The Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS) 2025, the region’s premier platform for strengthening digital resilience, is set to host its third edition on November 5-6 at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Held under the Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event will convene global leaders, government entities, policymakers and private-sector experts to confront emerging digital threats and foster international co-operation.
The conference is hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre and organised by Faalyat, with the Bahrain Economic Development Board serving as a strategic partner.
According to the event website, AICS 2025 marks a major regional milestone by officially partnering with DEF CON, one of the world’s most influential cybersecurity conferences, for the first time. This collaboration brings cutting-edge expertise and immersive, hands-on experiences to the kingdom.
Arab Cybersecurity Council’s secretary-general Dr Ibrahim Al Ferih will be among the key speakers at the event next month
A highlight of the partnership will be the introduction of interactive DEF CON Villages, dedicated hubs for specific areas of cybersecurity.
These include the AI Village, which will focus on securing machine learning and artificial intelligence systems; the Aerospace Village, dedicated to the security of aviation, space and satellite systems; the Cloud Village, concentrated on cloud security, identity management and breach mitigation; and the ICS Village, centred around protecting industrial control systems and critical infrastructure.
The conference will feature a keynote address on the future of global cybersecurity delivered by DEF CON founder Jeff Moss. Additionally, the DEF CON Demo Lab (Armory) will provide a dynamic platform for researchers, students, and startups to showcase cutting-edge tools and technologies to cybersecurity professionals and potential clients.
Two days of in-depth pre-conference training sessions will also be offered by leading industry experts.
The event is billed as a vital hub for knowledge exchange, collaboration and technological advancements, empowering organisations to safeguard the digital future. It is structured around three key focus areas that align with the nation’s strategy: Empowering Global Co-operation in Cybersecurity, Showcasing Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Solutions, and Promoting Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building.
The AICS 2025 programme features numerous high-level panels and fireside chats designed to tackle the most critical contemporary cyber issues. Key topics include addressing Cybersecurity in the Age of AI Disruption, which will explore the impact of deepfakes, offensive AI and defensive automation. A session on “Cyber Threat Intelligence Without Borders” will focus on enabling secure, real-time intelligence sharing across borders. Discussions on “Resilience by Design: Securing Critical National Infrastructure will examine co-ordinated approaches to protect vital sectors like energy, water, health, and transport.
Anticipating future threats, the panel Quantum Disruption: Rethinking Cybersecurity Before Q-Day will cover the urgency and strategy needed for quantum-resilient security. The scope of security is further expanded with Space, Sea, Sky and Cyber: Expanding the Security Perimeter, dedicated to securing satellites, autonomous naval systems, and smart airspace. Finally, experts will delve into Securing the Future of Finance & Digital Assets, covering the resilience of CBDCs, blockchain, and fintech in the global cyber landscape.
Fireside chats will cover topics such as Women in Cyber Leadership, embedding a Cyber Strategy to Cyber Culture, and the intersection of Digital Government and Cyber Defence with CIOs/CISOs.
Participants can also engage with high-level discussions at the Cyber Leaders Forum and cutting-edge presentations on the Cyber Block Stage. For those looking for competitive, hands-on challenges, the event features a Hack Arena and the team-based AICS Cyber Escape Room. Finally, the Exhibition Zone provides a central hub for networking and showcasing the latest industry solutions.
The AICS Cyber Escape Room provides a unique, gamified experience where teams of up to five participants step into the roles of cyber defenders in a fast-paced, 20-minute challenge, raising awareness of real-world cybersecurity threats through immersive storytelling.
The 2023 edition saw significant growth, attracting more than 10,000 attendees, around 100 Speakers, and participants from 50-plus countries.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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