Sharjah welcomes second Black Hat MEA Meetup at AUS, promoting global security dialogue

The event featured Emirati professionals addressing emerging challenges in AI and digital forensics, reinforcing Sharjah’s growing role in the global cybersecurity landscape

More than 300 participants from government, industry and the academic community came together at American University of Sharjah (AUS) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for the Black Hat Middle East and Africa Meetup | Sharjah Edition, an evening dedicated to the latest developments in cybersecurity.

Organized in collaboration with the Sharjah Cyber Security Center and BlackHat Events and supported by the Sharjah Digital Department, the meetup marked the second time Sharjah has hosted this internationally recognized event, underscoring the emirate’s role in advancing dialogue and knowledge exchange in the digital security domain.

Since its launch in the United States in 1997, Black Hat has become one of the world’s most prominent cybersecurity platforms, bringing together researchers, experts and practitioners to explore cutting-edge research, emerging technologies and global best practices. Its regional meetups, such as the Sharjah edition, provide opportunities for local communities to engage with global expertise while facilitating collaboration between academia, industry and government.

The evening featured presentations by Emirati cybersecurity professionals on issues shaping the future of the field. Topics ranged from the use of artificial intelligence to detect cyberbullying in the metaverse, to strategies for defending against adversarial AI in the UAE, to the evolving role of digital forensics and incident response. 

“The Black Hat Meetup at AUS was an important opportunity to connect our community with leading expertise from across the cybersecurity field. By featuring the voices of Emirati professionals alongside international perspectives, the event encouraged meaningful discussions on current and future challenges. For our students in particular, it offered valuable exposure to real-world applications of research and innovation, reflecting AUS’ mission to combine knowledge, practice and community engagement,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering.

Engineer Abdelnasir Obaid BuKhatir, Director of Sharjah Cyber Security Center, affirmed that the event reflects the emirate’s vision to consolidate its role as a hub for knowledge and innovation, while building a secure and sustainable digital ecosystem.

He noted that SCSC places strong emphasis on equipping national talent with advanced cybersecurity skills, enabling them to support the emirate’s digital integration journey: “We are committed to empowering Emirati talent with the latest skills and expertise to navigate the rapid transformations in the field of cybersecurity. We are reinforcing Sharjah’s preparedness to meet evolving challenges.”

The Black Hat Meetup | Sharjah Edition highlighted Sharjah’s growing contribution to the global cybersecurity ecosystem and reinforced AUS’ role in providing a platform where innovation, research and practical expertise come together to address emerging digital challenges.