TOP STRATEGIC CYBERSECURITY EXPERTS OF GCC
GISEC Global 2024 introduced the inaugural GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards 2024 in partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the United Cybersecurity Alliance. This initiative celebrates the remarkable achievements and visionary leaders in the Middle East and Africa’s cybersecurity industry and took center stage at the esteemed GISEC Global, the inaugural GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards ceremony was the highlight of this edition, attracting cybersecurity professionals from around the globe. The annual event brought together prominent cybersecurity enterprises, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from leading corporations, government dignitaries, and cyber leaders from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The United Cybersecurity Alliance, renowned for its efforts in acknowledging exceptional talent through events like the Cybersecurity Woman of the Year, collaborated with GISEC to bring its expertise to the Middle East. This partnership aimed to recognize and honor the outstanding achievements and hard work of cybersecurity professionals in the region, who play a critical role in ensuring our digital safety and security. As the nation continues to solidify its position as a global technology leader, initiatives like the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards are essential in driving innovation and growth.
By celebrating these professionals, the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards not only acknowledges their contributions but also serves as a platform to inspire future generations to join this crucial field. As technology continues to evolve, and cyber threats become more complex, the importance of recognizing and supporting cybersecurity professionals has never been greater.
The GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards 2024 served as more than just a ceremony; they’re a platform for recognizing the tireless efforts of cybersecurity professionals and inspiring future generations to join this vital field. The awards also heralded the innovative minds that venture into uncharted territories of technology, propelling the Middle East’s cybersecurity industry to global prominence.
Among the award recipients, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security of UAE, was honored with the GISEC Special Awards Personality of the Year accolade. Moreover, three new Guinness World Records were achieved during the event in categories such as the ‘Largest Internet of Things Awareness Lesson’ and ‘Most Nationalities in a Gamified Cybersecurity Training’.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government, United Arab Emirates, highlighted the significance of the event: “The inaugural GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards, taking place in partnership with the United Cybersecurity Alliance and GISEC Global 2024, heralds the brilliant minds venturing into uncharted territories of technology and elevating the Middle East industry across the world.
The introduction of the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards at GISEC Global 2024 in the UAE is a significant step towards strengthening the country’s position in the global technology landscape. This initiative is strategically aligned with the national cybersecurity strategy, which aims to foster a robust and cyber-resilient infrastructure that not only safeguards the nation’s interests but also enables its citizens and businesses to thrive.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and digital threats continue to evolve, the UAE’s commitment to promoting cybersecurity and recognizing the achievements of professionals in this field is crucial. By highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and celebrating the innovative work of experts, the UAE is creating a culture of resilience and progress in the face of emerging challenges.
Carmen Marsh, President, and CEO of the United Cybersecurity Alliance, expressed her excitement: “We are excited to partner with GISEC to launch the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards. This initiative is a testament to our shared vision of celebrating achievement, fostering innovation, and building a more secure digital world. We believe that this event will not only honor the trailblazers of today but also inspire the cybersecurity leaders of Spotlight on Cybersecurity Brilliance: Inaugural GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards.”
“This prestigious event brought together the brightest minds and the most innovative talents in our industry, celebrating those who go above and beyond to ensure the privacy, safety, and security of our digital realm.
Why is this celebration important? Because recognizing excellence matters. In a field where diligence, intelligence, and precision are the keystones, acknowledging each other’s achievements not only fosters motivation but also enhances our collective commitment to safeguarding our digital future.
A heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees, winners, and judges who have shown outstanding dedication and skill. A big thank you to the sponsors, the GISEC event team, and all the guests whose support made this celebration not just possible but a resounding success” said Carmen Marsh, President, and CEO of the United Cybersecurity Alliance.
The winners are as follow:
🔷 GISEC Special Awards Personality of the Year 2024H.E. Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti Head of Cyber Security, Cyber Security Council
🔷 GISEC Threat Hunter of the Year 2024Ryan Romagnolo, Senior Intrusion Researcher on CrowdStrike’s Falcon Overwatch team
🔷 GISEC Educator of the Year 2024Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, Associate Vice President, UWF Center for Cybersecurity, USA
🔷 GISEC Hacker of the Year 2024Alina T., Ethical Hacker, Singapore
🔷 GISEC Entrepreneur of the Year 2024M. Shahmeer Amir, Founder CEO, Younite, Veiliux, Authiun, Pakistan
🔷 GISEC Cybersecurity Woman of the Arab World 2024Dr.Reem Faraj AlShammari, CyberSecurity and Technology Thought Leader, Energy Sector, Kuwait
🔷 GISEC Jury Choice Award 2024Abeer Khedr, Group Head – Cybersecurity, National Bank of Egypt (NBE)
🔷 GISEC CISO of the Year 2024Basim AlRuwaii, CISO, Saudi aramco (award received by Nawaz Ali from DWTC
GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards not only celebrated the exceptional talent within the cybersecurity industry but also contributed to the UAE’s strategic objectives, reinforcing its commitment to promoting cybersecurity and fostering a secure and prosperous digital environment for its citizens and businesses.
As a pioneering platform, the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards propel the region’s cybersecurity landscape to new heights by fostering strategic alliances among various sectors. By acknowledging and celebrating the most innovative and impactful figures in the field, the awards seek to inspire and cultivate an environment that nurtures growth and groundbreaking advancements.
These awards have far-reaching implications, not only bolstering the region’s reputation as a global technology leader but also unlocking numerous opportunities for further innovation. By shining a spotlight on the transformative work of cybersecurity professionals, the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards foster a culture of continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and adaptability in the face of emerging cyber threats.
The GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards 2024 brought together a distinguished panel of jury members comprising renowned cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, and government officials. Some of the notable jury members included:
- Ahmed Al Zarouni – Head of IT, Investment Corporation of Dubai
- Basma Ahmadush – Co-founder, Women in Cyber Security Middle East
- Stéphane Nappo – Global CISO and cybersecurity expert from the banking industry
- Miguel De Bruycker – Director General, Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium
These jury members played a pivotal role in evaluating the nominees and selecting the winners in various categories, such as CISO of the Year, Cybersecurity Project of the Year, and Cybersecurity Innovator of the Year. Their collective expertise and knowledge in the field of cybersecurity lent credibility and prestige to the GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards 2024.