Black Hat MEA To Bring The Global Cybersecurity Community To Riyadh For Its 2025 Edition

As global cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, so does the urgency to stay ahead. And it’s within this climate of constant adaptation that Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA) gathers the global cybersecurity community once again in Saudi Arabia for its fourth edition.

Running from December 2-4, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Black Hat MEA this year aims to bring together more than 45,000 attendees, 450 exhibitors, and more than 300 speakers for over 250 hours of content, including executive summits, technical briefings, hands-on activities, and networking sessions. Staged by KSA-based events organizer Tahaluf in partnership with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), Black Hat MEA 2025 is thus all set to continue its legacy of setting the global benchmark for cybersecurity events, offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge between industry leaders, technology providers, and decision-makers.

“Black Hat MEA is the region’s flagship cybersecurity event, and one of the fastest-growing technology gatherings in the world,” Steve Durning, Portfolio Director at Tahaluf, tells Inc. Arabia. “What makes it truly special is that it goes beyond being a conference, it’s a community where government leaders, global chief information security officers (CISOs), ethical hackers, and innovators come together to shape the future of digital security. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially: tens of thousands of visitors from more than a hundred countries now travel to Riyadh each year to learn, compete, and collaborate. We’ve hosted some of the most respected names in cybersecurity, from world-renowned researchers to top-tier technology companies. Each edition sets new benchmarks in scale, content quality, and regional impact, and that’s what positions Black Hat MEA as not just a regional event, but a truly global platform born in Saudi Arabia.”

Steve Durning, Portfolio Director at Tahaluf.

Black Hat MEA’s progress is something that Durning’s colleague, Tom Bourgoin, Senior Event Manager at Tahaluf, has also seen unfold firsthand. “Black Hat MEA has earned its position as the region’s largest cybersecurity event, because it goes far beyond a traditional conference,” Bourgoin says. “It’s a living ecosystem that reflects the region’s extraordinary investment in digital resilience across government, finance, and enterprise. Built on the global Black Hat legacy, it combines world-class content, elite speakers, and hands-on experiences designed specifically for MENA’s priorities and challenges. Over the years, we’ve attracted thousands of participants from more than 100 countries, hundreds of exhibitors, and global hacker communities who converge in Riyadh to learn, compete, and collaborate. That critical mass of talent and curiosity is what fuels the event’s growth.”

And from Bourgoin’s vantage point, the 2025 edition of Black Hat MEA is its most ambitious yet. That is certainly clear from the event’s expanded agenda, with one of its key highlights being the launch of the Black Hat MEA Financial Summit, which shall bring together cybersecurity, fintech, and banking leaders to address emerging risks in the digital economy. Meanwhile, the event’s Arsenal, Briefings, and Business Halls are being grown to foster deeper regional collaboration, while its Cyber Seed Startup Village is returning with a stronger investor-matchmaking program alongside fresh content that will be focused on critical infrastructure readiness and sovereign technology development. But the changes to be expected at this year’s Black Hat MEA aren’t just structural—they are sensory too, Bourgoin reveals. “Visitors will also notice a complete creative refresh—an immersive architectural and visual experience that captures the fusion of innovation, technology, and humanity at the heart of cybersecurity today,” he declares.

But even as Black Hat MEA grows in size and sophistication, its setting remains central to its identity, and according to Durning, the decision to anchor the event in Riyadh speaks directly to Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global tech landscape. “Hosting Black Hat MEA in Riyadh is a very intentional decision,” Durning says. “Saudi Arabia today is one of the world’s most ambitious digital economies; investing heavily in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies as enablers of its Vision 2030. Riyadh represents that intersection of innovation, ambition, and capability. The topics we cover, from AI security and zero-trust frameworks to critical-infrastructure protection, are directly aligned with the Kingdom’s transformation agenda. We’re showcasing the technologies and strategies that are not only protecting Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and smart-city developments, but also helping define global best practice. In many ways, Riyadh has become the new meeting point between the East and West for cybersecurity collaboration, and Black Hat MEA is proud to play a role in that story.”

Tom Bourgoin, Senior Event Manager at Tahaluf.

In 2024, Black Hat MEA welcomed to Riyadh more than 40,000 attendees from over 100 countries—a turnout that underscores how firmly the event has cemented its international standing. But it also serves as an indication of the amount of interest in the cybersecurity space right now, which, according to Bourgoin, is undergoing a “seismic shift” globally. “AI-generated threats and automated cyberattacks are escalating, making speed and adaptability essential,” Bourgoin points out. “We’re also seeing a rise in nation-state activity targeting critical infrastructure, while new regulations and privacy frameworks are emerging to address AI, data integrity, and quantum era security. In the MENA region, the landscape is just as dynamic. The pace of digital transformation across government, finance, and giga-projects is unprecedented. At the same time, there’s a surge in cyber-talent development and sovereign cybersecurity initiatives designed to localize capabilities. Rapid adoption of cloud and AI technologies has expanded the attack surface, but it has also accelerated innovation.”

These shifts in the cybersecurity landscape are exactly what this year’s Black Hat MEA program is built around, Bourgoin adds. Besides introducing tracks dedicated to AI and data integrity, identity management, zero trust architectures, and threat intelligence, Bourgoin notes that Black Hat MEA 2025 is also aiming to facilitate dialogue between global experts and regional CISOs to co-create solutions uniquely relevant to the MENA context. Noteworthy speakers at the event include Bjørn R. Watne, Global Chief Information Security Officer, Interpol; Todd Hemmen, Deputy Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Cyber Division; and Arwa Alhamad, General Manager of Cybersecurity at the KSA Ministry of Investment, among many others. Black Hat MEA shall also see entrepreneurs flocking to it by the dozen, with Bougoin highlighting Cyber Seed—the event’s flagship startup competition—set to offer founders global exposure and access to investors who are genuinely looking for the next breakthrough in cyber defense.

But shaping the future of cybersecurity also means investing in those who will one day lead it. And that’s why Durning highlights Black Hat MEA’s commitment to youth development as being a cornerstone of the event. “Every year, thousands of students attend Black Hat MEA to gain exposure to the latest technologies, engage with global experts, and experience cybersecurity in action,” Durning reveals. “Through initiatives like Black Hat Campus and our Training and Deep-Dive programs, we provide accessible pathways for young people to build real skills and industry connections. For 2025, we’re doubling down on that mission. We’re expanding student workshops, increasing our Capture the Flag capacity, and creating mentorship spaces where aspiring professionals can learn directly from industry veterans. We want to help bridge the global cyber skills gap by ensuring the region’s next generation is equipped, inspired, and ready to lead.”

Black Hat MEA’s commitment to developing talent also ties neatly into the broader role the event plays as a meeting ground for every stakeholder shaping the region’s cybersecurity landscape. “The ecosystem approach has always been at the heart of our strategy,” Durning explains. “Cybersecurity doesn’t operate in silos; it’s an interconnected discipline that relies on collaboration between policymakers, enterprises, academia, and the hacker community. From the very beginning, we designed Black Hat MEA as a neutral meeting ground for all those worlds to converge.

And the results have been powerful. We’ve seen government agencies partnering with startups born out of our Cyber Seed competition. Enterprises have discovered local talent they later hired or mentored. Ethical hackers have helped organizations strengthen their systems in real time through our Capture the Flag and live-lab programs. That kind of cross-pollination is exactly what drives progress, and it’s what makes Black Hat MEA such a unique catalyst for the regional cybersecurity ecosystem.”

Now, given what Black Hat MEA is offering its attendees this year, what does one need to do to make the most out of their time at the event? “My biggest piece of advice is to treat Black Hat MEA as an experience rather than a trade show,” Bourgoin replies. “It’s a place to learn, connect, and get handson with the technologies shaping tomorrow’s security landscape. Plan ahead by reviewing the agenda and identifying the sessions, Briefings, and Arsenal demos most relevant to your interests. Network strategically—the conversations you have in Riyadh often lead to collaborations that last well beyond the event. Make time to explore the startup and innovation zones, which are incredible sources of emerging ideas, and don’t miss the workshops and labs where theory turns into practice. And yes, be sure to get your hands on the exclusive Black Hat MEA Duck—it has become a fun symbol of belonging within the community! Most importantly, don’t approach it as just another exhibition, and don’t skip the community-led sessions that often bring fresh, grassroots perspectives. If you arrive curious, prepared, and open to exchanging ideas, you’ll leave inspired—and a few steps ahead of the curve.”

Show Notes: Q&A With Steve Durning And Tom Bourgoin

What do you believe this year’s Black Hat MEA represents for the region’s future, from both a strategic and societal standpoint? Also, looking further ahead, how do you envision this platform evolving over the long term?

Steve Durning: “This year’s edition represents a defining moment for the region’s digital maturity. Cybersecurity has moved from being a back-office function to a national priority and Black Hat MEA is where that transformation becomes visible. Strategically, it demonstrates how the Middle East is not just consuming technology but actively shaping the future of global cyber resilience. Looking ahead, we see Black Hat MEA evolving into a year-round platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and talent development extending far beyond the three days of the event. The vision is to build a continuous ecosystem that connects people, ideas, and institutions all working toward one shared goal: securing our digital future by design."

Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be what everyone seems to want to talk about now. How is Black Hat MEA 2025 addressing this theme—is AI just another area needing protection, or is there more to this picture?

Tom Bourgoin: “AI is fundamentally reshaping cybersecurity and vice versa. At Black Hat MEA, we look at AI through two lenses. On one side, AI is a new attack vector: we’re seeing weaponized algorithms, deepfakes, and autonomous exploits that challenge traditional defenses. On the other, AI is our greatest defensive tool powering predictive analytics, real-time threat detection, and automated incident response. Throughout the agenda, sessions and labs will explore AI governance, data ethics, and secure model development, reinforcing the idea that AI and cybersecurity are now inseparable disciplines defining the future of digital trust.”

All images courtesy Black Hat MEA. Inc. Arabia is a Media Partner for Black Hat MEA; register for the event here.

This article first appeared in the November 2025 issue of Inc. Arabia. To read the full issue online, click here.