Riyadh, November 22, 2024 – Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the highly anticipated Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA) for its third edition at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham, just north of the capital, from November 26 to 28, 2024. Recognized as the world’s largest and most attended cybersecurity event, Black Hat MEA has become an essential platform for cybersecurity experts, professionals, and enthusiasts, attracting global attention for its cutting-edge content, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones in collaboration with Tahaluf—a strategic joint venture between the federation, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund—the 2024 edition promises to build on the success of previous years. Faisal Alkhamisi, Chairman of the federation’s board of directors, emphasized that hosting Black Hat MEA in Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, particularly in establishing the country as a global leader in cybersecurity. "Hosting events like Black Hat MEA in the Kingdom embodies Saudi Arabia's aspirations to enhance its role in the cybersecurity landscape, boost innovation, and develop a secure digital environment that fosters international collaboration," Alkhamisi remarked.
This year’s event will feature an unprecedented lineup, with over 300 expert speakers, 450 exhibitors, and 350 specialized workshops, making it a prime destination for professionals to explore the latest in cybersecurity advancements. The event will cover a wide range of topics, from cloud security to machine learning in cybersecurity, providing participants with the tools to confront the ever-evolving challenges of the digital age.
A highlight of this year’s edition is the Activity Zone, sponsored by Haboob, which is set to offer over SAR 2 million in prizes through more than 10 interactive challenges, including smart home hacking, medical device security, infrastructure testing, lock-picking contests, and truck hacking simulations. These hands-on challenges provide a unique opportunity for attendees to showcase their skills in real-world scenarios, encouraging innovation and collaboration in the field of cybersecurity.
One of the most anticipated segments of Black Hat MEA 2024 is the Capture the Flag (CTF) tournament, which will be the world’s largest edition of the competition. With a prize pool totaling SAR 790,000, including SAR 90,000 specifically designated for Saudi teams, the CTF will bring together global participants to test their cybersecurity expertise in a series of high-stakes challenges. In addition, the Bug Bounty Cup will award up to SAR 300,000 in prizes, presenting challenges designed for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field, fostering talent and encouraging cybersecurity innovation.
Saudi Arabia’s successful hosting of Black Hat MEA for the third consecutive year further solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a global cybersecurity hub. The event, which originated in Las Vegas, has grown into an international phenomenon, attracting top-tier experts and organizations from around the world. Black Hat MEA continues to build on the momentum of its past editions, playing a vital role in strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem in the region and empowering professionals to address the complex digital threats of the modern world.
As Saudi Arabia takes center stage once again for this prestigious event, it reinforces the nation’s commitment to achieving its Vision 2030 goals by fostering an ecosystem of innovation, security, and collaboration in the cybersecurity space. With registration now open, Black Hat MEA 2024 is expected to draw record participation, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and hands-on experience in one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy. For more information and to register for the event, visit [https://bhmea24.com/x1](https://bhmea24.com/x1).