Science and Technology / Riyadh Hosts World's Largest Cyber Challenge within "Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026"

Riyadh, 29 Muharram 1448 AH corresponding to July 14, 2026 SPA — The capital Riyadh is hosting the world's largest cyber challenge via the "Capture the Flag" (CTF) competition, as part of the "Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026" events, 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 an elite group of cybersecurity specialists and experts from around the world. This event comes within joint efforts aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global hub for cybersecurity and advanced technologies, by providing a competitive environment that stimulates innovation, hones national talents, and attracts global competencies and expertise. The "Capture the Flag" competition is an extension of the successes achieved in its previous editions, as it contributed to the Kingdom recording a world record in the Guinness World Records by hosting the largest competition of its kind globally within the "Black Hat Middle East and Africa" events, reflecting the Kingdom's advanced status and leading role in hosting major international tech events. The 2026 edition offers prizes exceeding 790,000 riyals, in addition to hosting the top 150 teams in the in-person finals in Riyadh, competing in advanced challenges covering the latest fields of cybersecurity, contributing to the development of practical skills, enhancing competitiveness, supporting innovation in the sector, and cementing the Kingdom's presence on the global tech events map. Those wishing to participate from around the world can register via the link: https://bh.tuwaiq.edu.sa. The CEO of Tuwaiq Academy, Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, confirmed that hosting the competition is an extension of the Academy's efforts in empowering national competencies, attracting global expertise, and providing a competitive environment that contributes to discovering talents and enhancing innovation in the cybersecurity sector, noting that the Kingdom's hosting of this global event reflects its rapid development in technical fields and its role in building a competitive digital ecosystem internationally. It is worth noting that 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 tech events. // End // 23:12 T M 0221