GISEC Global 2026 Opens in Dubai as Cyber Leaders Focus on AI Threats and Digital Sovereignty

GISEC Global 2026 opens on Wednesday at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, bringing cybersecurity leaders, government officials and technology companies from around the world together to address the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence, cybercrime and threats to critical infrastructure.

The 15th edition of the Middle East and Africa’s largest cybersecurity event will run from September 16 to 18 under the theme “Cyber First: The New Digital Order.” Organisers say the event will bring together participants from more than 180 countries, with more than 750 cybersecurity brands represented.

AI threats and cyber resilience take centre stage

GISEC Global 2026 comes as organisations face an increasingly complex threat environment shaped by AI-enabled attacks, geopolitical tensions and rapid digital transformation.

The event will focus on how governments and businesses can strengthen cyber resilience while protecting critical infrastructure and digital systems.

The official programme features more than 300 hours of cybersecurity content across multiple stages, covering emerging cyber threats, technologies and security strategies.

Global cyber leaders gather in Dubai

A major addition this year is the Cyber First Global Summit, which will bring together government leaders, cybersecurity authorities, business executives and other international stakeholders to examine the relationship between cybersecurity, economic stability and national security.

The programme will explore the development of “cyber-first” economies, with secure digital infrastructure and technological sovereignty becoming increasingly important to economic continuity.

Speakers include H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council; H.E. Amer Sharaf, CEO of the Cyber Security Systems and Services Sector at the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC); Visa Chief Information Security Officer Subra Kumaraswamy; Under Armour Global Chief Information Security Officer Alex Attumalil; and Aikido Security Co-Founder and COO Roeland Delrue.

AI-enabled fraud and identity threats

Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently in discussions around the next generation of cybercrime.

The event will examine threats including AI-assisted attacks, deepfakes, digital identity fraud and increasingly sophisticated forms of impersonation.

Deepfakes have emerged as a growing cybersecurity concern as criminals use synthetic media and AI-generated identities to bypass traditional verification systems. GISEC will explore these risks through sessions examining digital trust, identity protection and AI-powered impersonation.

Quantum security and critical infrastructure

GISEC Global 2026 will also spotlight emerging technologies and security challenges affecting critical infrastructure.

The programme includes discussions around quantum computing, operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS), alongside live cyber drills designed to test preparedness and response capabilities.

The event is also expanding its focus on international cybersecurity cooperation, with the new International Cyber Zone bringing together country pavilions and national cybersecurity initiatives.

Dubai Cyber Challenge returns

The Dubai Cyber Challenge will return under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

DESC is supporting the School of Cyber Defense as part of the programme, while the event will also feature initiatives aimed at developing cybersecurity talent, including Women in Cyber, North Star Startups and Mentorship Labs.

The GISEC CISO Circle is expected to bring together more than 250 cybersecurity leaders for closed-door discussions and collaboration.

Digital sovereignty becomes a priority

Another major theme at GISEC 2026 is the growing focus on digital sovereignty as governments seek greater control over national data, critical infrastructure and strategic technologies.

Discussions will examine areas including sovereign cloud infrastructure, localised AI capabilities and post-quantum security.

The event's organisers say the shift toward cyber resilience requires closer cooperation between governments, regulators, technology companies and cybersecurity professionals.

UAE strengthens role as cyber hub

GISEC Global is hosted in collaboration with the UAE Cyber Security Council, with the Dubai Electronic Security Center serving as the Official Government Cybersecurity Partner. The event is also supported by the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.

With the event now established as an international meeting point for cybersecurity professionals, this year's programme places Dubai at the centre of discussions around AI security, critical infrastructure protection, digital sovereignty and the future of cyber resilience.