Under the auspices of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the UAE showcases the next wave of cybersecurity leaders at the first-ever AICyberFest, a national festival celebrating advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The event spans the month of October, concluding with an awards ceremony at GITEX 2025 in Dubai.
“The UAE has consistently supported forward-thinking ideas, and AICyberFest represents this ethos. By uniting our nation’s top university talents to create secure, responsible, and market-ready AI solutions, this challenge directly aids the National Cybersecurity Strategy and our vision for a resilient digital economy. We have placed this edition under the patronage of the UAE Cybersecurity Council as it transforms applied research into practical defenses, fosters entrepreneurial mindsets, and strengthens a culture where cybersecurity is prioritized from the first line of code,” stated Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
The call for entries officially closed with a tremendous response: over 80 participants from across the UAE registered to join. After a rigorous selection process, 32 student teams from 17 UAE universities have progressed to the competition phase, highlighting the enthusiasm, talent, and creativity of the nation’s youth.
“This competition goes beyond technology — it’s about cultivating the visionaries of tomorrow. At AICyberFest, we can already witness how the creativity and drive of young innovators will shape the future of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, reaching far beyond the UAE,” said Ahmed Alzarouni, CEO of TechFirm LLC, the organiser and founder of the project.
The competition will concentrate on two essential tracks: AI for Compliance & Audit Review and AI-Powered SIEM Analyst.
Organised by TechFirm LLC, a UAE-based tech company specializing in AI-powered cybersecurity and digital infrastructure solutions, the project is backed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council and leading industry partners.
All projects will be assessed by a prestigious panel of industry experts, bringing together thought leaders from both local and international tech firms to ensure global relevance and credibility.
The competition timeline is as follows:
● Project submissions: September 29 – October 10
● Jury evaluations: October 10–12
● Announcement of top 3 semifinalists: October 15
● Grand Finale & Awards Ceremony: October 17, 2025, 10am, at the UAE Cybersecurity Council stand at GITEX 2025.
As a prominent new feature of GITEX, AICyberFest is gaining significant recognition for fostering innovation and empowering young talent — reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global leader in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
For more information, visit: www.techfirm.ae/aicyberfest.
