Cyber First Series
7th Annual Edition
14 OCT 2026KUWAIT CITY

Cyber

Sovereignty

Building National Cyber Resilience for a Digitally Sovereign Kuwait

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Supporting Partners
ISACA UAE Chapter
Arab Open University (AOU)
Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST)
Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel·Kuwait City
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Event Overview

Cyber First Kuwait
Summit 2026

As Kuwait accelerates its digital transformation under New Kuwait Vision 2035, cybersecurity has become a national priority. Cyber First Kuwait 2026brings together government leaders, regulators, CISOs, CIOs, and industry experts to discuss the strategies, technologies, and partnerships needed to strengthen cyber resilience across government, banking, oil & gas, telecommunications, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure.

Aligned with Kuwait's National Cybersecurity Strategy (2023–2027), the Kuwait National Basic Cybersecurity Controls (KNBCC), the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), and the Central Bank of Kuwait's Cyber & Operational Resilience Framework (CORF), the summit focuses on cyber governance, operational resilience, AI security, cloud security, Zero Trust, critical infrastructure protection, and securing Kuwait's digital future.

Cyber First Kuwait — 3rd Edition
2025 Edition
Cyber First Kuwait — Event Highlights
2024 Edition
Summit
0+
Delegates
CISOs & C-Suite Leaders
Keynote
0+
Speakers
Industry & Government Leaders
Partners
0
Sponsors
Technology Partners
14 Oct
0
Day
Full Executive Summit
Kuwait at a Glance

The Numbers Behind Kuwait's Cyber Agenda

A snapshot of the market forces, spending patterns, and regulations shaping the nation's cybersecurity priorities.

$1.16B
Market by 2031

Kuwait's cybersecurity market is expected to exceed USD 1.16 billion by 2031, driven by rapid digital transformation and rising investment in cyber resilience.

66%
Cloud-Focused Spend

Approximately 66% of cybersecurity spending is focused on cloud security and cloud-native protection.

~30%
From Banking

The banking sector contributes nearly 30% of cybersecurity investment, supported by regulatory initiatives from the Central Bank of Kuwait.

50%+
SOC · MDR · Detection

Security Operations Centres (SOC), Managed Detection & Response (MDR), and threat detection account for more than half of cybersecurity spending.

Fastest-Growing Investment Areas

AI Security, Operational Technology (OT) Security, Cloud Security, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Zero Trust Architecture, Threat Intelligence, and Operational Resilience.

A Unified National Baseline — KNBCC

The KNBCC introduces a unified national cybersecurity baseline with an 18-month implementation period for covered organisations — reinforcing governance, resilience, cloud security, incident response, and continuous compliance.

Industry Case Studies

From Compliance to Resilience

NBK
National Bank of Kuwait

Strengthened its cyber resilience by enhancing incident response, business continuity, cyber recovery, and third-party risk management to meet the Central Bank of Kuwait's resilience requirements.

KOC
Kuwait Oil Company

Increased investment in Operational Technology (OT) security, protecting industrial control systems and critical energy infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

CBK
Central Bank of Kuwait

Introduced the Cyber & Operational Resilience Framework (CORF), driving stronger cyber governance, operational resilience, and third-party risk management across Kuwait's banking sector.

These initiatives highlight Kuwait's shift from compliance-driven cybersecurity to resilience-focused strategies — key themes that will be explored at Cyber First Kuwait 2026.

Key Topics

Eight themes shaping Kuwait's
cybersecurity agenda

Select a theme to read the full focus.

Kuwait 2025
Topic 01 / 08

AI-Powered Cyber Defense & Security Operations

Leveraging AI and machine learning to detect, respond, and counter sophisticated threats — modernising the SOC with autonomous defence capabilities at machine speed.

Leadership

Advisory Board

Industry leaders shaping the summit agenda and driving cybersecurity excellence across Kuwait.

Shaheela Banu A. Majeed

Shaheela Banu A. Majeed

Information Security & Compliance Officer & Auditor

Oil & Gas / Confidential
Mohamed Rushdhi

Mohamed Rushdhi

Head of Information Security Unit

The Industrial Bank of Kuwait
Dr Fai Ben Salamah

Dr Fai Ben Salamah

Cybersecurity Expert

Kuwait Technical College
Eng. Yousef H. El-Kordi

Eng. Yousef H. El-Kordi

Group Information Technology Director

City Group

Abdulmohsen Alsulaimi

Group Chief Technology Officer

Towell
The Faculty

Who's Speaking

Kuwait's most senior cybersecurity and technology leaders share the stage. More names announcing soon.

Abdulla Al-Awadi

Abdulla Al-Awadi

Chief Strategy Officer

KIB
Saud Almudhaf

Saud Almudhaf

VP – Head of ESG & Governance Risk

NBK
Omer Yildirim

Omer Yildirim

SVP, Chief Technology Officer

Tiqmo
Faissal Al-Roumi

Faissal Al-Roumi

Executive Manager of Operational Risk

Burgan Bank
Mohamed Rushdhi

Mohamed Rushdhi

Head of Information Security Unit

The Industrial Bank of Kuwait
Eng. Yousef H. El-Kordi

Eng. Yousef H. El-Kordi

Group Information Technology Director

City Group
Shaheela Banu A. Majeed

Shaheela Banu A. Majeed

Information Security & Compliance Officer & Auditor

Oil & Gas / Confidential
Dr Fai Ben Salamah

Dr Fai Ben Salamah

Cybersecurity Expert

Kuwait Technical College
Eng. Khaled B. Althekair

Eng. Khaled B. Althekair

Consultant

Sumit Tekriwal

Sumit Tekriwal

Head of Information Security Governance, Compliance and Privacy Unit

KIB
Backed By

Featured Sponsors

The technology leaders backing Cyber First Kuwait 2026.

Gold Sponsors
Strategic Partners
Full Day Programme

Agenda

Draft agenda, subject to change.

08:00 – 09:00Registration & Networking
09:00 – 09:10Opening

Opening Ceremony

Welcome Address by Events First Group (EFG)

09:10 – 09:30Keynote

Opening Keynote

Cyber Resilience for Kuwait: Securing National Infrastructure, Digital Economy & AI Innovation

09:30 – 09:45Sponsor Presentation 1
09:45 – 10:25Panel

Panel Discussion 1 – Cyber Leadership & Governance

Cybersecurity at the Executive Table: Leadership, Regulation & Strategic Risk Management in a Hyper-Connected Economy

10:25 – 10:40Sponsor Presentation 2
10:40 – 11:10Coffee & Networking Break
11:10 – 11:30Fireside

Fireside Chat

AI-Driven Threat Landscape: Preparing for the Next Generation of Cyber Attacks

11:30 – 12:10Panel

Panel Discussion 2 – OT & Critical Infrastructure Security

Securing Kuwait’s Critical Infrastructure: Strengthening OT, Industrial Cybersecurity & Operational Resilience

12:10 – 12:25Sponsor Presentation 3
12:25 – 12:40Sponsor Presentation 4
12:40 – 01:10Networking & Refreshment Break
01:10 – 01:50Panel

Panel Discussion 3 – Banking & Financial Cyber Resilience

Securing Kuwait’s Financial Ecosystem: Strengthening Cyber Resilience, Fraud Prevention & Regulatory Compliance in Digital Banking

01:50 – 02:30Panel

Panel Discussion 4 – Data Protection, Privacy & Digital Trust

Safeguarding Data in Kuwait’s Expanding Digital Economy

02:30 – 02:45Sponsor Presentation 5
02:45 – 03:00Sponsor Presentation 6
03:00 – 03:15Awards

Cyber First Awards & Raffle Draw

03:15Closing

Closing Remarks & Networking Lunch

Our Past Series

Partners & Sponsors

Backed by global technology leaders and security vendors worldwide.

Palo Alto Networks
SentinelOne
Google Cloud
Kaspersky
Akamai
Secureworks
ThreatLocker
Sechard
Cyber Shield
Wallix
GBM
Acronis
Bitdefender
Sahara Net
Deepinfo
Gorilla Technology
Cyber Talents
GTB Technologies
Palo Alto Networks
SentinelOne
Google Cloud
Kaspersky
Akamai
Secureworks
ThreatLocker
Sechard
Cyber Shield
Wallix
GBM
Acronis
Bitdefender
Sahara Net
Deepinfo
Gorilla Technology
Cyber Talents
GTB Technologies
Google Cloud Security
Anomali
OPSWAT
Pentera
HWG
AmiViz
Securonix
Paramount
Kron Technologies
Appknox
Filigran
Corelight
ManageEngine
Fortinet
Gen-X Systems
SecureB4
Bureau Veritas
DREAM
Google Cloud Security
Anomali
OPSWAT
Pentera
HWG
AmiViz
Securonix
Paramount
Kron Technologies
Appknox
Filigran
Corelight
ManageEngine
Fortinet
Gen-X Systems
SecureB4
Bureau Veritas
DREAM
Proven Track Record

3 Years. One Growing Community.

2024
Delegates280
Speakers24
Sponsors22
Media Partners15
4 Panel Discussions · 6 Supporting Partners
2025
Delegates310
Speakers25
Sponsors25
Media Partners17
6-Hour Live Hackathon · 9 Supporting Partners
2026
2026
Delegates350
Speakers30
Sponsors25
Media Partners25
Live CTF / Hackathon · Awards · 14 Supporting Partners
Cyber First Kuwait delegates
Kuwait · 2026

Where Kuwait's cyber leaders shape the future of national security.

From Past Editions

Inside the Cyber First Experience

Moments captured from our conferences worldwide.

Panel discussion on the main stage
Panel discussion on the main stage
Inside the summit floor
Inside the summit floor
Speaker addressing delegates
Speaker addressing delegates
Panel session
Panel session
Executive networking
Executive networking
Awards ceremony
Awards ceremony
Programme

What to expect
at Cyber First Kuwait 2026.

1

Day Event

300+

Senior Decision-Makers

25+

Expert Speakers & Industry Leaders

No. 01

Government & Regulatory Representation

Direct insight from the policymakers and regulators shaping Kuwait's digital sovereignty agenda.

No. 02

Executive Keynotes & Strategic Panel Discussions

Boardroom-grade dialogue from the leaders writing the next chapter of national cyber strategy.

No. 03

Real-World Case Studies & Success Stories

Field-tested playbooks from practitioners who have lived through the breach — and built the defence.

No. 04

Interactive Networking Opportunities

Curated introductions between the buyers, builders, and decision-makers reshaping the region.

No. 05

Cybersecurity Technology Showcase

The platforms, products, and partners defining the next era of enterprise defence.

Your Audience

Who Should Attend

CISOs & Senior Cybersecurity Leaders
CIOs, CTOs & IT Directors
SOC Managers & Security Operations Teams
Cloud, Network & Infrastructure Security Engineers
Risk, Compliance & Data Protection Officers
Government & Regulatory Authority Representatives
OT/ICS Security Professionals from Critical Sectors
Banking, Fintech & Telecom Security Heads
CEOs, COOs & Business Decision-Makers
Cybersecurity Vendors, Consultants & MSSPs
University Researchers & Educators

Key Industries

Banking, Finance & Fintech
Government & Public Sector
Telecommunications & ISPs
Oil & Gas & Energy
Utilities & Critical Infrastructure
Technology, Cloud & IT Services
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Manufacturing & Industrial (OT/ICS)
Transportation & Logistics
Retail & E-commerce
Education & Research Institutions
350+ Senior Leaders7 Industries1 Transformative Day
Recognition

Cyber First Awards 2026

Recognising Visionary Leadership & Cybersecurity Innovation Across Kuwait

The Cyber First Awards 2026 celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations driving cybersecurity leadership, innovation, and resilience across Kuwait’s public and private sectors. These awards honour pioneers strengthening national cyber defence, securing digital transformation, and building trusted digital ecosystems.

Cybersecurity Visionary of the Year
Secure AI & Emerging Technology Leadership
Enterprise Cyber Resilience & Risk Management
Critical Infrastructure Cyber Defense
Digital Trust, Privacy & Data Governance

Award Nominations

Cyber First Awards recognise organisations and leaders demonstrating exceptional contributions to Kuwait’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

Eligibility

Government and regulatory authorities
Enterprises and private sector organisations
Banking and financial institutions
Critical infrastructure operators
Cybersecurity and technology innovators
Nominate

Submit Your Nomination

From the Room

Hear it from the room.

Unfiltered voices from CISOs, regulators, and security leaders who've walked the Cyber First floor.

Cyber First Voice
No. 01
Cyber First Voice
Cyber First Voice
No. 02
Cyber First Voice
Cyber First Voice
No. 03
Featured
Cyber First Voice
Cyber First Voice
No. 04
Cyber First Voice
Cyber First Voice
No. 05
Cyber First Voice
Cyber First Voice
No. 06
Cyber First Voice
Get Involved

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7th Edition·October 14, 2026·Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel

Cyber First is curated for senior security leaders — CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, and VP-level executives.

Invite-only, C-suite audience
Chatham House Rule sessions
Full-day immersive programme

1,500+ senior security leaders attended Cyber First since 2024

By submitting, you agree to receive event communications from Events First Group.

Get in Touch

Speak with the right team.

For Speaking Enquiries
Harini Sudhakar

Harini SudhakarProducer

For Sponsorship Enquiries
Mohammed Hassan

Mohammed HassanPartnership Manager

Danish

DanishPartnership Manager

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel Kuwait
The Venue

Jumeirah Messilah
Beach Hotel

Kuwait's premier beachfront conference destination, hosting the region's leading cybersecurity gathering for the third consecutive year.

Open in Google Maps →
Location
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Date
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Time
8:00 AM, 5:00 PM (GST+3)
Format
Full-day conference + networking
Cyber First Series

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