Latest news with #ArabInternationalCybersecurityConference&Exhibition
Daily Tribune
23-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
DEF CON Villages Debut
TDT | Manama 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.
Daily Tribune
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Brings DEF CON to GCC
Bahrain is set to make regional history as it welcomes DEF CON, one of the world's most respected cybersecurity conferences, for the first time in the Arab world. The event is being held through a strategic partnership with the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS). The third edition of AICS will take place on November 5th and 6th at Exhibition World Bahrain, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Hosted by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), the event will bring together global cybersecurity experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders. Landmark Partnership This year's edition marks a pivotal moment, with Bahrain becoming the first country in the Arab region to collaborate formally with DEF CON. Organisers say the move will significantly raise the technical calibre of the event while offering a new level of interactivity and innovation to attendees. As part of this partnership, AICS will introduce interactive DEF CON Villages focused on emerging security domains such as artificial intelligence, industrial control systems, cloud technologies, and space cybersecurity. Participants will also experience cutting-edge Demo Labs where students, researchers, and startups can showcase cybersecurity tools and ideas directly to global experts. The goal, organisers said, is to nurture talent and encourage disruptive thinking across sectors. Beyond demonstrations, the two-day summit will feature technical workshops, specialised training, high-level panel discussions, and an expansive tech exhibition led by top cybersecurity firms worldwide. Bahrain's Cyber Role Officials say the event strengthens Bahrain's growing reputation as a cybersecurity leader in the region, offering a collaborative platform for public-private dialogue and high-level strategy sharing. The partnership between AICS and DEF CON positions the Kingdom at the forefront of regional cyber capability-building and knowledge exchange.
