Bahrain to Host 3rd Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition

The third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS 2025) will take place from November 5 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The announcement was made during a press conference held Tuesday morning, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister.

Organized by leading event company Faalyat, the event is hosted by the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) in collaboration with DEF CON – one of the world’s most renowned global cybersecurity conferences.

Speaking at the press conference, Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, expressed his pride in hosting AICS for the third time, noting the event’s royal backing reflects Bahrain’s strong commitment to becoming a global hub for cybersecurity. He emphasized that this year’s collaboration with DEF CON opens new doors for knowledge exchange, international partnerships, and showcasing cutting-edge security technologies to tackle rising cyber threats.

The press conference also witnessed the signing of two major agreements. First, a partnership between NCSC and DEF CON to launch specialized DEF CON Villages for the first time in the region, including zones focused on Artificial Intelligence, space, cloud security, industrial systems, and interactive demo labs. These will offer students, startups, and researchers a unique platform to display their innovations and connect with global experts.

Second, a cooperation agreement was signed with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to build national talent in cybersecurity. The partnership aims to launch training programs during the event, enhancing skill development for Bahrain’s current and future cybersecurity professionals.

Additionally, the event will mark the official launch of DEFCON GROUP BAHRAIN — a local community bringing together cybersecurity professionals, students, and enthusiasts to discuss and exchange best practices in digital safety and cyber resilience.

AICS 2025 is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from 50 countries, with over 100 speakers and experts joining in. The program includes interactive sessions, global tech showcases, youth empowerment tracks, training workshops, and competitions like the high-energy Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge to highlight both local and international cybersecurity talent.

With its mix of global innovation and regional collaboration, AICS 2025 aims to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a leader in cybersecurity and a key driver of safe digital transformation across the region.