DEF CON Villages Debut

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is set to become the region’s new epicentre for cybersecurity innovation, with the third Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS 2025) unveiling the launch of the Arab world’s first DEF CON Villages.

The announcement was made yesterday at a press conference held 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. The event, scheduled for 5 to 6 November at Exhibition World Bahrain, is organised for the third consecutive year by Faalyat.

DEF CON Villages debut

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with DEF CON, one of the world’s most iconic hacker communities, confirmed that the Villages will focus on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems. Interactive Demo Labs will accompany the Villages, offering hands-on tech experiences to researchers, startups, and students.

H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, said the collaboration with DEF CON represented a leap forward in positioning Bahrain as a global cybersecurity hub. “It’s a platform to exchange global expertise, showcase innovation, and prepare the region for evolving cyber threats,” he said.

Youth front and centre

The event will include a youth empowerment programme, mentorship initiatives, and a Capture the Flag (CTF) cyber contest to spotlight local and international talent. The NCSC also announced a strategic partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to deliver specialised training for emerging cybersecurity professionals.

A new local community initiative, DEF CON Group Bahrain, was also launched to unite experts, students, and enthusiasts focused on defensive cybersecurity practices and digital resilience.

Building cyber leadership

More than 10,000 participants from 50 countries are expected to attend, alongside 100 international speakers and experts. The programme includes pavilions, technical workshops, cyber competitions, and a global tech exhibition.

H.E. Shaikh Salman praised the ongoing collaboration with Faalyat, which continues to bring world-class stakeholder engagement and experiential design to the region’s most prominent cyber event.

The third edition of AICS builds on Bahrain’s commitment to secure digital transformation and cyber innovation, reinforcing its vision to lead the Arab world in shaping future cyber ecosystems.