As the curtains closed on GISEC Global 2025, one participant stood out for its powerful message and actionable vision: the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC). Participating as the official government cybersecurity partner for the eighth consecutive year, DESC leveraged the region’s most influential cybersecurity platform to unveil a suite of initiatives designed to future-proof Dubai’s digital infrastructure and reinforce its stature as a global cybersecurity pioneer.
Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6–8, GISEC 2025 convened over 25,000 cybersecurity professionals from 160+ countries, underscoring the event’s critical role as a global convening point for cyber leaders. DESC’s involvement not only reaffirmed its mandate in shaping Dubai’s digital resilience but also served as a bold statement of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in the face of escalating digital threats.
Strategic Highlights: Talent, Technology, and Trust
At the core of DESC’s showcase were two standout programs aimed at nurturing cybersecurity talent:
- The Dubai Cyber Challenge, a high-impact simulation aimed at elevating cyber readiness among government entities.
- The School of Cyber Defense CTF, which drew participation from over 300 university students, immersing them in advanced technical challenges and practical training modules.
DESC’s role goes beyond safeguarding digital infrastructure—we’re here to inspire innovation, influence policy, and shape the future of cybersecurity on both a local and global scale. — H.E. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, CEO of the DESC
Both initiatives reflect DESC’s unwavering commitment to empower the next generation of cybersecurity professionals – a move that is not only strategic but essential, as cyber threats evolve with increasing complexity.
“DESC’s role goes beyond safeguarding digital infrastructure—we’re here to inspire innovation, influence policy, and shape the future of cybersecurity on both a local and global scale,” said H.E. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, CEO of the Dubai Electronic Security Center. “Through platforms like GISEC, we reaffirm our commitment to integrated cybersecurity ecosystems and cross-sector partnerships.”
Global Dialogue, Local Impact
DESC’s leadership team participated in several high-level panel discussions, sharing insights on the future of cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and artificial intelligence integration. These sessions were instrumental in driving global dialogue while anchoring the UAE’s proactive stance on cyber risk mitigation and innovation. DESC also engaged directly with cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and private sector leaders, offering a deep dive into its latest projects – ranging from AI-driven security protocols to certification programs tailored for emerging cyber roles.
During the event, DESC also formalized several strategic partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key international stakeholders. These agreements aim to accelerate collaborative cyber defense frameworks and elevate Dubai’s positioning as a testbed for cutting-edge security technologies.
GISEC 2025 reaffirmed DESC’s strategic trajectory: a digital-first Dubai protected by future-ready frameworks, homegrown talent, and globally aligned standards. From progressive policy formulation to immersive talent development, DESC continues to steer the narrative on how governments can lead the digital age ethically and securely.