International Cybersecurity Drill And Cyber Escape Room Highlight GISEC Global 2025 Activities

The UAE Cybersecurity Council is set to host the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC Global 2025) from 6–8 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event will showcase a variety of activities, including an International Cybersecurity Drill and a Cyber Escape Room experience. The council will also introduce the National Information Security Platform and hold an awards ceremony to celebrate achievements in cybersecurity.

GISEC Global 2025, known as the Middle East's leading cybersecurity event, will gather over 450 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), 25,000 professionals from 160 countries, and more than 750 top digital brands. The theme for this 14th edition is "Securing an AI-Powered Future," focusing on how smart technologies can address growing digital threats.

The International Cybersecurity Drill, hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, will be a key feature of the event. Spanning three days, it aims to enhance global cooperation against cyber threats. Involving over 160 countries, this drill will facilitate knowledge exchange among national cybersecurity centres and response teams. It will include workshops and strategic discussions on AI, digital defense, and modern protection strategies.

Participants in the Cyber Escape Room will engage in analysing cyber threats through simulated attack scenarios. This interactive experience offers cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts a chance to test their skills in a practical setting. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, it provides an opportunity to explore new cybersecurity innovations.

The exhibition will feature major technology companies like Huawei, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Cisco. Leading cybersecurity firms such as Kaspersky, Check Point, Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, and CrowdStrike will also participate. GISEC Global serves as a platform to align international expertise with regional priorities.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, highlighted the significance of GISEC Global 2025 amid increasing cyber threat complexity. "The event coincides with a rapidly evolving digital landscape that demands unified international efforts," he stated.

Empowering Through Innovation

The UAE Cybersecurity Council’s involvement reflects its proactive approach to combating cyber threats and enhancing community awareness through collaboration. This aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision to strengthen its global digital standing as a hub of cybersecurity excellence.

The council will unveil the National Information Security Platform during GISEC Global 2025. This initiative aims to streamline compliance with information security regulations using AI for real-time monitoring and proactive measures. It empowers government entities and critical infrastructure operators to counter advanced cyber threats effectively.

Awards Ceremony Celebrating Excellence

An awards ceremony will recognise outstanding contributions in cybersecurity at GISEC Global 2025. The "CISO of the Year" award will honour a distinguished leader while the GCD Partner Awards celebrate impactful partnerships in this field.

On the sidelines of GISEC Global 2025, panel discussions will cover topics like cross-border digital transformation and AI-related threats such as deepfake technologies. A public awareness session under the "Knowledge Hub" initiative will highlight women's roles in cyber diplomacy and governance.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti added that their partnership with GISEC Global underscores their commitment to fostering international collaboration against cyber challenges: "As part of the UAE’s ‘Year of the Community,’ our continued partnership with GISEC Global underscores our commitment to fostering international collaboration."

This event solidifies the UAE’s role as a global cybersecurity hub by driving innovation and collaboration towards securing an AI-powered future.

With inputs from WAM