IT Security Xchange & Awards UAE

Securing an AI-Powered Business

Navigating the new frontier of trust, compliance, and innovation

The UAE is rapidly strengthening its cybersecurity landscape as the country pushes ahead with bold digital ambitions. The newly updated UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025–2031 sets clear priorities to strengthen national cyber resilience, improve digital trust and foster sustainable innovation.

Guided by the ambitious goals of the UAE Centennial Plan and the “We the UAE 2031” Vision, the national cybersecurity strategy reinforces that as digital transformation accelerates, cybersecurity must advance in parallel to maintain the nation’s leadership on the global stage. The momentum mirrors what we see across the wider region, where the cybersecurity market is projected to reach USD 8.4 billion by 2027. As organizations across government, BFSI, healthcare, energy, and smart city ecosystems scale cloud, AI, and digital services, security strategies evolving in unconventional ways.

Enterprises in the UAE are embracing intelligent automation and analytics to enhance detection and response, identity management, and overall resilience. At the same time, the expanding digital footprint – fueled by national digital services, cloud-first mandates, and connected infrastructure- has made trust, sovereignty, and compliance central to security strategy.

The UAE IT Security Xchange 2026, taking place on 11 June at Dubai, brings this fast-moving landscape into focus. The event will unite CISOs, regulators, technology providers, and industry leaders, alongside IDC’s top analysts, to explore what it takes to build secure, scalable, and future-ready digital environments in the UAE. Through expert insights, practical case studies, and collaborative discussions, the Security Xchange will help security leaders strengthen their architectures, align with national priorities, and turn cybersecurity into a driver of confidence and innovation.

View Agenda View Speakers Why Attend

IDC CISO Excellence Awards

The IDC CISO Excellence Awards 2026 celebrate the top 30 visionaries redefining cybersecurity. This prestigious accolade honors those who revolutionize security, drive digital transformation, and fortify resilience through innovation. We recognize pioneers of cutting-edge cyber technologies and champions empowering the workforce against evolving threats. Awardees achieve excellence in risk mitigation and business impact, earning induction into an elite circle. Winners will be honored at an exclusive ceremony during the Security Xchange & CISO Excellence Awards 2026

At IDC, we uphold the highest standards of transparency and impartiality. Each nomination undergoes a rigorous, multi-tiered review.

Jury Members