crypto service provider to facilitate crypto payments for them. You can make a crypto payment via the checkout or a gift card. Via checkout: To use cryptocurrency at checkout, choose the crypto payment option on the booking platform. This method is simple, secure and supported by many travel agencies and airlines. To use cryptocurrency at checkout, choose the crypto payment option on the booking platform. This method is simple, secure and supported by many travel agencies and airlines. Via gift card: Some platforms allow indirect crypto payments through digital gift cards. Purchase a travel gift card and apply the gift card balance to your booking as a payment code or credit. Did you know? Travala reported a 46% increase in crypto bookings from January 2023 to January 2024. This surge reflects a growing demand among travelers seeking flexible, borderless payment options while bypassing hefty credit card fees and traditional banking hurdles. Step-by-step guide for booking a flight via checkout with crypto payment Here is a guide on how to book a flight via checkout with crypto payment. The guide uses Travala for illustrative purposes. Step 1) Choose a crypto-friendly travel platform: Select a platform that supports cryptocurrencies for booking flights in the UAE. Select a platform that supports cryptocurrencies for booking flights in the UAE. Step 2) Select flight details: Enter your destination, travel dates and preferences on the platform. Filter options to find the best flight for your needs. Step 3) Proceed to payment and select the cryptocurrency option: At checkout, choose the cryptocurrency payment option from the available methods. Travala, for instance, offers options like cryptocurrency transfer, and Binance Pay. Step 4) Connect crypto wallet: Select the appropriate crypto payment tab and tap 'Complete reservation.' In the case of Travala, you could tap Cryptocurrency Transfer, or Binance Pay and initiate the payment process. Step 5) Authorize payment: Log in to your crypto wallet, verify the amount and authorize the transaction securely to confirm payment. To authorize, you could use the notification sent to your wallet or scan a QR code shared by the agency or airlines using your wallet. Log in to your crypto wallet, verify the amount and authorize the transaction securely to confirm payment. To authorize, you could use the notification sent to your wallet or scan a QR code shared by the agency or airlines using your wallet. Step 6) Receive e-ticket: Receive your e-ticket via email or on the platform. Tips for flight booking with cryptocurrencies Using cryptocurrency to pay for flights is convenient, but taking certain precautions ensures a smooth and worry-free experience. Consider the following before finalizing your booking: Review transaction fees and exchange rates: Check the costs of a cryptocurrency transaction and compare them to traditional payment options. Check the costs of a cryptocurrency transaction and compare them to traditional payment options. Ensure platform reliability and security: Select airlines or agencies that use trusted, regulated payment gateways for secure transactions. Select airlines or agencies that use trusted, regulated payment gateways for secure transactions. Track cryptocurrency market fluctuations: Make payments when prices are stable to avoid unexpected expenses due to volatility. Make payments when prices are stable to avoid unexpected expenses due to volatility. Maintain transaction records: Keep copies of receipts, blockchain transaction IDs and booking confirmations for reference in case of refunds or disputes. Did you know? Many service providers prefer stablecoins like USDT and USDC over BTC or ETH. Stablecoins reduce volatility risks and settle quickly, offering a reliable alternative to traditional payments. Future of cryptocurrency in UAE air travel The UAE swiftly adopted cryptocurrency in its travel industry, focusing on digital innovation. Major airlines and platforms, such as Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now accept crypto payments, promising greater convenience for travelers. With a regime that supports crypto enterprises, acceptance of crypto is sure to grow. Steps like Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) reflect the UAE's commitment to deeper crypto integration with various life activities. These efforts could enable new services, such as crypto-based loyalty programs, blockchain-streamlined visa processing and decentralized travel insurance. Crypto-powered travel hubs may emerge, offering seamless ticket booking, in-destination payments and automated compliance via blockchain. As regulations strengthen and technology advances, the UAE is poised to lead crypto-driven travel, delivering secure, innovative and efficient travel experiences. Source:
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Emirates NBD sees over Dhs5bn in trades after year of zero-fee local equities offer
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, said customer trades on its zero-transaction-fee local equities platform have surpassed Dhs5bn in the 12 months since it launched. The initiative, introduced on August 26, 2024, allows investors to trade UAE-listed equities commission-free via the bank's digital wealth platform ENBD X. The bank said more than 300,000 commission-free trades have been executed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Nasdaq Dubai since launch, with access to over 150 UAE-listed equities. The mobile banking app ENBD X integrates banking, investment and advisory services, and offers features such as customisable price alerts, real-time investing and fully digital onboarding. Emirates NBD's zero-fee local equities offer received a strong response Marwan Hadi, group head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, said: 'We are pleased to see an outstanding response to the zero-transaction-fee trading initiative that we launched on our digital wealth platforms, accessible via ENBD X. 'One year on, our customers have embraced purposeful investment by investing in local equities. As a leading national bank, we are proud to transform how people invest, by providing an inclusive, accessible, transparent and affordable platform, while also supporting local businesses.' He added that innovation remained a core focus, with ongoing enhancements to ENBD X and the development of new products and services to meet evolving customer needs. Last year, Emirates NBD also launched fractional bonds on ENBD X as part of efforts to broaden access to financial markets. Read:
Gulf Business
3 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Napster Corp's Sam Huber on how immersive tech is impacting the future of education
Image: Supplied Imagine learning from a professor who's available 24/7, speaks your language, and adapts to your learning style. At Imperial College London's IDEA Lab, that vision is already a reality, thanks to a video-based, AI platform that enables natural, intuitive chat with AI agents, now changing how students engage with complex topics. Across the Middle East, similar immersive technologies are being embraced not as novelties but as a new foundation for delivering education. The shift is already underway. When Dubai announced artificial intelligence would become a mandatory school subject in the UAE starting in 2025, it wasn't simply a policy decision – it was a clear signal. The region is preparing students for an AI-driven future, and an immersive learning environment plays a central role in it. We applaud the direction being taken and strengthen it with partnerships like the company's collaboration with These efforts represent a fundamental reimagining of institutional learning. Immersive tech + AI: Rethinking how students learn Immersive technology powered by AI has the potential to reshape learning. In a virtual field trip to Petra, for instance, AI can adapt the narrative based on a student's curiosity, slowing down for questions, offering extra detail where there's interest, and skipping what the student already knows. It becomes a dynamic, responsive experience. In science classes, simulations can pause or zoom in when students seem confused. In language labs, pronunciation tools adjust in real time. A more intuitive and supportive learning environment emerges — one that adjusts naturally to visual, auditory, and hands-on learners alike. The impact on higher education and professional training is even more pronounced. Medical students in Dubai can now perform virtual surgeries that respond to their skill levels, providing increasingly complex scenarios as competency grows. Engineering students build and stress-test structures in virtual environments that simulate real-world physics and material constraints. Architecture students walk clients through proposed buildings before the ground is broken, receiving immediate feedback that improves both design and communication skills. Immersive education: From vision to implementation The Middle East's approach to education technology reveals a crucial insight—they are not deploying technology for its sake. They are deploying technology that will help increase the level of engagement teachers have with their students and the curriculum that will help them succeed. This outcome-first mindset means greater efficiency. One immersive setup might be used for a history simulation in the morning, a biology lab in the afternoon, and a language immersion in the evening. The infrastructure supports multiple subjects without needing to be rebuilt for each one. Teachers are also finding their roles shifting—from content deliverers to experience designers. Their expertise is still central, but now it's increasingly used to create engaging, interactive sessions that bring subjects to life. Building with partners Transformation doesn't exist in isolation. Across the Middle East, governments, universities, and technology companies are building long-term partnerships to co-create new educational tools. These collaborations help institutions stay current without taking on the full development burden. The digital twin work at Imperial College is one example. They've developed AI-powered versions of real professors — digital teachers that adapt over time and provide students with tailored, on-demand guidance. It's not a replacement for educators, but an extension of what's possible in the learning experience. These kinds of partnerships ensure that the benefits — and the risks — are shared. Tech providers gain valuable insights from classroom use. Educators access tools they wouldn't be able to build alone. Governments see measurable progress toward national education goals. We are already seeing meaningful results. At INSEAD, over Why the Middle East's lead matters By investing early and aligning strategies across sectors, the Middle East is shaping a new model for education. The benefits go beyond classrooms. A generation of students comfortable with AI tools and immersive environments will enter the workforce ready for a digital-first economy. This leadership could also influence global approaches. As other regions look to modernise their education systems, many may follow the Middle East's example — not just in the technology used, but in the way outcomes, policy, and collaboration are integrated from the start. Looking ahead The next step is scale. For immersive education to move from innovation to infrastructure, it must be treated as an essential, as basic to the classroom as textbooks and whiteboards. This means continuing collaboration between innovators and educators. True success will be measured by the unique skills students gain—like spatial reasoning, cultural empathy, and scientific intuition—that traditional education can't provide. The Middle East is building something new—and in doing so, setting the pace for what's possible in education worldwide. Read:
