GISEC Global 2026 launches Cyber First to shape the new digital order

GISEC Global 2026 is set to bring together cybersecurity leaders, government officials, technology companies and industry experts in Dubai as the global event introduces its new “Cyber First: The New Digital Order” theme.

The 15th edition of GISEC Global will take place from September 16 to 18, 2026, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. Organised by inD, a joint venture between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa, the event will focus on the growing impact of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, geopolitical risks and emerging technologies on global cybersecurity.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, 94% of organisations expect artificial intelligence to be the biggest driver of change in cybersecurity over the coming year, while 87% identify AI-related vulnerabilities as the fastest-growing cyber risk.

GISEC Global has expanded by 20% year-on-year and is expected to attract more than 25,000 cybersecurity professionals, over 750 exhibiting brands and more than 350 expert speakers from more than 180 countries.

The event is hosted and endorsed by the UAE Cyber Security Council, Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.

Cyber First puts cybersecurity at the centre of leadership

The new Cyber First initiative reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity beyond traditional technology functions. Organisers say cybersecurity has increasingly become a priority for governments, corporate boards and national economies as digital transformation accelerates.

A key addition to the 2026 programme is the Cyber First Leadership Summit, which will bring together ministers, national cybersecurity authorities, global chief information security officers and technology leaders.

The summit will examine issues including the geopolitical impact of artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, nation-state cyber threats and the resilience of future digital economies.

Confirmed speakers include H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council; Subra Kumaraswamy, SVP and CISO at Visa; Alex Attumalil, Global CISO at Under Armour; and Roeland Delrue, Co-founder and COO of Aikido Security.

UAE highlights international cyber resilience

H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti said the rapid development of artificial intelligence, geopolitical instability and emerging digital technologies are reshaping the cybersecurity environment.

He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing increasingly interconnected cyber threats and said the UAE remains focused on advancing cyber resilience and developing trusted digital ecosystems.

Dubai Electronic Security Center will also use the event to highlight initiatives aimed at strengthening cybersecurity capabilities. These include the second editions of the Dubai Cyber Challenge – Government Edition and the School of Cyber Defense, which provides university students across the UAE with opportunities to develop and demonstrate their cybersecurity skills.

Focus on AI, quantum computing and critical infrastructure

The expanded GISEC Global 2026 conference programme will address a range of emerging cybersecurity challenges. Artificial intelligence and quantum computing will feature alongside dual-use technologies, geopolitical instability and critical infrastructure resilience.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business and government operations, the event will explore how organisations can strengthen security while continuing to adopt new technologies.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at inD, said cybersecurity has become fundamental to economic growth, national resilience and international competitiveness, rather than being solely a technology concern.

With participation from governments, cybersecurity professionals and technology providers worldwide, GISEC Global 2026 aims to provide a platform for collaboration and practical discussions around the security challenges facing the global digital economy.