1. AI’s Dual Role in Cybersecurity –  

• Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, delivered a compelling keynote highlighting AI’s transformative impact on cybersecurity. He emphasized the necessity of harnessing AI for defense while acknowledging its potential misuse by adversaries. With the UAE experiencing over 200,000 daily cyberattacks, Dr. Al-Kuwaiti stressed the importance of AI-driven resilience and collaboration to combat sophisticated threats.  

2. Cyber Resilience and Data Protection – 

• Sessions delved into strategies for safeguarding data in the cloud era, highlighting the need for adaptable and forward-thinking approaches. As organizations increasingly migrate to the cloud, sessions focused on strategies to safeguard data in this new paradigm. Experts discussed the implementation of zero-trust architectures and the adoption of AI-driven tools to enhance data protection and ensure business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.  

3. Startup Innovation –

• The ‘MEA’s Top 10 Cyber Innovators’ Startup Pitch Battle showcased groundbreaking solutions from emerging cybersecurity startups across the Middle East and Africa. These innovations, ranging from AI-driven threat intelligence platforms to advanced encryption technologies, reflect the region’s commitment to fostering homegrown cyber solutions. 

4. CISO Roundtable – 

• In an insightful roundtable, CISOs from leading organizations shared strategies for allocating budgets effectively to enhance cyber resilience. The consensus emphasized investing in proactive threat detection, employee training, and incident response planning as key components of a robust cybersecurity posture. 

5. Microsoft Copilot Workshop – 

• Microsoft unveiled its latest evolution of Agentic AI—Security Copilot Agents—designed to revolutionize Security Operations Centers (SOCs). These AI-powered agents aim to enhance threat detection, streamline incident response, and reduce analyst fatigue by automating routine tasks.