Dates

    21–23 Sep 2026

    City / country

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Venue

    Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai

    Time

    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for GISEC Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference

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    Event overview

    Overview

    GISEC GLOBAL is the leading gathering ground for the cybersecurity community worldwide, bringing together top global cybersecurity enterprises, CISOs from major corporations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, government dignitaries, cyber leaders, regional and international innovators and global experts to lead cybersecurity transformations across sectors and nations

    TL;DR

    1. 115th edition of GISEC GLOBAL runs 16–18 September 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)
    2. 2Organised in collaboration with the UAE CyberSecurity Council, Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Ministry of
    3. 3Theme for 2026 is 'Cyber First: The New Digital Order.'
    4. 4Expected to welcome more than 25,000 infosec professionals from 180+ countries and over 750
    5. 5Multi-stage agenda includes Main Stage, CyberSecurity Congress, Government Stage, Critical Infrastructure Stage, Dark Stage

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Senior management and decision makers including CEO, MD, Director, Vice-President, Head of IT, COO, CISO, CTO and CIO
    Managers and influencers across risk, IP network, data centre cybersecurity, quality control, infrastructure and DevOps, and group ICT
    Infosec professionals and end-users including information security, risk response and monitoring, application and system architecture, data analysis, cloud architecture and security, digital forensic examination, technical experts, and network and security administration
    Government dignitaries, national cyber authorities and public-sector cyber leaders
    Buyers from top MEA growth markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Nigeria, Oman, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Global cybersecurity enterprises and vendors providing cutting-edge products and solutions
    Startups and scale-ups showcasing innovations through GISEC North Star, the largest cybersecurity startup gathering
    Government authorities, national cyber bodies and public-sector ecosystem partners
    Solution providers across applied security, cloud security, cryptography, cyber insurance and data forensics/incident response
    Specialists in exploit development, Internet of Things, IT/OT, malware, mobile, network defence, platform security and policy
    Vendors in quantum, ransomware, security development lifecycle, social engineering, web appsec, Zero Trust & Safe, cyber audit, national SOC, data security, GRC governance risk and compliance, and email security

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    APPLIED SECURITY
    CLOUD SECURITY
    CRYPTOGRAPHY
    CYBER INSURANCE
    DATA FORENSICS / INCIDENT RESPONSE
    EXPLOIT DEVELOPMENT
    INTERNET OF THINGS
    IT/OT
    MALWARE
    MOBILE
    NETWORK DEFENSE
    PLATFORM SECURITY
    POLICY
    QUANTUM
    RANSOMWARE
    SECURITY DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE
    SOCIAL ENGINEERING
    WEB APPSEC
    ZERO TRUST & SAFE
    CYBER AUDIT FIRMS
    NATIONAL SOC
    DATA SECURITY
    GRC GOVERNANCE RISK AND COMPLIANCE
    EMAIL SECURITY

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    2
    North HallsSouth Halls

    Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai

    Exhibition Boulevard, Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Entrances & gates

    Arrivals Plaza

    North HallsSouth Halls

    Main plaza and entrance to the North and South Halls, featuring an interactive LED canopy. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the North and South Concourses with valid ID

    Facilities

    Parking

    Free visitor parking at Dubai Exhibition Centre operating 24/7, supported by scheduled shuttle bus services to and from the Arrivals Plaza. Expo City Dubai has four designated parking zones featuring around 9,500 parking bays. A single main parking facility serves both the North and South Halls

    9,500 spaces ·

    Accessibility

    Braille signage and hearing loops at information desks, wheelchair-accessible washrooms, wide doorways, lifts with low-level buttons. Complimentary wheelchairs are available with valid ID at the North and South Concourses and Emergency Medical Service stations

    Prayer rooms

    A dedicated mosque is located in Expo City Dubai between Sidr Venue and Al Forsan Crescent, designed with traditional Islamic architecture and modern simplicity for daily prayers. Prayer rooms are also available throughout the venue

    Luggage storage

    BaggageTAXI Dubai provides professional luggage pickup, storage, and delivery services directly connected to Dubai Exhibition Centre, as well as trolley rental services for exhibitors and visitors

    On-site shuttle

    Scheduled shuttle bus services operate between public parking areas and the venue Arrivals Plaza. RTA feeder buses and on-site mobility options support last-mile connectivity around Expo City

    Food options

    Expo City Dining Outlets

    On-site dining

    Parking: Dubai Exhibition Centre offers free visitor parking, operating 24/7, supported by scheduled shuttle bus services to and from the Arrivals Plaza. Expo City Dubai has four designated parking zones featuring around 9,500 parking bays. Expo City Dubai also provides around 15,000 parking spaces via Opportunity and Sustainability Parking. A single main parking facility serves both the North and South Halls at DEC. Designated parking spaces are a short walk from the venue, approximately 10 minutes to the Arrival Plaza

    Gate: The main entrance to the venue is via the Arrivals Plaza, a central plaza with an interactive LED canopy connecting the North and South Halls. The Expo 2020 Metro Station (Gate 1) provides direct access to Expo City Dubai's main entrance. Accessible facilities include wheelchair-accessible washrooms, wide doorways, lifts with low-level buttons, Braille signage, and hearing loops at information desks

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –5:00 PM daily (16–18 September 2026) [third-party listing – official hours not published on gisec.ae as of research date]

    • Trade Visitor Pass

      Complimentary admission for qualified trade visitors upon pre-registration for GISEC Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

    Organiser

    Website

    inD

    Organiser (joint venture between Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa)

    Website

    Informa

    Organiser partner (joint venture inD)

    Website

    GISEC Media Team

    Media Enquiries

    EmailWebsite

    GISEC Conference Team

    Conference Programme Submissions

    EmailWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    1

    Keynote

    1

    Opening

    TBA

    Event days

    10:25–11:30

    Typical time

    Official agenda
    This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

    Speakers

    JS

    Joe Sullivan

    Former Security Chief @ Uber & META, US

    DP

    Dr. Paul Vixie

    Deputy CISO, VP & DE, AWS Security @ AWS, US

    AB

    Aarti Borkar

    CVP of Security, Customers Success and Incident Response @ Microsoft, US

    EK

    Eugene Kaspersky

    Co-Founder and CEO @ Kaspersky, Russia

    SY

    Sean Yang

    Global Cyber Security & Privacy Officer @ Huawei, China

    BC

    Benny Czarny

    Founder and CEO @ OPSWAT, US

    AL

    Alex Levinson

    CISO @ Scale AI, US

    MD

    Miguel De Bruycker

    Director General @ Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium, Belgium

    YP

    Yiannis Pavlosoglou

    Vice-Governor @ National Cybersecurity Authority of Greece, Greece

    JY

    Jin Young Oh

    Vice President @ Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), Korea

    KK

    Kaimo Kuusk

    Permanent Secretary @ Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, Estonia

    ID

    Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin

    Chief Executive @ National Cyber Security Agency Malaysia, Malaysia

    DK

    David Kanamugire

    Chief Executive Officer @ National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), Rwanda

    CF

    Col. Francel Margareth Padilla

    Cybersecurity Woman Leader & Evangelist @ Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippines

    LT

    Luca Tagliaretti

    Executive Director @ European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), Romania

    DB

    Dr. Bushra AlBlooshi

    Director of Cybersecurity Governance Risk Management Department @ Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), UAE

    RT

    Rajesh Thapar

    CISO @ National Stock Exchange of India, India

    10:25 – 10:30

    Opening Remarks

    Opening
    Main Stage
    10:30 – 10:40

    The Great Convergence: Why the Walls Between Cyber, AI and Quantum Are the Real Threat

    Keynote
    Main Stage
    10:30 – 10:35

    Introduction Defending Critical Infrastructure: Breaking Into ICS/OT Security

    Training
    Training Room
    10:30 – 11:30

    Should You Secure Your Vendors?

    Presentation
    Main Stage

    Topic tracks

    Main StageCyberSecurity Congress (Hosted by UAE CSC)Government Stage (Hosted by DESC)Critical Infrastructure StageDark StageX-LabsGISEC North StarInspire StageQuantum Security SummitNational Defence & Sovereign Cyber Track

    Co-located events

    Cyber Diplomacy Forum

    Separate ticket

    CISO Lounge Experience

    Separate ticket

    Sponsors

    Huawei

    Amazon Web Services (AWS)

    CPX

    Du

    Cloudflare

    Spire Solutions

    Government supporters

    UAE CyberSecurity Council

    Hosted by / In collaboration with

    Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC)

    Official Government Cybersecurity Partner

    Ministry of Interior

    In collaboration with

    Dubai Police

    In collaboration with

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2025

    Completed

    Visitors: 25,000

    Exhibitors: 750

    Floor area: 30,000 sqm

    Visitor countries: 160

    This edition

    2026

    Visitors: 25,000

    Exhibitors: 750

    Next edition

    2026

    The 15th edition of GISEC GLOBAL takes place from 16–18 September 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, under the theme 'Cyber First: The New Digital Order.' Organised by inD (a joint venture between DWTC and Informa), the event has expanded by 20 percent year-on-year and expects more than 25,000 cybersecurity professionals from 180+ countries, 750+ exhibiting brands, and 350+ expert speakers. New features include the Cyber First Leadership Summit, Quantum Security Summit, Global Quantum Drill, National Defence & Sovereign Cyber Track, and Cyber Diplomacy Forum

    First edition at the new venue — Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai Launch of the Cyber First leadership platform as a strategic theme New Quantum Security Summit hosted by UAE Cyber Security Council and Technology Innovation Institute Evolution of Global Cyber Drill into Global Quantum Drill focused on post-quantum readiness New National Defence & Sovereign Cyber Track addressing nation-state threats Cyber Diplomacy Forum launched in collaboration with UAE Cybersecurity Council and powered by DAAKYI Expansion to 180+ countries, up from 160+ in 2025

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    GISEC GLOBAL 2025: 14th Edition Recap

    GISEC GLOBAL 2025, the world's third-largest cybersecurity event and the biggest in the Middle East and Africa, concluded on 8 May 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre with 11 new Guinness World Records — a milestone honoring innovation, industry leaders, and institutions shaping the future of cybersecurity worldwide.

    Held from 6–8 May 2025 across nine halls, the 14th edition was organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council under the theme 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.' The event brought together more than 750 exhibiting brands, 450 global CISOs and futurists, 350+ speakers, and 25,000 visitors from over 160 countries.

    Key highlights included the debut of the Dubai Cyber Challenge (a Capture the Flag competition by DESC featuring 25 Dubai government teams), GISEC North Star startup pitch competition with a record 125 startups in partnership with Cyber71, the all-new Students Hackathon – School of Cyber Defence, the ITU Global Cyber Drill uniting over 130 national cybersecurity authorities, the Women in Cybersecurity forum, and the GISEC CISO Circle bringing together over 250 cybersecurity leaders.

    The UAE Government CyberSecurity Council achieved 11 Guinness World Records across interactive cyber training, dark web intelligence simulations, ransomware awareness sessions, a global Capture the Flag contest, and the largest cybersecurity awareness lessons on ransomware and cyberbullying, alongside the title of the largest cybersecurity event.

    Huawei served as Lead Strategic Partner, showcasing AI-native security solutions. The Dubai Electronic Security Center launched several innovative projects including the Zero Trust Assessment Tool and Guideline, Ethaq Plus digital trust platform, Information Security Officers Certification Program, and Post-Quantum Cryptography Guideline.

    New this edition

    • 1

      Cyber First Leadership Summit

      A new flagship leadership platform bringing together government officials, national cyber authorities, CISOs and technology executives to address strategic cybersecurity challenges

      Source
    • 2

      Quantum Security Summit

      A dedicated Quantum Security Summit hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and Technology Innovation Institute, covering post-quantum cryptography, quantum-safe migration strategies, and hardware-based security

      Source
    • 3

      Global Quantum Drill

      An evolution of the previous Global Cyber Drill, designed to test readiness for the transition to post-quantum security across participating nations

      Source
    • 4

      National Defence & Sovereign Cyber Track

      A new track focused on cybersecurity from a national security perspective, addressing nation-state threats and digital sovereignty

      Source
    • 5

      Cyber Diplomacy Forum

      A high-level platform exploring the intersection of cybersecurity, diplomacy, international trade and national security, developed in collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and powered by DAAKYI

      Source

    Testimonials

    This event truly matches international standards. Compared to last year, GISEC 2025 has seen higher visitor turnout and more focused interactions. The arrangements have been seamless, making it easy to connect and engage. Even on the third day, the energy feels like day one

    Abdullah A. Qaisi · CEO & General Manager · EVAD · 2025

    As we face an era where AI is both a powerful tool and a potential threat, GISEC Global 2025 stands as a vital platform for uniting the world's cybersecurity leaders to chart a secure digital future. The event reflects the urgency and ambition driving the cybersecurity agenda not only in the region but worldwide, as the digital landscape rapidly evolves with AI at its core. This year's edition brings together an unprecedented assembly of global experts, innovators and decision-makers who are united in shaping a safer, more resilient future

    Trixie LohMirmand · Executive Vice President · Dubai World Trade Centre · 2025

    Dubai continues to grow as a global hub where innovators come together to share ideas that push the boundaries of digital technology and build trust in an increasingly connected world

    H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum · Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council · Government of Dubai · 2025

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    GISEC GLOBAL is the Middle East and Africa's largest and most influential cybersecurity event, recognised as the world's third-largest cybersecurity exhibition. The 2025 edition (14th) welcomed 25,000 delegates, 350 speakers, and 750+ global brands to the Dubai World Trade Centre across eight halls, generating 11 Guinness World Records. The event hosted the ITU Global CyberDrill with delegations from over 130 national cybersecurity authorities, featured the largest pitch competition for cybersecurity start-ups (GISEC North Star), and launched a dedicated OT Security Conference in response to a 49% surge in critical infrastructure cyberattacks. GISEC serves as the region's principal platform for aligning international expertise with regional priorities, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for AI and cybersecurity innovation

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    GISEC GLOBAL attracts a senior-level audience of cybersecurity decision-makers. The 2025 edition drew over 450 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), 25,000 infosec professionals from more than 160 countries, and 350+ speakers. Attendees include global industry leaders, top CISOs, and key decision-makers from government, banking and finance, oil and gas, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, defense, and communications. The GISEC CISO Circle, a global movement launched in 2021, brings together over 250 cybersecurity leaders for exclusive breakfast briefings and closed-door networking sessions. Approximately 87% of GISEC visitors are directly involved in technology purchase decisions

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    GISEC GLOBAL delivers measurable return on investment for exhibitors by providing direct access to senior decision-makers with purchasing authority. The event attracts government and private sector leaders across the GCC, with exhibitors reporting high-quality engagements. SECUINFRA noted that GISEC's targeted visitor structure enables in-depth discussions with real decision-makers from public administration, finance, energy supply, and healthcare sectors. EVAD's CEO & General Manager Abdullah A. Qaisi stated that GISEC 2025 saw higher visitor turnout and more focused interactions compared to the previous year, with seamless arrangements making it easy to connect and engage. Axidian reported 150+ live conversations with partners and decision-makers over the three days. With approximately 87% of visitors directly involved in technology purchase decisions, exhibitors gain access to a concentrated pool of buyers managing multi-million-dollar cybersecurity budgets

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Middle East and Africa (MENA/GCC), with Dubai, UAE as the primary hub for cybersecurity trade events

    Why it matters

    GISEC Global 2026 matters because it convenes the Middle East and Africa's largest cybersecurity gathering at a pivotal moment when AI-driven threats, quantum computing risks and geopolitical volatility are converging to reshape the global threat landscape. With MENA information security spending projected to reach $4 billion in 2026 (Gartner), Dubai has become the platform where governments, regulators and technology leaders shape the next generation of cyber resilience. The event supports the ambitions of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the Digital Economy Strategy and We the UAE 2031. For buyers, GISEC offers direct access to over 750 global cybersecurity brands and 25,000+ infosec professionals from 180+ countries, spanning critical sectors including government, banking, oil and gas, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure. For exhibitors, the event provides an unparalleled concentration of CISOs, government decision-makers and enterprise security leaders actively procuring solutions to address AI-resilient defence, quantum readiness and OT security gaps

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    AI-Driven Cyber Threats and AI-Assisted Ransomware

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the cyber threat landscape, with 60% of ransomware campaigns now reported to be fully AI-assisted. Polymorphic malware and deepfakes are emerging as critical dimensions of AI-enabled cybercrime, blurring the line between legitimate and fraudulent digital identities. GISEC Global 2026 places AI-resilient defence at the centre of its programme, reflecting the urgency for organisations to adapt defences faster than traditional models allow

    Source
    02

    Quantum Security Readiness and Post-Quantum Migration

    Governments and enterprises are accelerating investment in quantum-ready security as they prepare for future cyber threats. GISEC Global 2026 introduces the Quantum Security Summit, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and Technology Innovation Institute, alongside the Global Quantum Drill — evolving the former Global Cyber Drill into what is planned to be the world's largest quantum readiness exercise. Sessions will explore post-quantum cryptography, quantum-safe migration strategies, and cryptographic discovery

    Source
    03

    OT/ICS Security and Critical Infrastructure Resilience

    Organisations must strengthen the resilience of operational environments across energy, utilities, transport, manufacturing and finance. GISEC Global 2026 showcases advanced cyber defence solutions for these sectors, alongside live demonstrations, threat simulations and OT-focused sessions designed to help operators strengthen resilience across complex environments

    Source
    04

    Cyber-Enabled Fraud Overtakes Ransomware as Top Concern

    Cyber-enabled fraud has overtaken ransomware as one of the most pervasive global cyber threats, with fraud and phishing now CEOs' top cybersecurity concerns. The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 found that 73% of respondents said they or someone in their professional or personal network had been affected by cyber-enabled fraud

    Source
    05

    Geopolitical Volatility Reshaping Cybersecurity Strategies

    According to the World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, 91% of the world's largest organisations have adapted their cybersecurity strategies in response to geopolitical volatility. Governments and enterprises in the MENA region are prioritising sovereign security architectures and national-scale threat intelligence in response to persistent geopolitical tensions

    Source
    06

    Sustained Growth in MENA Cybersecurity Spending

    End-user spending on information security in the Middle East and North Africa is projected to reach $4 billion in 2026, an increase of 10.1% from 2025, according to Gartner. Security software is expected to account for 48% of total information security spending in 2026, making it the largest category, driven by endpoint protection platforms and cloud security posture management solutions

    Source

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    GISEC Global 2026 Opens in Dubai as Cyber Leaders Confront AI Era Threats

    Read

    UAE Recorded 640,000 Cyberattacks in a Single Day, Top Official Reveals

    Read

    World Economic Forum: Cyber-Enabled Fraud Overtakes Ransomware as CEOs' Top Concern

    Read

    Gartner Forecasts MENA Information Security Spending to Reach $4 Billion in 2026

    Read

    UAE Central Bank Enforces New Operational Risk Regulation

    Read

    MEA cybersecurity market projected to grow to $3.67 billion in 2026

    Read

    GISEC Global 2026 to accelerate cyber resilience through quantum, OT security and next-generation defence technologies

    Read

    Global Cybersecurity Trade Event Circuit: September 2026 – August 2027

    Next 12 months (September 2026 – August 2027)

    Following GISEC Global 2026 in Dubai (September 16–18), the cybersecurity circuit moves through Asia, the Gulf, Europe and North America over the next 12 months. Key upcoming events include Cyber Security World Asia in Singapore (September 29–30, 2026), Milipol Qatar in Doha (October 20–22, 2026), Black Hat MEA in Riyadh (December 1–3, 2026), GITEX Global in Dubai (December 7–11, 2026), Black Hat Asia in Singapore (February 28–March 3, 2027), RSA Conference in San Francisco (April 5–8, 2027), Infosecurity Europe in London (June 8–10, 2027), and Black Hat USA in Las Vegas (July 31–August 5, 2027). This circuit offers complementary regional coverage: GISEC and GITEX anchor the Middle East, Black Hat MEA serves the Saudi market, Cyber Security World Asia and Black Hat Asia cover Asia-Pacific, while RSA Conference, Infosecurity Europe and Black Hat USA provide access to Western markets

    Q3 2026 (September)

    GISEC Global 2026Cyber Security World Asia 2026

    GISEC Global anchors the Middle East circuit in mid-September, followed by Cyber Security World Asia in Singapore at the end of the month

    Q4 2026 (October–December)

    Milipol Qatar 2026Black Hat MEA 2026GITEX Global 2026

    Three major Middle East events cluster in Q4: Milipol Qatar in October, then Black Hat MEA and GITEX Global in early December

    Q1 2027 (February–March)

    Black Hat Asia 2027

    Singapore hosts Black Hat Asia, offering Asia-Pacific technical cybersecurity content

    Q2 2027 (April–June)

    RSA Conference 2027Infosecurity Europe 2027

    Western circuit activates with RSA Conference in San Francisco (April) and Infosecurity Europe in London (June)

    Q3 2027 (July–August)

    Black Hat USA 2027

    Black Hat USA in Las Vegas closes the 12-month circuit, co-located with DEF CON

    Event dates compiled from official event websites and organiser-published information. Where official sources were unavailable, credible trade press and event listing platforms were used. All dates should be verified against official sources before making travel commitments

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · AED

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    DXB

    Dubai International Airport

    Take the Dubai Metro Red Line from the airport terminals directly to Expo 2020 Station (R76). The fare from Airport T3 to Expo City is approximately AED 7.50, and the journey takes around 55 minutes with no transfer required on the Route 2020 branch

    Approximately 40 kilometres

    to venue

    35–45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic; approximately 50–60 minutes by metro

    by car

    DWC

    Al Maktoum International Airport

    Located very close to Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Dubai South. DWC currently serves a limited number of commercial flights. Bus F55 links DWC to Expo 2020 Metro Station (approximately 36 minutes)

    Approximately 7.3 kilometres

    to venue

    10–20 minutes by car

    by car

    AUH

    Zayed International Airport

    Located in Abu Dhabi. Accessible via metro connection to Expo 2020 Station

    Approximately 100+ kilometres

    to venue

    Approximately 50 minutes by metro

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    3-star / Budget
    Expo City Dubai (on-site)

    USD 80–130 / night

    Rove Expo City is a 3-star hotel located at Al Wasl Plaza, a short walking distance (approx. 0.5–1.5 km) from Dubai Exhibition Centre. Amenities include outdoor swimming pool with Al Wasl Dome views, gym, free parking, and direct metro access (400 m to Expo 2020 Metro Station). Price estimates based on September 2026 rates from third-party booking platforms

    5-star / Premium
    Expo City Dubai (on-site)

    USD 145–350 / night

    Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is a 5-star aparthotel located at Al Wasl Avenue, approximately 200 m walk from Dubai Exhibition Centre and 53 m from the Expo City Dubai convention centre. Features include rooftop swimming pool, sauna, 24-hour fitness centre, pet-friendly apartments with fully equipped kitchens. September 2026 rates from third-party booking platforms show prices from USD 145 per night during GISEC dates

    4-star / Mid-range
    Dubai South / Al Maktoum Airport (10–15 min drive)

    USD 70–120 / night

    Aloft by Marriott Dubai South is a 4-star boutique hotel located at Al Maktoum International Airport, minutes from Expo City. Offers complimentary shuttle to Expo Metro Station and Al Maktoum International Airport, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and game room. Price estimates based on September 2026 third-party booking rates

    3–4 star / Budget-Mid
    Dubai Production City / Ibn Battuta (15–20 min drive)

    USD 50–100 / night

    Options include Vintage Grand Hotel in Dubai Production City (15–20 min by car) and NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta (15 minutes' drive from Expo City, adjacent to Ibn Battuta Mall and metro station). These areas offer more affordable rates but require a longer commute via taxi or metro

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Dubai Metro — Red Line / Route 2020

    Estimated costAED 3–7.50 per journey (Silver Nol Card); Gold Class AED 15.00; Red Ticket AED 8.50 standard / AED 17.00 Gold. From Airport T3 or Dubai Mall: AED 7.50. From DMCC (Marina): AED 3.00. Daily cap for Silver Nol Card: AED 14.00. Children under 5 travel free; People of Determination receive 50% discount with Blue Nol card
    Best forExpo 2020 Metro Station (R76) is the terminus of the Red Line's Route 2020 extension and is located within Expo City Dubai, a 5–10 minute signposted walk from Dubai Exhibition Centre. Direct trains run from Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 and 3), Union, BurJuman, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, DMCC, and Dubai Marina without requiring a transfer

    Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–8 PM) and every 7–10 minutes off-peak. Standard service hours: Monday–Thursday 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; Friday 5:00 AM–1:00 AM; Saturday 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; Sunday 8:00 AM–12:00 AM. Nol card required — no cash accepted at metro gates. Journey times: from DMCC/Dubai Marina ~25–30 min; from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall ~40–45 min; from Airport T3 ~50–60 min; from Centrepoint/Rashidiya ~1h 10–15 min. Important: two Red Line trains may arrive at the same platform — always board the train headed to Expo 2020 (check platform announcements and digital screens). If you accidentally board the wrong train, get off at National Paints Metro Station, cross the platform, and board the next Expo 2020-bound train

    Taxi / Ride-hailing (Careem, Uber, Hala Taxi)

    Estimated costFrom DXB: approximately AED 80–120 (USD 40–55), based on a 37-minute journey with a higher airport flagfall of AED 25 and per-km rate of approximately AED 2.14–2.36. From central Dubai: approximately AED 60–100. From Dubai Marina: approximately AED 40–60. During major events, RTA may apply special starting fares of AED 20–25 for trips to Expo City to reflect demand
    Best forAvailable 24/7 from all Dubai locations to Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. Official taxi pick-up locations at DXB Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Drop-off at the venue Arrivals Plaza. For ride-hailing, set the venue as your destination — official pick-up/drop-off points are provider-specific and strictly enforced. Do not use third-party location pins

    Taxis are metered and cream-coloured, available via the RTA app, Careem, Uber, or Hala Taxi. Taxi stands are located at the Expo 2020 Metro Station and at venue entrances. Journey from DXB takes 35–45 minutes off-peak and 55–75 minutes during peak hours. During GISEC, book return trips in advance or use the metro to avoid taxi queues

    RTA Public Bus / Feeder Bus

    Estimated costAED 3.00 for single-zone routes; AED 5.00 for two-zone routes; AED 7.50 for three-zone routes. Free transfer from Dubai Metro if you tap in within 30 minutes of exiting the metro. Nol card required — no cash accepted
    Best forExpo 2020 Metro Station serves as the main bus interchange for Expo City Dubai. RTA feeder bus F55 links Expo 2020 Metro Station directly to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/AMI Airport PTB). Other RTA bus routes connect Expo City to Dubai Investments Park, Jebel Ali, and Ibn Battuta Mall. N55 connects DWC to Ibn Battuta bus and Metro stations

    F55 operates every 12–15 minutes during peak hours and every 20–25 minutes off-peak, from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Nearest stop to the venue: Expo 2020 Metro Bus Interchange — 5–10 minute walk to Dubai Exhibition Centre via signposted routes. Check the RTA Dubai app or Google Maps for the most up-to-date bus timings

    Venue Shuttle Bus (free)

    Estimated costFree
    Best forScheduled shuttle bus services operate between public parking areas at Expo City Dubai and the venue Arrivals Plaza. Shuttle buses also run between parking zones and the North and South Halls of Dubai Exhibition Centre

    Dubai Exhibition Centre offers free visitor parking operating 24/7 with approximately 9,500 parking bays across four designated zones. Designated parking spaces are a short walk (approximately 10 minutes) from the venue. Shuttle buses connect parking areas to the Arrivals Plaza and to the North and South Halls

    Car / Private Vehicle

    Estimated costFree parking at Expo City Dubai (approximately 9,500 bays); fuel costs vary. Park & Ride options available at Centrepoint Metro Station, e& Metro Station, National Paints Metro Station, and Al Kifaf Multistory Parking (via Max Metro Station)
    Best forFrom central Dubai, follow Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) towards Jebel Ali, then take the exit for Expo City Dubai via Expo Road (E77). Alternative access via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). The venue is clearly signposted. Private vehicle drop-off is strictly limited to authorised locations — South Mobility pick-up/drop-off area and North pick-up/drop-off area

    Expo City Dubai is approximately 35–45 km from central Dubai. Drive times: from DXB 35–45 minutes off-peak / 55–75 minutes peak; from Dubai Marina 20–25 minutes off-peak / 35–50 minutes peak; from Downtown Dubai/DIFC 30–35 minutes off-peak / 50–65 minutes peak. Strictly do not use third-party location pins for drop-off, as they may be inaccurate and could result in delays or misdirection

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    On-arrival available
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Visa on Arrival – 30 daysPassport holders of eligible countries including Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau (China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican City—On arrival
    Visa on Arrival – 90 days (multiple entry)Passport holders of eligible countries including Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay—On arrival
    Tourist Visa – 30 days (single entry)Nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry. Applications must be sponsored by a UAE-based airline, hotel, or licensed travel agent$54.0048 hours (approximately 2 working days)
    Tourist Visa – 60 days (single entry)Nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry. Applications must be sponsored by a UAE-based airline, hotel, or licensed travel agent$82.0048 hours (approximately 2 working days)
    Tourist Visa – 5-year multiple entryAll nationalities (self-sponsored, no local guarantor required). Applicants must hold a bank balance of USD 4,000 or equivalent over the previous 6 months, valid health insurance, and a return ticket$1,011.0048 hours (approximately 2 working days)

    GCC citizens (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa to enter the UAE. Citizens of 70+ countries are eligible for visa on arrival, including most European Union member states, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brazil. Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for at least 6 months and a valid US visit visa or green card (valid for at least 6 months), or a UK or EU residence permit, can obtain a visa on arrival for 14 days at AED 120, extendable once for an additional 14 days at AED 250. Nationals of Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, and South Africa holding ordinary passports and a valid residence permit issued by the USA, EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand are eligible for a 14-day (AED 100) or 60-day (AED 250) visa on arrival. Lists may change — always verify with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling

    The UAE accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of exhibition goods, commercial samples and professional equipment. ATA Carnets enable duty-free and tax-free temporary import for up to one year without raising bonds or paying customs duty and taxes. The timeline of temporary admission under an ATA Carnet is 6 months or until the validity of the ATA Carnet, whichever is lesser. Goods not covered by an ATA Carnet are subject to a temporary admission declaration with a deposit equivalent to 5% customs duty, refunded upon re-exportation. Dubai Chamber of Commerce processes ATA Carnets — contact 800-CHAMBER for details. For exhibition goods, required documents include an original invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, and an official confirmation letter of participation from the exhibition organiser

    Official visa page

    Weather

    September in Dubai is hot and dry. Average temperatures are forecast around 33.4°C nationwide, with daytime highs reaching 39–40°C and nighttime lows around 29°C. Humidity is approximately 53%. Rainfall is minimal, with September typically experiencing 0mm of rain. Temperatures begin gradually declining during the second half of the month. Expect clear/sunny conditions on approximately 75% of days

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Expo City Dubai is connected via the Dubai Metro Red Line Route 2020, with the Expo 2020 Station (R76) directly serving the venue — a short walk from Dubai Exhibition Centre. The station connects to Downtown Dubai (approximately 30–45 minutes), Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport (approximately 50–60 minutes), and other key destinations. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Careem, Uber) operate throughout Expo City. RTA feeder buses and on-site shuttle services support last-mile connectivity. The venue is approximately 35km from Downtown Dubai and 40km from DXB. Major road access is via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Expo Road (E77), and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Greetings and handshakes

    Familiarise yourself with Islamic cultural norms with regards to handshaking between unrelated men and women. A handshake is common in business settings, but wait to see if a female counterpart extends her hand first. Titles matter — use them where known. Offer and receive business cards with both hands

    Dress code

    Conservative and modest dress is key to being taken seriously in Dubai's business environment. Business dress is generally formal, with knees and shoulders covered. For men, a suit and tie is appropriate; for women, a modest business dress or suit with covered shoulders and knees is recommended

    Prayer times and scheduling

    Some stands and businesses may close briefly for daily prayers. The five prayer times are Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (night). Plan your visits and meeting scheduling accordingly. A dedicated mosque is located in Expo City Dubai between Sidr Venue and Al Forsan Crescent for all prayers

    Relationship-building and the soft sell

    In the UAE, relationships are central to doing business and are built over several meetings. Begin with introductions and general conversation — ask how they are and offer genuine compliments about their stand, company or country. Avoid discussion of religion or politics. Avoid hard-selling in the first few minutes; lead with interest in their business before talking about yours

    Timekeeping and meetings

    Expect more relaxed timekeeping than in Western markets. Meetings in the Gulf may not run as punctually as in Europe or North America. Even with confirmed appointments, allow for some delays. Patience is a virtue — avoid jumping straight to the contract or pricing in a first meeting

    Business cards and follow-up

    Offer and receive business cards with both hands. Take time to read the card before putting it away. Follow up after the show with a respectful, relationship-focused message rather than an immediate sales push

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: DXB (Dubai International Airport)

    Dubai is served by two international airports. DXB is the primary gateway, approximately 40 km from the venue with direct Dubai Metro Red Line access to Expo 2020 Station. DWC (Al Maktoum International) is much closer (approximately 7.3 km) but currently serves a limited number of commercial flights. Major airlines flying to Dubai include Emirates, flydubai, and most international carriers. Book flights early as September is a busy travel period

    Visa

    Visa requirements depend on nationality. GCC citizens enter visa-free. Citizens of 70+ countries are eligible for a free visa on arrival (30 or 90 days). All other nationalities must obtain a pre-arranged tourist visa (30-day or 60-day single entry) sponsored by a UAE-based airline, hotel, or licensed travel agent, or a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry

    Processing: 48 hours for tourist visas; visa on arrival issued on the spot for eligible nationalities

    GISEC GLOBAL registration at visit.gisec.ae includes a field to request a visa invitation letter. Visa fees: 30-day tourist visa AED 200; 60-day tourist visa AED 300; 5-year multiple entry approximately AED 3,713 total. All fees exclude 5% VAT. Apply online through GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae), the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), or through airlines, licensed travel agents, or hotels. The UAE's embassies do not issue tourist visas. For urgent travel, same-day processing may be available through approved tourism centres

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: From Dubai International Airport (DXB): Take the Dubai Metro Red Line directly to Expo 2020 Station (R76) — the journey takes approximately 50–60 minutes with no transfers, and the fare is approximately AED 7.50. By taxi, the journey takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. From Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Approximately 7.3 km from the venue; taxi takes 10–20 minutes. Bus F55 links DWC to Expo 2020 Metro Station (approx. 36 minutes)

    Hotel → venue: On-site hotels (Rove Expo City, Cheval Maison) are within walking distance of Dubai Exhibition Centre (approximately 200 m to 1.5 km). Hotels in Dubai South and Al Maktoum Airport area are a 10–15 minute drive. Hotels in Ibn Battuta/Dubai Production City are 15–20 minutes by car. The Expo 2020 Metro Station provides direct access to the venue from most areas

    Ride-hail: Careem and Uber operate throughout Dubai and are available at Expo City. Taxi stands are located at the Expo 2020 Metro Station and at venue entrances. Estimated taxi fare from DXB to the venue is AED 80–120 depending on traffic

    Public transit: The Dubai Metro Red Line Route 2020 terminates at Expo 2020 Station (R76), with direct pedestrian access to Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Wasl Plaza, and Expo City. Trains run every 3–4 minutes during peak hours. RTA feeder buses serve the Expo 2020 Metro Bus Interchange. A single metro journey from central Dubai takes approximately 40–45 minutes

    Parking: Dubai Exhibition Centre offers free parking operating 24/7 with approximately 9,500 parking bays across four designated zones at Expo City Dubai. Scheduled shuttle bus services connect parking areas to the Arrivals Plaza. Paid park-and-ride options are available near metro stations

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: September

    Temperature: 29°C to 40°C (nighttime low to daytime high)

    Seasonality: Minimal rainfall (0–0.2mm), low humidity (approximately 53%), clear/sunny conditions on most days

    Packing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days. Business attire for meetings should be light and modest (covered shoulders and knees). Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Indoor venues are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer may be useful

    Itinerary builder

    Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

    Add side trips

    Default day plan

    1. 08:00Depart hotel via Dubai Metro Red Line (Route 2020) to Expo 2020 Station
    2. 09:00Arrive at Expo 2020 Station, walk to Arrivals Plaza, collect badge and enter DEC
    3. 10:00–13:00Attend keynote sessions and explore the exhibition floor across North and South Halls
    4. 13:00–14:00Lunch at Expo City dining outlets
    5. 14:00–17:00Attend breakout conference tracks, visit country pavilions and GISEC North Star startup showcase
    6. 17:00–18:00Network at Al Wasl Plaza or visit Garden in the Sky observation tower

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 1 (16 September 2026)

    Day 1 features the opening ceremony and keynote sessions, including the opening remarks and the highly anticipated keynote on 'The Great Convergence: Why the Walls Between Cyber, AI and Quantum Are the Real Threat.' The opening day typically attracts the highest concentration of senior decision-makers and media, offering the best networking opportunities

    T

    Register for a free visitor pass on the official GISEC website — Early registration is recommended; free pass provides access to exhibition halls and selected sessions

    T

    Book flights and accommodation near Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City — Hotels in Expo City and Dubai South fill quickly; consider Rove Expo City or properties near Al Maktoum Airport

    T

    Review the conference agenda and pre-schedule meetings with exhibitors — Use the official agenda to prioritise keynotes, CISO sessions, and exhibitor demos

    T

    Download the event app and print your badge — Check for updates on session times and exhibitor list

    T

    Plan daily travel to DEC Expo City — The Dubai Metro Expo 2020 station is within walking distance of the venue

    T

    Pack business cards, charged devices, and valid ID — Real-name entry is required; carry your passport or Emirates ID

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00

    Arrive at Dubai Exhibition Centre and collect badge

    DEC Expo City, Registration Hall
    10:00

    Attend opening keynote on AI and cybersecurity

    Main Stage
    11:30

    Explore exhibitor halls focusing on Zero Trust and Cloud Security

    Halls 1
    13:00

    Lunch and networking

    Expo City food court
    14:00

    Attend CISO-led panel on ransomware defence

    CyberSecurity Congress Stage
    16:00

    Visit startup pavilion and meet emerging vendors

    GISEC North Star Zone
    17:00

    CISO networking reception

    CISO Lounge
    19:00

    Dinner at a nearby restaurant

    Expo City Dubai

    Side trips

    6

    Al Wasl Plaza

    Landmark

    On-site at Expo City

    Iconic dome and heart of Expo City; great for photos and evening light shows

    Jubilee Park

    Park

    On-site at Expo City

    Relaxing green space with the Garden in the Sky observation tower offering panoramic views

    Garden in the Sky

    Observation Tower

    On-site at Expo City

    360-degree views of Expo City and surrounding area

    Dubai Parks and Resorts

    Entertainment Complex

    Approx. 20 minutes by car

    Family-friendly theme parks and entertainment options

    Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

    Nature Reserve

    Approx. 25 minutes by car

    Desert landscape for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities

    Dubai Marina and JBR Beach

    Beachfront / Leisure

    30–35 minutes by car

    Popular beachfront destination with dining and entertainment

    Networking spots

    4

    CISO Lounge

    Event networking lounge

    Dedicated area for CISO-level networking; hosted reception on 17 September from 5 PM to 8 PM

    Networking Reception (Hosted by DigitalXForce)

    Event reception

    Official networking reception at the CISO Lounge on 17 September 2026

    Rove Expo City Hotel Bar

    Hotel bar

    Popular informal meeting spot within walking distance of the venue

    Al Wasl Plaza Cafés

    Café area

    Relaxed outdoor settings for casual meetings at Expo City

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    AED 2245–2580 / m²

    Raw space

    —

    Standard booth

    9 m²

    Pricing shown is from the official GISEC GLOBAL 2025 Stand & Prices PDF (2025 data); no equivalent publicly accessible 2026 pricing document was found on gisec.ae as of research date. Premium Shell Stands at 9 sqm: Early Bird AED 2,245 per sqm, Standard AED 2,580 per sqm. Raw Space Cost at 9 sqm: AED 20,205 (Early Bird) / AED 23,220 (Standard). Shell Build Cost at 9 sqm: AED 5,625. A Manufactory Items Fee of AED 2,460 per exhibitor applies, covering Enhanced Internet Listing (AED 1,080), Lead Scanner & Tracking (AED 750) and Exhibitor Insurance (AED 630)

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Booth 9 m² × $655.00/m²$5,895.00
    • Hotel × 4 nights$320.00
    • Per diem × 4$240.00
    Estimated total$6,455.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    Shell Scheme Booth (per sqm)

    exhibitor · standard

    AED 2245–2580 / sqm

    estimate

    Raw Space (per sqm)

    exhibitor · standard

    AED 1800–2200 / sqm

    estimate

    Hotel Budget (per night)

    both · budget

    AED 220–300 / night

    estimate

    Hotel Mid-Range (per night)

    both · mid

    AED 500–700 / night

    estimate

    Hotel Premium (per night)

    both · premium

    AED 1000–1500 / night

    estimate

    Per Diem (meals & incidentals)

    both · standard

    USD 173 / day

    official

    Visa Cost (30-day business visit visa)

    both · standard

    AED 350–500 / visa

    official

    Exhibitor Insurance

    exhibitor · standard

    AED 630 / policy

    estimate

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer 6–8 quick questions to determine whether GISEC GLOBAL 2026 is the right event for you to visit, exhibit at, or skip. This tool weighs your role, solution fit, budget, timeline, travel friction, booth readiness, objectives, and thematic alignment against the event's actual profile — 25,000+ infosec professionals, 750+ brands, 180+ countries, and a programme centred on AI, quantum readiness, and critical infrastructure security

    QUESTION 1 OF 8

    What is your primary role or interest in cybersecurity?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You are a cybersecurity buyer, evaluator, or professional based in the GCC or wider MEA region, or an international visitor with a clear interest in the Middle East cybersecurity market and a modest travel budget (estimated USD 500–1,500 for flights, hotel, and expenses depending on origin)

    Best for

    CISOs, security leaders, IT decision-makers, government cyber officials, SOC analysts, enterprise risk and compliance officers, and early-career professionals seeking to learn, network, and evaluate solutions for their organisations. Ideal for buyers from the GCC and wider MEA region, and for international visitors who want a low-risk entry point into the Middle East cybersecurity market

    Min. budget

    $500.00

    Timeline

    2–3 months in advance for international travel; 4–6 weeks for regional visitors. Register for a Free Visitor Pass at visit.gisec.ae, book flights and hotel early (September is a busy period), and review the agenda to plan your sessions

    Risks

    Long-haul travel costs and jet lag for visitors from the Americas or Oceania

    High demand for hotels during GISEC week — book early to secure preferred rates

    September heat in Dubai (daytime highs 39–40°C) may be uncomfortable for outdoor activities

    Large event scale (25,000+ attendees) can be overwhelming without a pre-planned agenda

    exhibit

    You have a solution that aligns with GISEC's core categories and the 2026 programme themes (AI, quantum, critical infrastructure, Zero Trust, cloud security), a clear MEA market-entry or growth strategy, a team ready to execute a stand presence, and a budget of at least USD 12,000–15,000 for stand costs alone

    Best for

    Cybersecurity vendors, solution providers, and technology companies — from global enterprises to startups — looking to generate qualified leads, build brand presence, and connect with government and enterprise buyers across the Middle East and Africa. Particularly valuable for companies in AI security, quantum readiness, cloud security, Zero Trust, critical infrastructure protection, and OT security

    Min. budget

    $12,000.00

    Timeline

    6–12 months in advance for a full stand presence; 3–6 months for a smaller booth or startup pod. This covers booking the stand, designing and building the booth, planning the pre-show marketing campaign, arranging travel and accommodation for the team, and preparing follow-up processes

    Risks

    Total exhibitor costs can exceed USD 30,000–50,000 when including stand rental, build, travel, accommodation, and marketing

    High competition — 750+ brands exhibit, so differentiation is critical

    ROI depends heavily on pre-show planning, lead quality, and structured follow-up

    Mandatory Manufactory Items Fee (AED 2,460 per exhibitor, based on 2025 pricing) is non-negotiable

    Booth space is limited and sells out — early booking is essential

    skip

    You are based outside the MEA region with no immediate market-entry plans, your solution does not align with GISEC's categories or 2026 themes, you lack the budget (USD 12,000+) or team readiness to exhibit, or you are unable to manage the travel commitment this year

    Best for

    Cybersecurity professionals or vendors with no immediate plans to engage with the Middle East or Africa market, those whose focus is entirely outside GISEC's core categories and 2026 programme themes, organisations without the budget or team bandwidth to exhibit effectively, and individuals for whom long-haul travel to Dubai is not feasible this year

    Timeline

    No specific timeline — consider revisiting for GISEC GLOBAL 2027 (scheduled 5–7 May 2027 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai) when your market strategy, budget, or product roadmap is better aligned

    Risks

    Missing out on the region's largest cybersecurity gathering and the networking, learning, and business opportunities it presents

    Competitors may establish a presence in the MEA market while you are absent

    Delaying market entry could make it harder to catch up as the region's cybersecurity spending accelerates

    Foregoing the opportunity to evaluate whether GISEC is a fit for future years

    Book with

    Partners

    Spire Solutions — Official Distribution Partner

    Distribution Partner

    Spire Solutions returns for its 15th consecutive year as the Official Distribution Partner of GISEC GLOBAL, showcasing enterprise-ready cybersecurity for the AI and quantum era

    Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

    Listed as Official Distribution Partner on gisec.ae homepage sponsors & partners section

    DAAKYI — Cyber Diplomacy Forum Partner

    Event Partner

    The Cyber Diplomacy Forum at GISEC GLOBAL 2026 is developed in collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and powered by DAAKYI

    Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

    Official GISEC Cyber Diplomacy Forum page states 'powered by DAAKYI'

    Information Security Media Group (ISMG) — Official Media Partner

    Media Partner

    ISMG is named an official media partner for GISEC GLOBAL 2026

    Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

    ISMG announced as official media partner for GISEC GLOBAL 2026

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is GISEC GLOBAL 2026 taking place?
    The 15th edition of GISEC GLOBAL takes place from 16–18 September 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, UAE, in collaboration with the UAE CyberSecurity Council, Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police
    What is the theme of GISEC GLOBAL 2026?
    The 2026 edition is held under the theme 'Cyber First: The New Digital Order.'
    Who organises GISEC GLOBAL 2026?
    GISEC GLOBAL 2026 is organised by inD, a joint venture between the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa. It is hosted by the UAE CyberSecurity Council and strategically organised in close collaboration with the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC), Dubai Police, and the UAE Ministry of Interior
    Is visitor registration free?
    Yes, a Free Visitor Pass is available at https://visit.gisec.ae/. Registration is compulsory for entry. Premium conference and all-access passes are offered separately for delegates requiring additional conference access
    What are the event opening hours?
    The event runs daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 pm. from 16–18 September 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai
    How many attendees and exhibitors are expected?
    GISEC GLOBAL 2026 anticipates welcoming more than 25,000 infosec professionals from over 180 countries, with over 750 global cybersecurity brands exhibiting
    What conference stages and tracks are featured at GISEC GLOBAL 2026?
    The multi-stage agenda includes the Main Stage, CyberSecurity Congress (hosted by UAE CSC), Government Stage (hosted by DESC), Critical Infrastructure Stage, Dark Stage, X-Labs, GISEC North Star startup showcase, Inspire Stage, and the Quantum Security Summit hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and Technology Innovation Institute
    How can visitors reach the venue by public transport?
    The Expo 2020 Dubai Metro Station (Red Line / Route 2020) connects directly to the Dubai Exhibition Centre via Expo City Dubai's main entrance (Gate 1). Trains arrive every 3–4 minutes. Free visitor parking is available with scheduled shuttle bus services to the Arrivals Plaza
    Who can attend GISEC GLOBAL 2026?
    GISEC GLOBAL is a trade-only event. Registration is compulsory for entry. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. Badges are non-transferable and must not be shared
    What is GISEC North Star?
    GISEC North Star is the largest showcase of the most innovative cybersecurity startups, providing a platform for vetted founders to pitch innovations to investors and experts

    Glossary

    1
    CISO
    Chief Information Security Officer; a senior executive responsible for an organisation's information and cyber security strategy. GISEC describes itself as the show that brings more CISOs together than any other
    2
    Infosec
    Information security; the practice of protecting data and systems from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption or destruction. GISEC's audience includes infosec professionals, risk, compliance and security operations roles
    3
    IT/OT
    Information Technology and Operational Technology; GISEC lists IT/OT among the product and solution areas showcased by exhibiting companies
    4
    Zero Trust
    A security model that assumes no implicit trust and continuously verifies access. GISEC lists 'Zero Trust & Safe' among the cybersecurity solution areas on show
    5
    SOC
    Security Operations Centre; a centralised function that monitors, detects and responds to cyber threats. GISEC lists 'National SOC' among exhibitor product categories
    6
    X-Labs
    A GISEC feature area dedicated to cutting-edge AI, IoT, 5G, Cloud and Immersive Tech security, with nonstop demos and presentations
    7
    GISEC North Star
    GISEC's startup showcase, described as the largest gathering of the cybersecurity startup ecosystem, where vetted founders pitch innovations to investors and experts

    Trust footer

    Sources

    93

    References

    62

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    GISEC

    2

    Dubai Exhibition Centre

    3

    GISEC / DWTC

    4

    Expo City Dubai

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