The capital Riyadh is hosting the world's largest cybersecurity challenge, the 'Capture the Flag' (CTF) competition, as part of the 'Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026' event, which will be held from December 1 to 3, organized by Tahaluf Company, in partnership with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones and Tuwaiq Academy, with the participation of elite specialists and experts in cybersecurity from various countries around the world.

This event comes within the framework of joint efforts aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global center for cybersecurity and advanced technologies, by providing a competitive environment that fosters innovation, hones national talents, and attracts global competencies and expertise.

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The 'Capture the Flag' competition is an extension of the successes achieved in its previous editions, as it contributed to the Kingdom registering a world record in the Guinness World Records, by hosting the largest competition of its kind in the world within the 'Black Hat Middle East and Africa' event, reflecting the Kingdom's advanced position and its leading role in hosting the most prominent international technology events.

Prizes exceeding 790,000 riyals

The 2026 edition offers prizes worth over 790,000 riyals, in addition to hosting the top 150 teams in the in-person finals in Riyadh, where they will compete in advanced challenges covering the latest fields of cybersecurity, contributing to the development of practical skills, enhancing competitiveness, supporting innovation in the sector, and solidifying the Kingdom's presence on the global map of technology events. Interested participants from around the world can register via the link.

Empowering national competencies

The CEO of Tuwaiq Academy, Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, confirmed that hosting the competition is an extension of the Academy's efforts to empower national competencies, attract global expertise, and provide a competitive environment that helps discover talents and enhance innovation in the cybersecurity sector. He pointed out that the Kingdom's hosting of this global event reflects its rapid development in technical fields and its role in building a competitive digital system internationally.

Enhancing the Kingdom's status

The 'Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026' edition attracts thousands of specialists, decision-makers, and experts from around the world, after the 2025 edition recorded attendance exceeding 45,000 visitors from more than 140 countries, making it one of the largest cybersecurity events globally, and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global destination for hosting major technology events.