The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is hosting the fourth edition of the Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2025 conference, the largest event in the cybersecurity sector, which commenced today at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (Mulham). Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and the company "Tahaluf," this major global gathering will run for three days, from December 2nd to 4th, bringing together a select group of experts, innovators, and leading companies from around the world.
Historical background and global context
Black Hat is more than just a conference; it's a prestigious global organization in the field of cybersecurity. First held in Las Vegas in 1997, the event quickly became the premier platform for revealing the latest research, vulnerabilities, and trends in information security. Black Hat's expansion into the Middle East and Africa is a testament to the region's growing importance in the global digital landscape and its critical need for robust cybersecurity frameworks to keep pace with developments. The Riyadh edition builds upon this rich legacy, bringing world-class expertise to a region undergoing rapid digital transformation.
The importance of a strategy that aligns with Vision 2030
Riyadh's selection to host this event was no coincidence; it aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places digital transformation at the heart of its priorities. As the Kingdom diversifies its economy and embraces modern technologies, securing its digital infrastructure has become a top national priority. Mutaib Al-Qani, CEO of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, affirmed that hosting Black Hat reinforces Riyadh's position as a global hub for the cybersecurity industry and a prime destination for leading companies and specialized organizations, thus fostering a secure environment for investment and innovation.
Record participation and promising investment opportunities
This year's event witnessed exceptional participation, exceeding 50,000 specialists and visitors from 163 countries, making it the largest gathering of its kind globally. Al-Qunni explained that the 2025 edition includes more than 500 companies, 66% of which are international, along with 300 speakers presenting over 200 hours of specialized technical content, a 35% increase compared to last year. Furthermore, 50% of attendees were senior executives, reflecting the event's growing impact on the business environment and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
A platform for launching startups and developing skills
Black Hat is a powerful engine for innovation and an incubator for startups. The opening ceremony showcased success stories from companies that launched in previous cohorts, such as DataLexing, which has expanded its operations to 41 countries; Spidersilk, which raised $9 million in funding; and Solidrange, which achieved over 450% growth in a single year. In terms of skills development, an intensive five-day training program was launched in partnership with global organizations such as CQURE and OfficeSec. The program aimed to refine the skills of specialists and equip them with the latest expertise, as well as engage hundreds of young people from the Malham region in organizing and working teams.
The conference activities continue with advanced workshops, dialogue sessions, innovation platforms, and a startup competition that gives the winner the opportunity to participate in the US “Black Hat” 2026, opening up new global horizons for talent in the region.
