Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global cybersecurity landscape, enhancing defenses while also facilitating advanced attacks. As highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, a staggering 94% of organizations foresee AI as the primary driver of change in cybersecurity over the next year. Additionally, 87% of companies recognize AI-related vulnerabilities as the fastest-growing cyber risk, underscoring the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures.

GISEC Global 2026: A Premier Gathering for Cybersecurity Innovators

Scheduled from September 16-18, 2026, GISEC Global will unfold at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, under the theme “Cyber First: The New Digital Order.” This marks the 15th edition of the event, which is recognized as the third-largest cybersecurity gathering globally and serves as a hub for the Middle East and Africa’s cybersecurity sector. The event has seen a remarkable 20% annual expansion, highlighting the escalating global demand for cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, collaboration, and investment.

GISEC Global 2026 is set to attract over 25,000 cybersecurity experts, more than 750 exhibiting brands, and over 350 influential speakers from over 180 countries. Hosted by significant UAE bodies like the UAE Cyber Security Council and Dubai Electronic Security Center, the event aims to address crucial challenges that shape the future of the global digital economy.

Building Cyber Resilience Through Collaboration

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, emphasized the pivotal role of AI and geopolitical factors in transforming the cybersecurity landscape. He pointed out that complex cyber threats are interconnected and cannot be tackled by individual nations or organizations alone. The UAE is dedicated to promoting international cooperation and enhancing cyber resilience. GISEC Global 2026 aims to unite governments, industry leaders, and the global cybersecurity community to develop practical solutions that secure the digital future.

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive of the Dubai Electronic Security Center, highlighted that GISEC Global serves as a significant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration within the cybersecurity community. This year, the event will also feature the second editions of two key competitions: the Dubai Cyber Challenge – Government Edition and the School of Cyber Defense. These initiatives provide university students across the UAE the chance to hone their skills and contribute to the nation’s cybersecurity landscape.

The Cyber First Leadership Summit and Beyond

The overarching theme for this year’s GISEC, “Cyber First,” signifies a strategic focus on geopolitical impacts and the need for national priorities regarding cybersecurity. Central to this theme is the Cyber First Leadership Summit, designed to bring together ministers, national cyber authorities, and leading technology figures to discuss AI’s implications, cyber threats from nation-states, and the resilience of tomorrow’s digital economies.

The expanded agenda will also introduce new tracks like the National Defence & Sovereign Cyber Track and the Quantum Security Summit, preparing governments and organizations for evolving cyber challenges, including those associated with quantum technology. The Global Quantum Drill will further enhance preparedness, evolving the former Global Cyber Drill into a robust exercise aimed at quantum readiness.

Innovation and Opportunities for the Future

Attendees can expect to see a diverse array of international technology leaders and cybersecurity innovators showcasing advancements in AI-enabled defense and cyber resilience. Companies like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Huawei will be prominently featured. Corey Deng, Chief Security Officer of Huawei’s Middle East & Central Asia division, remarked on the critical need for evolving cybersecurity measures to sustain intelligent infrastructure.

As the digital age brings both opportunities and risks, GISEC Global serves as a vital platform for collaboration among governments, businesses, and academic institutions, enabling the exchange of ideas and strategies. This event aligns with broader initiatives such as the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy and the UAE’s digital transformation goals, reinforcing the commitment to secure our digital future.