Riyadh is a global capital for cybersecurity
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is poised to once again become the focus of the global cybersecurity community as it hosts the next edition of Black Hat Middle East & Africa 2025. This major event, organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones in collaboration with Tahaf, will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center in Malham from December 2nd to 4th. The event further solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for technology and digital innovation, aligning with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Historical background and global context
Black Hat is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious cybersecurity conferences, having first been held in Las Vegas in 1997. Over the decades, the conference has earned a global reputation as a leading platform for uncovering the latest security vulnerabilities, discussing emerging digital threats, and bringing together the brightest minds from the security research, development, and government sectors. Hosting a dedicated Middle East and Africa edition in Riyadh was not simply about hosting an international event; it was a strategic move reflecting the region’s explosive growth in the digital market and the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity defenses amidst the rapid digital transformation of its economies.
High-quality events and competitions under the slogan “A global platform for cybersecurity”
This year's event returns under the theme "A Global Cybersecurity Platform," offering the world's largest cybersecurity zone. This zone features advanced threat simulations and interactive experiences based on realistic scenarios, giving participants a unique opportunity to test their operational readiness in a secure and controlled environment. This year's edition also sees the return of several popular specialized events, most notably:
- Black Hat Briefings: In-depth sessions showcasing the latest security research and discoveries in the world of hacking and protection.
- Arsenal Labs: A platform dedicated to developers and researchers to showcase their open-source security tools.
- Capture The Flag: The region’s biggest security challenge, where international teams compete to solve complex cyber challenges to win prizes worth more than one million Saudi Riyals.
- CyberSeed Competition: A vital platform for cybersecurity startups to showcase their innovative projects to top investors.
The importance and expected impact of the event
The impact of Black Hat Middle East and Africa extends far beyond its three days. Locally, the event accelerates the development of national talent and cultivates a new generation of Saudi experts, while also supporting the growth of local and emerging technology companies. Regionally, it solidifies Riyadh's position as the technology and cybersecurity capital of the Middle East, attracting investment and talent from across the region. Internationally, it provides a platform for global collaboration to address cross-border cyber threats and opens doors for international companies to access one of the world's fastest-growing markets. With participation expected from 140 countries, over 450 exhibitors, and a distinguished lineup of international speakers such as Dr. Raman Chaudhry and Devon Bryan, the 2025 edition promises to be the largest and most impactful yet.
