Riyadh is set to host the largest gathering of cybersecurity experts in its history as Black Hat MEA kicks off tomorrow at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre. With a duration of three days until November 16, Black Hat MEA 2023 is expected to witness significant growth, featuring 300 speakers and anticipating over 40,000 attendees from the information security and cybersecurity sectors. This makes it not only the largest cybersecurity event in the region but also the world’s most attended.
Compared to its 2022 edition, this year’s event boasts a remarkable 41% increase in size, showcasing its rapid expansion. With attending investors and start-ups representing a total of US$8 billion in assets under management, Black Hat MEA 2023 is positioned as the fastest-growing cybersecurity event globally.
Annabelle Mander, Senior Vice President of Tahaluf, the joint venture organizing Black Hat MEA with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, & Drones (SAFCSP), noted the event’s exceptional growth trajectory, emphasizing its role as a crucial platform for integrating the local and international cyber sectors.
New features introduced for 2023 include the Black Hat Campus and Deep Dive Stage, where experts will delve into prevailing cybersecurity threats, and an Investor Programme featuring over 80 investors seeking opportunities to support cybersecurity startups. The event will also host interactive workshops, certified training programs, and an Executive Summit with experts from organizations such as the FBI, NATO, Netflix, Google, and more.
Key topics to be scrutinized at the event include generative AI and machine learning, compliance and regulations, identity and access management, privacy and data protection, business and risk management, emerging cyber threats, incident response and recovery, talent management, security culture, IoT security, hacking, supply chain risk, and the growing role of women in the cyber sector.
Majed Abdulaziz Alotaibi, Chief Business Officer at Mobily, an exhibitor and sponsor, expressed their commitment to showcasing cybersecurity solutions and services aligned with Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity priorities.
Black Hat MEA 2023 aims to be a dynamic business platform, featuring an Activity Zone with startup pitches competing for a US$40,000 Cyberseed prize fund. The event will also host the Black Hat MEA Arsenal, presenting the latest open-source tools and products, along with a jeopardy-style “Capture The Flag” tournament attracting over 1,000 participants.
The Black Hat Campus, focusing on nurturing local talent, will provide learning opportunities under expert cyber professionals to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitions of developing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
Black Hat MEA 2023 is scheduled to run from November 14-16 in Riyadh, with registrations open at www.blackhatmea.com.
