Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 25, 2024: Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA), the world’s fastest-growing cybersecurity event, is set to open tomorrow at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. This year’s event marks its largest edition yet, featuring a 51% increase in size compared to 2023. Running from November 26 to 28, the three-day event spans an impressive 53,000 square meters and is expected to draw over 40,000 attendees, including 330-plus speakers from 150 countries, 450 global brands, and 30 cutting-edge cybersecurity startups.
With six national pavilions representing countries such as the USA, Canada, India, and Turkey, Black Hat MEA solidifies Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cybersecurity innovation. Speaking ahead of the event, Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), highlighted the alignment of the event with Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment and driving innovation in cybersecurity.
This year’s edition features an Executive Summit, bringing together over 100 CISOs and senior executives from leading organizations such as Motorola, Bayer, Panasonic, and SoftBank Investment Advisors. Renowned experts including Lori Wade, Chief Data Officer of the US Intelligence Community, and Dr. Kevin Jones, Global CISO of Bayer, will discuss critical topics like safeguarding infrastructure, ethical hacking, and AI-driven cybersecurity strategies.
Among the event’s standout features are the Cyberseed Startup Competition, where eight startups will compete for the title of Cybersecurity Champion 2024 and a prize of $30,000. A Capture the Flag tournament, drawing over 1,000 participants, and 11 themed hacking zones will provide hands-on experiences across industries like aviation and smart homes. The Activity Zone and expanded campus sessions will bridge academic learning with real-world application, preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Annabelle Mander, Senior Vice President at Tahaluf, noted the event’s role in cementing Riyadh’s status as a global leader in cybersecurity. “Black Hat MEA 2024 brings together the world’s top minds to explore cutting-edge advancements in AI, quantum computing, and cryptography,” Mander said. With exhibitors including industry heavyweights like Cisco, Google Cloud, and Darktrace, the event not only tackles the sector’s most urgent challenges but also bolsters Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a destination for cybersecurity innovation.
Event organizers predict record-breaking attendance, with pre-registrations up 16% from last year. Tahaluf’s portfolio of successful events, such as LEAP and DeepFest, has established the Kingdom as a regional leader in hosting world-class technology forums. Black Hat MEA 2024 builds on this momentum, providing a platform for international collaboration and driving economic and technological growth.
Source: Press Release For information: visit: www.blackhatmea.com
