UAE Cybersecurity Council Announces Second ‘CyberQ’ Conference in November
▼ Summary
– The UAE Cybersecurity Council is hosting the second CyberQ conference on November 26–27, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, focusing on quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity.
– The conference will unite experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries to address the disruptive impacts of quantum computing and AI on cybersecurity.
– Sessions will explore AI-driven attacks, defensive automation, quantum cryptography, international standards, and emerging risks like organized cybercrime.
– Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti emphasized the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum technologies and advancing cybersecurity in parallel with quantum developments.
– The event aims to strengthen international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and readiness for future cybersecurity challenges shaped by quantum capabilities.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has confirmed the second CyberQ conference will take place in Abu Dhabi this November, bringing together global leaders to address the profound shifts quantum computing and artificial intelligence are introducing to digital defense. Scheduled for November 26–27 at the ADNEC Centre, this year’s event carries the theme “Where Quantum, AI, and Cybersecurity Converge,” reinforcing the UAE’s strategic commitment to shaping the future of secure digital infrastructure.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasized that the conference aligns with the nation’s leadership vision, strengthening its role as a global hub for cybersecurity innovation and policy. He noted that the gathering underscores the urgency of adapting to quantum-era threats, particularly as quantum computers advance to a point where they can compromise conventional encryption methods.
The conference aims to assemble experts, policymakers, and industry representatives from more than 100 countries. Discussions will center on AI-driven cyber threats, automated defense mechanisms, and the critical transition toward post-quantum cryptographic standards. Additional focus will be placed on quantum-safe cryptography, international regulatory frameworks, and the growing risk of sophisticated cybercrime networks.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed that continuous advancement in cybersecurity must proceed in lockstep with quantum technological progress. This dual development is essential for building resilient digital systems capable of withstanding new and complex threats. He also highlighted the role of CyberQ in fostering cross-border collaboration and accelerating collective preparedness for a transformed cybersecurity landscape.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a supporting partner of the event, stated that TII is dedicated to enhancing sovereign capabilities in cryptography, quantum technologies, AI, and cyber defense. She described CyberQ as a vital platform for international cooperation, enabling stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that protect critical infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world.
The inaugural CyberQ conference in 2024 drew over 1,000 participants from 110 countries, culminating in a strategic alliance between the UAE Cybersecurity Council, TII, and QuantumGate. That event emphasized the pressing need for new defensive frameworks and greater international coordination to counter quantum-level risks. It also provided a forum for experts to exchange insights and promote unified security standards across governments, industries, and academic institutions.
This year’s conference is expected to build on that momentum, further establishing the UAE as a central player in the global dialogue on next-generation cybersecurity.
(Source: Economy Middle East)
