GISEC Global 2026 runs September 16–18 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, under the theme "Cyber First: The New Digital Order." It's the 15th edition of what organisers call the world's third-largest cybersecurity event and the biggest in the Middle East and Africa, up 20% year-on-year. Expected turnout: 25,000+ professionals, 750+ exhibiting brands, 350+ speakers, attendees from 180+ countries.
The context: the WEF's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 found 94% of organisations expect AI to be the top driver of cybersecurity change this year, and 87% flag AI-related vulnerabilities as the fastest-growing risk. The event is organised by inD (a DWTC-Informa joint venture) and backed by the UAE Cyber Security Council, DESC, the Ministry of Interior, and Dubai Police.
New for this edition: the Cyber First Leadership Summit, gathering ministers, national cyber authorities, and CISOs to discuss AI geopolitics, digital sovereignty, and nation-state threats. Also new: a National Defence & Sovereign Cyber Track, and a Quantum Security Summit (hosted with the Technology Innovation Institute) prepping organisations for post-quantum security. The old Global Cyber Drill becomes the Global Quantum Drill, pitched as the largest quantum-readiness exercise of its kind. DESC returns with its Dubai Cyber Challenge and School of Cyber Defense competitions for students.
Other tracks cover OT security, critical infrastructure, cyber diplomacy, ethical hacking, AI-driven defence, cloud security, and workforce development. Exhibitors include AWS, Google Cloud, Huawei, EDGE, CPX Holding, CyberKnight, and Spire Solutions.
Quoted officials: Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti (UAE Cyber Security Council) on the need for international collaboration as threats grow more interconnected; Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani (DESC) on talent development and new initiatives to be unveiled at the event; Trixie LohMirmand (inD) on cybersecurity as core to economic and national resilience, not just IT; and Corey Deng (Huawei) on security shifting from protection to a foundation for AI-driven infrastructure.
The event ties into the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, D33, the Digital Economy Strategy, and We the UAE 2031.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
