Abu Dhabi Polytechnic third as DESC concludes GISEC Global 2026
The Dubai Electronic Security Center wrapped up its GISEC Global 2026 presence in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi Polytechnic claiming third place in the School of Cyber Defense student final.
The Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) brought its three‑day programme at GISEC Global 2026 to a close on 18 September at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, showcasing initiatives, partnerships and skills development activities aimed at strengthening the UAE’s cybersecurity capabilities.
DESC emphasised the importance of innovation, international collaboration and talent investment as priorities for building a resilient digital ecosystem. The authority organised two headline competitions during the event to test and develop practical skills among government teams and university students.
The Dubai Cyber Challenge – Government Edition, held over the course of the forum, featured 30 teams from Dubai government entities. Competitors faced a demanding 10‑hour contest comprising more than 30 challenges modelled on real‑world scenarios across web security, digital forensics, reverse engineering, cryptography and artificial intelligence. A total prize pool of AED 100,000 was awarded to the top three teams: first place to Digital Dubai, second to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security – General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, and third to the Roads and Transport Authority.
On the final day DESC and partner TechFirm concluded the second edition of the School of Cyber Defense, which attracted over 400 registrations from university students across the UAE. Five teams reached the final round to present solutions addressing challenges linked to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, competing for a collective prize fund of AED 55,000.
The School of Cyber Defense podium comprised Middlesex University Dubai in first place, American University of Sharjah in second, and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic in third. Abu Dhabi Polytechnic’s placing represents a substantive Abu Dhabi connection to the event and highlights the emirate’s role in cultivating cyber talent alongside federal and Dubai institutions.
DESC used its presence at GISEC Global 2026 to underline expanding areas of collaboration between local and international cybersecurity experts, as well as to promote pathways for government professionals and students to gain hands‑on experience in defensive and investigative disciplines. The competitions were framed as one element of a broader strategy to anticipate future requirements and to develop specialised capabilities across the public sector and academia.
By combining practical contests with specialist dialogue and partnership building, DESC concluded its participation having reinforced ties across government and educational bodies and having put a spotlight on emerging cyber talent from across the UAE.
Source: WAM