News

Riyadh Is Hosting The Ultimate Hack Fest At Black Hat MEA

Tickets are now available for the most eagerly awaited cybersecurity event in the Middle East, which takes place in Riyadh from 15-17th November 2022.

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2022

Nour Nasir

Black Hat MEA

The Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh will be home to the most respected information security event in the world this November, as Black Hat opens its doors to InfoSec heavyweights, as well as offering speaking sessions and 23 training programs to excited visitors.

The 3-day event will take place between the 15th and 17th of November and will host 250 exhibitors and over 200 speakers, with tech experts from Cisco, IBM, Spire and Infoblox all attending.

The event results from a partnership between the Saudi Federation of Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and events company Informa Markets. It will highlight the Kingdom’s growth in cybersecurity and modern digital technology.

“Black Hat MEA is a powerful indicator of our intentions within the cybersecurity space. This partnership will spark innovation, supercharge our capacity building and develop investment opportunities which we are excited to share with the world in November,” says Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman, SAFCSP.

So what can event goers expect from Black Hat Riyadh?

Speakers: An exciting line-up of world-renowned experts from leading companies, including CISOs of Equifax, Boom Supersonic and Lufthansa, SolarWinds and more. The event will also welcome David Colombo, the teen tech genius who hacked Tesla cars.
Training: 23 training sessions specially developed for the event by 30 Black Hat-approved trainers will take place in a hands-on environment. Training partners include Offensive Security, we45, Orange Cyberdefense and Madiant.
Executive Summit: An exclusive conference featuring over 200 leaders in information security, including senior decision-makers in charge of implementing security strategies.
Arsenal: A developer space where the latest open-source software, tools and products will be showcased, along with hands-on experience from owners and experts.
Briefings: InfoSec gurus will present research on the latest industry trends, hacking tools and security vulnerabilities.
Capture The Flag: A jeopardy-style hacking tournament will take place, with over 1,000 participants joining the game to enhance their hacking skills at various difficulty levels for a piece of the SAR 700,000 prize fund.

Other competitions at Black Hat MEA include the Bug Bounty Cup, with a prize fund of SAR 300,000, and a startup competition featuring judges, angel investors and government stakeholders for a cash prize of SAR 90,000. The event looks set to be an exciting addition to the region’s expo calendar, so head over to the Black Hat site and get your tickets early!

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

21 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.