Riyadh, November 28, 2024 – The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in elevating Saudi Arabia's global standing in technology and cybersecurity. For the fourth consecutive year, the Federation organized the highly anticipated Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MENA) Conference and Exhibition, which officially launched on Tuesday at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Mulham. This prestigious event, one of the most influential in the cybersecurity and technology sectors, highlights Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to advancing its technological capabilities and digital infrastructure.
Organized by the Saudi Federation in collaboration with its subsidiary Tahaluf, and in partnership with global entities like Informa Global and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), the Black Hat MENA event serves as a premier platform for showcasing the latest innovations in cybersecurity, programming, and drone technologies. These technological sectors are fundamental to Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom's strategic blueprint aimed at diversifying the economy, fostering innovation, and securing a digitally advanced future. The Federation’s efforts to host such an event reflect the Kingdom’s increasing role as a leader in technology and cybersecurity within the region and globally.
One of the key features of this year’s exhibition is the drone challenge zone, a high-profile initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of innovation among Saudi youth. This interactive segment focuses on developing young talents’ skills in controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with an added emphasis on addressing the cybersecurity risks associated with these technologies. The goal is to equip the next generation with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the future of drone technology while ensuring robust security measures are in place to mitigate vulnerabilities.
In addition to the exhibition, the workshops and technical sessions offered by the Saudi Federation highlight the crucial role of cybersecurity in securing the digital landscape. These sessions delve into the Kingdom’s key initiatives aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and safeguarding critical data from cyber threats. The Federation’s ongoing efforts are designed to not only develop national talent but also align Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity measures with international standards, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of global cybersecurity initiatives.
The Federation’s active participation in organizing the Black Hat MENA conference underscores the Kingdom's role as a global partner in the development of modern technologies. Through international collaborations and targeted training programs, Saudi Arabia continues to make significant strides toward achieving its Vision 2030 objectives of building a secure, innovative digital future. By empowering youth, building national capabilities, and fostering a secure digital environment, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leading hub for technological innovation and cybersecurity leadership.
Through these initiatives, the Saudi Federation plays a central role in reinforcing the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global leader in cybersecurity, technology, and innovation, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains a key player in shaping the digital landscape of the future. The Black Hat MENA conference, with its focus on hands-on training, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic discussions, highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a prosperous and secure digital ecosystem, aligned with the Kingdom’s vision of global leadership in technology and innovation.