The third edition of Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA), the world’s most-attended cybersecurity event, is set to take place from November 26 to 28, 2024, at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones in partnership with Tahaluf, a joint venture between the federation, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund, Black Hat MEA is a key event in the global cybersecurity landscape.
Faisal Alkhamisi, Chairman of the Federation’s Board of Directors, expressed the significance of hosting the event in Saudi Arabia, stating, “Hosting events like Black Hat MEA in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia embodies the Kingdom’s ambition for leadership in the field of cybersecurity, aligning with Vision 2030.” He added that the Kingdom aims to foster a secure digital environment that encourages global collaboration, drives innovation, and enhances the skills of cybersecurity professionals.
This year’s event will feature over 300 expert speakers, 450 exhibitors, and 350 workshops, bringing together global leaders in cybersecurity. A highlight of the event will be the Activity Zone, sponsored by Haboob, where participants can compete in over 10 challenges, including smart home hacking, medical device hacking, infrastructure challenges, and lock picking contests. Prizes totaling over SAR 2 million will be awarded to participants.
Black Hat MEA will also host the world’s largest Capture the Flag tournament, with a total prize pool of SAR 790,000, including SAR 90,000 dedicated exclusively to Saudi teams. The Bug Bounty Cup, another exciting feature of the event, will offer up to SAR 300,000 in prizes, presenting challenges suitable for both professionals and newcomers.
Following the success of previous editions, Saudi Arabia is proud to host Black Hat MEA for the third time, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for cybersecurity innovation. Black Hat, which originated in Las Vegas, has evolved into a prestigious global event, and this edition promises to continue its legacy of excellence.
Registration for Black Hat MEA 2024 is now open. Interested attendees can register at (https://bhmea24.com/x1).
