GISEC Global 2026 to Launch Cyber Diplomacy Forum as Cybersecurity Enters the Diplomatic Arena

GISEC Global, the Middle East and Africa's largest cybersecurity exhibition and conference, has announced the launch of the Cyber Diplomacy Forum — a new high-level platform making its debut at GISEC Global 2026, scheduled for 5–7 May 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. The forum reflects a significant shift in how cybersecurity is being treated at the highest levels of government: not as a technical issue, but as a strategic and economic one requiring coordinated international dialogue.

The announcement follows an invitation-only Cyber Envoys' Breakfast Briefing held in Abu Dhabi on 29 January, which brought together more than 140 diplomats — including 32 ambassadors, trade attachés and senior representatives from international missions and business councils based in the UAE. Attendees included the Ambassador of India Deepak Mittal, European Union Ambassador Lucie Berger, and Egypt's Ambassador Essam Ashour. The closed-door briefing gave diplomatic stakeholders an early preview of the Forum's scope and objectives ahead of its formal debut.

Cybersecurity as a Pillar of Foreign Policy

Developed in collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and powered by DAAKYI, the Cyber Diplomacy Forum is designed as a dedicated platform for governments, multilateral institutions and the private sector to address the increasingly cross-border nature of cyber risk. As cyber incidents continue to disrupt global supply chains, financial systems and critical infrastructure, the Forum positions cybersecurity as a strategic enabler of economic stability, trade confidence and international cooperation.

At GISEC Global 2026, the Cyber Diplomacy Forum will focus on the intersection of cybersecurity and diplomacy, including the role of cyber policy in trade relations, public-private coordination on cross-border threats, and the development of shared approaches to cyber resilience in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.

Alex Nicholl, Vice President of New Industries at Dubai World Trade Centre, which organises GISEC Global, underscored the strategic significance of the Forum's creation.

"Cybersecurity has moved beyond the IT department and into the heart of diplomacy, trade and national security. The Cyber Diplomacy Forum reflects a clear shift in how governments are engaging with cyber risk – not as a technical issue, but as a strategic and economic one that requires coordinated international dialogue."

A New International Cyber Zone

New for 2026, GISEC Global will also introduce the International Cyber Zone, bringing together more than 20 country pavilions — including Australia, Singapore and South Korea — to showcase national cybersecurity capabilities, policy priorities and cross-border collaboration opportunities. The zone reinforces GISEC's role as a government-led engagement platform, enabling countries to align policy, trade and innovation agendas within the global cybersecurity ecosystem.

Africa Takes Centre Stage

The Forum will also see strong participation from Africa, with a delegation of government officials, ministers and cybersecurity companies from more than 12 African countries expected to attend. The delegation will be led by DAAKYI Secure Africa, headquartered in Ghana, reflecting the growing role of African governments in shaping global cyber policy and digital resilience frameworks.

The launch of the Cyber Diplomacy Forum reinforces GISEC Global's evolving role as a convening platform for policy, business and technology leaders — bringing diplomatic voices into structured dialogue with industry, investors and innovators. It also underscores the UAE's positioning as a neutral hub for international engagement on emerging global challenges. GISEC Global 2026 will bring together policymakers, CISOs, technology leaders, startups and investors from over 160 countries.