GISEC Global 2025: Dubai Mobilises Global Cyber Defence Leaders to combat AI-driven cybercrime and ransomware
CYBERSECURITY
RELATED COMPANIES
CrowdStrike Hldg Microsoft Deloitt Cisco Systems Qualys Cpx StrikeReady Dream Group Cloudflare Huawei Tech Honeywell Intl Lab Kasperskogo Spire Solutions Opswat Wck White Cyber Linkshadow
From 6-8 May, 25,000+ cybersecurity experts will gather at the Middle East and Africa's largest cybersecurity event to secure the region's digital future against deepfake scams and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: With AI-driven cybercrime and ransomware attacks surging globally, GISEC Global 2025 returns to Dubai from May 6 - 8, bringing together the world's foremost leaders, innovators, and visionaries in a high-stakes effort to secure our digital future.
GISEC Global transforms Dubai World Trade Centre into the epicentre of cybersecurity, uniting 450+ CISOs, 25,000 professionals from 160 countries, and 750+ brands—from tech giants like AWS, Huawei, and Microsoft to innovative startups—for MEA's most pivotal cyber event under the theme 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.' The year 2025 has been declared as the 'Year of Community' by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, calling for collective action in building a connected and empowered society through AI and entrepreneurship. GISEC Global is strengthening the global cybersecurity community by fostering collaboration between governments, enterprises, and experts to secure our digital tomorrow.
The 14th edition brings together critical focus areas from some of the leading players in the industry, including Huawei, AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud Security, CISCO, Deloitte, Kaspersky, Check Point, Cloudflare and Honeywell, alongside groundbreaking cybersecurity companies such as Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, OPSWAT, Qualys, CrowdStrike, StrikeReady, and Dream Group.
The three-day event will reinforce the UAE's position as a world leader in AI innovation and responsible AI deployment in the face of threat actors, blending global expertise with regional priorities, and with a strong emphasis on public-private collaboration, innovation, and talent development.
These priorities come at a critical juncture. The World Economic Forum's Global Security Outlook 2025 report, published ahead of GISEC Global 2025, has shown that:
66% of organisations view AI as a game-changer in cybersecurity.
Nearly half (47%) warn that generative AI is simultaneously arming hackers with scalable new attack vectors
However, only 14% of organisations feel confidently equipped to respond
These key insights highlight how fast the global cybersecurity market is changing – an ever-growing economic sector that is expected to reach $298.5 billion by 2028, according to Markets and Markets – a significant jump from the $190.4 billion in 2023.
Nowhere is this urgency more apparent than in the Middle East, where 45% of organisations rank cyber risk mitigation as their top operational priority (PWC's 2024 Global Digital Trust Insights survey). As the region accelerates its digital transformation, GISEC Global 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment to shape its secure future.
The 2025 edition introduces groundbreaking new features:
Next-Gen Cyber Warriors Competition: The Student Hackathon transforms classrooms into cyber defence labs, where young talent tackles real-world scenarios in network security, threat analysis, and incident response.
Critical Infrastructure Programme: The launch of OT Security Conference Track addresses the growing convergence of IT and operational technology, offering actionable strategies to protect vital systems from emerging vulnerabilities.
Africa Cyber Resilience Initiative: As the continent's digital economy expands, GISEC launches dedicated roundtables with CISOs and national authorities to build continent-wide defences.
GISEC AI: Explore polymorphic malware, adversarial AI, and deepfake scams. This year's largest AI in cybersecurity showcase will feature pressing topics including polymorphic malware, adverbial AI, deepfake scams and Gen AI tech.
Launch of GISEC North Star: Cyber71, in strategic partnership with GISEC GLOBAL, will launch a series of high-impact initiatives at the region's largest platform for innovative cybersecurity startups. It will provide a dynamic space for cybersecurity startups to network, attract investment and scale their businesses.
Dubai Cyber Challenge: Premiering at GISEC Global, Organised by DESC, an exclusive 'Capture the Flag' competition will be held for Dubai government entities as teams go head to head across two days, focusing on different trends such as web security, reverse engineering and digital forensics through various challenges.
Dubai's hosting of GISEC Global 2025 cements the UAE's position as the world's cybersecurity leader, recently crowned #1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024. The event serves as both a showcase of the nation's security achievements and a call to action for international collaboration in our interconnected digital future.
H.E. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, said: "GISEC Global comes at a critical time as cyber threats grow more prevalent and sophisticated," says HE Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council. "In this 'Year of Community,' our partnership with GISEC underscores the UAE's commitment to uniting global stakeholders in addressing urgent cybersecurity challenges—from safeguarding data privacy and securing critical networks to countering advanced threats through AI-powered solutions. Through initiatives like the world's largest Global Cyber Drill and strategic collaborations at GISEC, we are turning the UAE's cybersecurity vision into action, ensuring a resilient digital future for all."
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), said: "Dubai's rapid digital transformation is redefining the way we live, work, and connect, making cybersecurity more critical than ever. GISEC Global 2025 stands as a pivotal gathering where global experts converge to address emerging threats and pioneer the next generation of cyber resilience. At DESC, we are steadfast in our mission to safeguard Dubai's digital ecosystem by fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and implementing robust cyber defences. Our participation in GISEC reflects our commitment to shaping global cybersecurity discourse, sharing expertise, and ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of secure and intelligent digital progress."
Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, GISEC Global organiser, said: 'Every year, the cybersecurity industry is dealing with new threats and opportunities with GISEC Global at the heart of driving impactful discussions and action from the worldwide ecosystem. This year will be no different as we bring the best minds together once again to Dubai World Trade Centre to explore ways to not only manage cyber risks effectively, which can have far-reaching implications if not dealt with adequately, but also build a safe future that will not impact our economies.'
Sean Yang, Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection Officer of Huawei, Lead Strategic Partner of GISEC Global, said: 'We are delighted to be extending our long-term partnership with GISEC Global by becoming its Lead Strategic Partner for the 2025 edition. Huawei is committed to securing our shared digital future with governments, industry organisations, standardisation bodies, and enterprise stakeholders. Through such partnerships, we aim to be a reliable partner in the digital and intelligent world and provide our customers with competitive and secure product solutions. GISEC Global is a leading platform to exchange ideas and expertise, as well as collaborate in building a trustworthy digital environment of various partners that can address the challenges of today and tomorrow.'
GISEC Global 2025 is hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and supported by Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), UAE Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.
About GISEC Global
GISEC Global, Middle East & Africa's largest and most impactful cybersecurity event, will return to Dubai World Trade Centre for its 14th edition taking place from 6th to 8th May 2025, under the overarching theme of 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.' Following the monumental success of 2024, the super-connector event for the region's cybersecurity industry will bring together over 25,000 attendees, 750 exhibiting brands and 350-plus speakers hailing from over 160 countries. GISEC Global stands as the unrivalled platform for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. More information: www.gisec.ae
About Dubai World Trade Centre
With a vision to make Dubai the world's leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events, DWTC has evolved from being the regional forerunner of the fast-growing MICE industry into a multi-dimensional business catalyst, focusing on Venues, Events and Real Estate Management. Complementary to the primary service offerings are a range of value-added services from media/advertising, engineering and technical consultation and wedding planning, security, and hospitality.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
16 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Worried about AI effect on job? Microsoft report reveals 40 careers that use tech most, least
Artificial intelligence evolved from just a buzzword to a key tool in everyone's careers in the matter of a few years. Concerns have arisen as employees fear if AI will take over their jobs. However, experts have often reassured the public that technology will not replace those who learn to use it to increase efficiency at the workplace. A recently released research paper, conducted with the help of and approved by Microsoft, reveals 40 career roles with the most and least AI applicability score. What is AI applicability score? The study defines AI applicability score as the measure of "nontrivial AI usage that successfully completes activities corresponding to significant portions of an occupation's tasks." This essentially means that the more that AI is used to complete a significant part of a particular job's work responsibilities, the higher the score. In general, the occupations with highest AI applicability scores are knowledge work and communication focused occupations, according to the study. However, all occupational groups "have at least some potential for AI impact (unsurprisingly, with much narrower effects on occupations with large physical components)", according to the study published by Microsoft research on July 22. 40 jobs with most AI applicability These are the 40 roles identified with the highest AI applicability stores, which can translate into being the most impacted by technology. The jobs are arranged from high to low: Interpreters and Translators Historians Passenger Attendants Sales Representatives of Services Writers and Authors Customer Service Representatives CNC Tool Programmers Telephone Operators Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs Brokerage Clerks Farm and Home Management Educators Telemarketers Concierges Political Scientists News Analysts, Reporters, Journalists Mathematicians Technical Writers Proofreaders and Copy Markers Hosts and Hostesses Editors Business Teachers, Postsecondary Public Relations Specialists Demonstrators and Product Promoters Advertising Sales Agents New Accounts Clerks Statistical Assistants Counter and Rental Clerks Data Scientists Personal Financial Advisors Archivists Economics Teachers, Postsecondary Web Developers Management Analysts Geographers Models Market Research Analysts Public Safety Telecommunicators Switchboard Operators Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary 40 jobs with least AI applicability These are the 40 roles identified with the least AI applicability stores, which can translate into being the least impacted by technology. The jobs are again arranged from high to low: Phlebotomists Nursing Assistants Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Helpers–Painters, Plasterers Embalmers Plant and System Operators, All Other Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers Ship Engineers Tire Repairers and Changers Prosthodontists Helpers–Production Workers Highway Maintenance Workers Medical Equipment Preparers Packaging and Filling Machine Op. Machine Feeders and Offbearers Dishwashers Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers Supervisors of Firefighters Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Massage Therapists Surgical Assistants Tire Builders Helpers–Roofers Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Op. Roofers Roustabouts, Oil and Gas Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Logging Equipment Operators Motorboat Operators Orderlies Floor Sanders and Finishers Pile Driver Operators Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equip Foundry Mold and Coremakers Water Treatment Plant and System Op. Bridge and Lock Tenders Dredge Operators
Emirates 24/7
20 hours ago
- Emirates 24/7
Al Tayer meets Microsoft UAE General Manager to discuss collaboration in digital transformation and innovation
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), met Amr Kamel, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, at DEWA's headquarters. The meeting focused on enhancing co-operation to leverage cutting-edge technologies in accelerating digital transformation, fostering innovation and supporting Dubai's sustainable development goals. The discussions centred on exploring synergies between DEWA's pioneering initiatives in smart infrastructure, renewable energy and utility services, and tapping Microsoft's global expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and cyber security. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to harnessing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences and contribute to the UAE's broader digital economy ambitions. Al Tayer highlighted DEWA's ongoing commitment to innovation, in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, adding that DEWA is continuously seeking strategic partnerships with global technology leaders like Microsoft to stay at the forefront of digital transformation in the utilities sector. Al Tayer also stressed that the collaboration with Microsoft is instrumental in transforming DEWA to become the world's first AI-native utility, leveraging AI across all core operations. 'By integrating AI and cloud-based solutions, we aim to enhance our renewable energy capabilities, drive operational excellence and provide world-class services in line with Dubai's vision for sustainability and innovation. DEWA's focus is on deploying advanced technologies, including AI and cloud solutions, to optimise our operations, enhance grid resilience, integrate renewable energy sources efficiently and deliver exceptional services to Dubai,' said Al Tayer. The meeting explored areas of co-operation such as leveraging AI and advanced analytics for predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, energy optimisation and enhanced customer service. It also focused on adopting cloud solutions to improve the scalability, security and agility of DEWA's critical systems, as well smart grid and sustainability solutions for advanced grid management and the efficient integration of distributed renewables – in support of Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. Al Tayer and Kamel also discussed measures to strengthen cybersecurity resilience for critical infrastructure and the development of digital skills and innovation initiatives to foster sector-wide expertise. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to improve service quality, boost cyber security and improve customer experiences, contributing to Dubai's leadership in economic growth and environmental stewardship. Kamel emphasised Microsoft's dedication to supporting UAE organisations, saying: 'DEWA is a clear leader in adopting innovation for sustainable utility services. We are committed to providing our trusted cloud platforms, advanced AI capabilities and cybersecurity solutions to empower DEWA's initiatives. Together, we aim to unlock new possibilities in operational excellence, sustainability and citizen services, contributing to Dubai and the UAE's position as a global hub for technology and the future."
Channel Post MEA
3 days ago
- Channel Post MEA
OPSWAT Report Reveals 127% Rise In Malware
OPSWAT has released its first-ever Threat Landscape Report , revealing key insights from over 890,000 sandbox scans in the last 12 months. This report offers a unique lens into the evolving nature of cyberthreats. The findings are clear: traditional detection methods are being outpaced, with a 127% rise in malware complexity and a staggering 1 in 14 files—initially deemed 'safe' by legacy systems—proven to be malicious. This report is a call to action for industries relying on outdated defenses and the importance of multi-layered solutions. Key Findings: 127% Increase in Malware Complexity Behavioral telemetry revealed a 127% rise in multi-stage malware complexity over the past year. OPSWAT's sandbox uncovered layered threats designed to evade analysis, including obfuscated loaders such as NetReactor and evasive behaviors missed by traditional tools. These results show that modern malware intends to confuse, not flood, which is why OPSWAT's pipeline is purpose-built to unpack that complexity. Proactive Threat Detection OPSWAT analysis reclassified 7.3% of files that were silent across open-source intelligence (OSINT) feeds as malicious, on average 24 hours earlier than public data sources. These were confirmed executions, not speculative flags, highlighting how adaptive analysis can close dangerous gaps left by static and reputation-based systems. Campaign-Level Threat Correlation With 890,000+ sandbox scans, OPSWAT connects the dots across threats. It identifies shared TTPs, reused C2 infrastructure, and behavioral patterns across campaigns. This provides defenders with context-rich, actionable intelligence instead of noisy indicators. 99.97% Detection Accuracy OPSWAT's behavioral and machine learning pipeline delivers results. Aided by a newly enhanced PE emulator, the platform identified sophisticated threats such as: Clipboard hijacking via ClickFix Steganography-wrapped loaders C2 channels embedded in Google services .NET Bitmap malware loaders delivering Snake Keylogger payloads 'Our strength lies in precision, behavioral depth, and early visibility into emerging attacks,' said Jan Miller, Chief Technology Officer of Threat Analysis at OPSWAT. 'That's what sets OPSWAT apart in delivering high-fidelity, context-aware threat intelligence.' Why It Matters As critical infrastructure, government systems, and enterprise networks face growing targeting from increasingly modular and evasive malware, the findings of this report spotlight the evolving adversary playbook and the need for integrated, multilayered solutions. Cybersecurity leaders must now prioritize adaptability, shared intelligence, reassessing technology, and fast behavioral detection pipelines to protect systems from known threats, but also to keep pace with a rapidly evolving threat landscape and whatever is on the horizon. part of the OPSWAT MetaDefender Platform, powers advanced threat detection and file analysis across critical environments. Download the full report and learn more about OPSWAT's integrated pipeline at .
