Manama: Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, the third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS 2025) was officially announced. The event is set to take place from November 5 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre and is organised by Faalyat, a company known for its expertise in international event management.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will host the conference in collaboration with DEF CON, a prominent global cybersecurity conference. His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, highlighted the significance of hosting AICS under the Crown Prince's patronage, reinforcing Bahrain's commitment to becoming a global cybersecurity hub.
HE Shaikh Salman emphasized the partnership with DEF CON as a platform for exchanging expertise and forming strategic partnerships while showcasing the latest technologies that enhance cybersecurity readiness. The collaboration with Faalyat, known for its stakeholder engagement and strategic communications, aims to position Bahrain as a leader in cybersecurity.
The CEO noted the success of previous editions in terms of participation and the diversity of workshops and discussions led by distinguished experts. The third edition aligns with the NCSC's vision to enable secure digital transformation, fostering innovation, and developing defense mechanisms against cyber threats.
During the announcement, a partnership agreement was signed between the NCSC and DEF CON for the regional launch of DEF CON Villages, focusing on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems. Interactive Demo Labs will also be available, providing a platform for researchers and startups to showcase their innovations.
Additionally, an agreement was signed between NCSC and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to enhance collaboration in cybersecurity training, preparing talents for the conference. The formation of DEF CON Group Bahrain was also announced, aiming to unite experts and enthusiasts in digital safety.
AICS 2025 is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from 50 countries, featuring more than 100 global cybersecurity experts. The event will include panel discussions, international pavilions, and youth programmes to prepare future cybersecurity leaders.
The conference will present DEF CON Villages, interactive Demo Labs, technical workshops, and training programmes. It will also feature a Capture the Flag competition and a technology exhibition showcasing global innovations and solutions.