Manama : The National Cyber Security Centre signed an agreement with DEF CON to host DEF CON Middle East in its full edition. The event is 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, and marks the first edition of its kind in the Middle East.
Shaikh Salman bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, said that hosting DEF CON Middle East in the Kingdom of Bahrain is a strategic step reflecting the Kingdom’s advanced position in cybersecurity. He said the partnership demonstrates international confidence in national expertise and Bahrain’s advanced digital infrastructure, noting that DEF CON is one of the world’s largest cybersecurity conferences, attracting tens of thousands of experts, specialists, researchers and enthusiasts from around the world each year, and serving as a leading platform that combines advanced technical expertise with a culture of cybersecurity innovation.
He added that one of the key features of DEF CON is its specialised workshops and training courses held through its “villages”, which are interactive mini-innovation platforms covering various domains, including artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, industrial control systems, Internet of Things security, medical and biosecurity, and other specialised technical areas. He also referred to interactive demonstration labs that provide innovative hands-on experiences and open up opportunities for researchers, students and start-ups to showcase their innovations and projects to leading global experts in an interactive environment that fosters innovation.
Shaikh Salman bin Mohamed noted that hosting the Middle East edition of the conference in Bahrain is a significant opportunity to bring this advanced global experience to the region, contributing to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem, fostering an advanced innovation environment in this key field, supporting the empowerment of national specialists, and enhancing digital readiness, thereby reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a leading regional hub in cybersecurity.
