GISEC Global 2026 draws visitors from over 130 countries

GISEC Global 2026 concluded its 15th edition in Dubai after three days focused on cyber resilience, AI, digital sovereignty and emerging security challenges. The event welcomed thousands of visitors from more than 130 countries, alongside more than 750 cybersecurity brands and 350 speakers.

GISEC Global event was held for the first time at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. Governments, national cyber authorities, CISOs, technology companies and cybersecurity professionals took part in the program.

 AI, resilience and critical infrastructure

Held under the theme “Cyber First: The New Digital Order,” GISEC Global examined AI, digital sovereignty, nation-state threats, critical infrastructure security and quantum technologies.

More than 350 speakers addressed AI, operational resilience, digital sovereignty and quantum computing. Exhibitors and government partners also announced initiatives covering threat intelligence, workforce development, secure AI adoption and national cyber resilience.

GISEC Global 2026

The event brought together thousands of visitors from more than 130 countries, 750+ cybersecurity brands and 350+ speakers.

Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, said: “The participation of cybersecurity leaders and professionals from across more than 130 countries at GISEC Global reflects the importance of bringing the international community together to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and develop coordinated responses to emerging threats.”

New partnerships and cyber talent initiatives

Among the partnerships announced during the event, the UAE Cyber Security Council and Group-IB unveiled cooperation on threat intelligence exchange, incident response and cybersecurity capacity building. They also plan to establish a joint Innovation Center of Excellence in the UAE.

Microsoft and CPX also launched the second cohort of “She Protects,” with support from the UAE Cyber Security Council. The program will expand to more than 150 university students and recent graduates across the UAE. It combines security certification training, threat education, cyber simulations and career-readiness support.

Huawei, the event’s Lead Strategic Partner, presented its approach to cybersecurity in the AI era. Huawei Cloud also launched its MaaS Security Whitepaper, which outlines a shared-responsibility approach to securing large-scale enterprise AI adoption.

GISEC Global 2027 will take place in Dubai, from May 4-6, 2027.

DESC showcases cyber and AI initiatives

Dubai Electronic Security Center, the Official Government Cybersecurity Partner, presented initiatives focused on government cyber capability, innovation and talent development.

The Dubai Cyber Challenge Government Edition brought together 30 teams from Dubai Government entities. The School of Cyber Defense also attracted more than 400 registrations from university students across the UAE.

DESC also unveiled SARAAB, described in the release as the region’s first government-developed open-source AI model for detecting deepfake videos. It also introduced the Dubai Cyber Skills Framework for cybersecurity qualifications, certifications and career progression across Dubai.

GISEC looks ahead to quantum security

GISEC Global also announced Global Quantum X, a new event that will launch alongside GISEC Global in Dubai in 2027.

The event will cover quantum computing, quantum-secured communications and next-generation sensing. Its cybersecurity focus will include post-quantum security, cryptographic transition, critical infrastructure protection and national quantum readiness.

GISEC Global will return to Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, from May 4-6, 2027.