The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) of the Kingdom of Bahrain has signed an agreement with DEF CON to host the first full-scale edition of DEF CON Middle East, marking the conference’s debut in the region.
Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, the event is set to position Bahrain as a regional hub for cybersecurity innovation and collaboration.
Shaikh Salman bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, CEO of the Bahrain National Cyber Security Centre, described hosting DEF CON Middle East as a strategic milestone that reflects Bahrain’s advanced standing in cybersecurity. He said that the partnership underscores international confidence in the Kingdom’s national expertise and digital infrastructure.
He noted that DEF CON is among the world’s largest cybersecurity conferences, attracting tens of thousands of experts, researchers, specialists and enthusiasts annually, while serving as a leading platform for technical innovation and cybersecurity collaboration.
Shaikh Salman highlighted that one of DEF CON’s key attractions is its specialized workshops and training programs conducted through its ‘villages’, interactive innovation hubs focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, space security, cloud security, industrial control systems, Internet of Things (IoT) security, and medical and biosecurity.
He added that the conference also features interactive demonstration labs that provide hands-on technical experiences and create opportunities for researchers, students and start-ups to present their projects and innovations to leading global experts in an environment designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Shaikh Salman commented that the hosting of DEF CON Middle East in Bahrain will help strengthen the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem, support the development of national talent, enhance digital readiness, and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a leading regional center for cybersecurity.
