Stage set for first Arab International Cybersecurity Summit in Bahrain

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

It’s all systems go for the first edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Summit (AICS) which Bahrain will host from 6 to 8 December 2022 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The region’s first-of-its-kind event will be the largest gathering of cybersecurity professionals in Bahrain and international experts as they discuss the latest industry developments around the world, as well as other important related topics.

Also taking part are cyber specialists from a number of GCC countries and the Arab world, and cybersecurity companies from different countries. Interestingly, global experts will share their experiences and explore new ideas to harness the power of cybersecurity technologies to lead the future of Bahrain.

A press conference was held to announce the Kingdom’s readiness to organise the three-day inaugural summit, which will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the National Center for Cyber Security and member of the Conference Steering Committee, delivered a speech in which he stressed the importance of the summit.

Unlike other similar summits, he noted, the AICS does not only focus on the technical aspect of cybersecurity, but also on the language suitable for decision makers to make correct decisions. In particular, Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed pointed to the rapid growth of communication technologies for the launch of 5.5G networks, which will contribute to accelerating data transmission and making its transmission faster than ever before, which will entail many challenges.

“The occasion will be the right opportunity for everyone, whether decision-makers, specialists and experts in the field of information technology to exchange information, consult and talk about challenges and obstacles, which will contribute to coming up with valuable recommendations that will have a significant impact on the development of cybersecurity technologies,” he said.

In his speech during the occasion, Mr Simon Mellor, CEO of Miss Frankfurt Middle East, the company co-organising the event with Events, said that Bahrain’s hosting of the first edition of this conference confirms the Kingdom’s leadership in the field of cybersecurity.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s launch of the cloud-first policy, which aims to reduce information and communication technology expenses by not repeating the provision of the same solutions by more than one party, reducing weaknesses in the technical environment, as well as benefiting from the availability of information and communication technology services on demand.

Mr Mellor also pointed out the importance of the conference, thanks to the keynote speakers, including Steve Wozniak from Apple, Mark Randolph from Netflix, Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, and many other speakers.

Ms Amal Al Morbati, Managing Director of Events Company and a member of the company’s board of directors, confirmed that organising this event stems from the company’s keenness to organise events that have an important impact on the cultural renaissance of the Kingdom, as well as its progress and growth it is witnessing during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The global event that will include training workshops and discussion sessions with the most prominent industry experts and companies from the public and private sectors from various countries.

Present in the press conference were Mr Muhammad Al Nuaimi, Head of Technology and Networks at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Mr Mishaal Al Helou, Director of Technology at Arcapita, and Dr Jassim Haji, President of the Global Intelligence Group.