GISEC Global 2026 opened at Dubai Exhibition Center in Expo City Dubai, bringing governments, cybersecurity leaders and technology companies together around AI, digital security and critical infrastructure.
The 15th edition was officially opened by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is supported by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Dubai Electronic Security Center, the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.
AI threats and national cyber resilience were central themes, with speakers examining how artificial intelligence is expanding the capabilities of both attackers and defenders. GISEC cited Mordor Intelligence figures projecting the regional cybersecurity market to grow from $3.67B in 2026 to $6.54B by 2031.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council and Open Innovation AI launched a cybersecurity-focused AI model developed in the UAE. According to the announcement, it supports vulnerability assessment, secure-code analysis, incident investigation and cyber-defense reasoning, with deployment possible in private and sovereign environments.
DESC also unveiled SARAAB, an open-source AI model for detecting deepfake videos, alongside a Dubai Cyber Skills Framework and an auditor certification program for information security professionals.
The event also featured live cyber drills, critical infrastructure sessions and commercial product launches, including Paramount Computer Systems’ SoCMate security investigation assistant and Help AG’s Quantum 360 post-quantum readiness service.
The second Dubai Cyber Challenge, held on September 16 and 17, brought together up to 100 government cybersecurity professionals across more than 30 practical challenges, with AED100,000 in prizes.
Read more about GISEC Global 2026
Source: Fast Company Middle East
