The capital Riyadh will host the world's largest cyber challenge early next September as part of the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, within the events of "Black Hat Middle East and Africa," organized by Tahaluf Company in partnership with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and Tuwaiq Academy, with the participation of elite cybersecurity experts from various countries around the world.

The competition achieved a Guinness World Record in its previous editions.

The competition is part of national efforts to enhance the Kingdom's position as a global center for cybersecurity and advanced technologies, through a competitive environment that supports innovation and develops the skills of national talents, and attracts international expertise. The competition achieved a Guinness World Record in its previous editions for hosting the largest competition of its kind globally.

The 2026 edition will feature prizes exceeding 790,000 riyals, and will host 150 teams in the in-person finals in Riyadh to compete in advanced challenges covering the latest fields of cybersecurity, with registration open globally.

The CEO of Tuwaiq Academy, Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, affirmed that hosting the event reflects the academy's commitment to empowering national talents and attracting global expertise, noting that the Kingdom continues to strengthen its international presence in the technology and cybersecurity sector.

The events of "Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026" attract thousands of specialists and decision-makers from various countries around the world, after the 2025 edition recorded attendance exceeding 45,000 visitors from more than 140 countries, enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global destination for major technology events.