GISEC Global 2026 Concludes Highlighting Post‑Quantum Cybersecurity Future

GISEC Global 2026 wrapped up after three days at Dubai World Trade Centre, delivering critical sessions on the escalating challenges of cyber security, especially preparing for the post‑quantum era and AI‑driven crimes.

Key Discussions

The Quantum Security Summit presented a roadmap toward Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and outlined steps to safeguard data and critical infrastructure. Dr. Bushra Al‑Balushi, Executive Director of Cybersecurity Governance at Dubai Cyber Security Centre, shared global trends on adopting new encryption techniques.

Dr. Saeed Al‑Zahri, President of the Robotics and Automation Society, discussed a proposed PQC implementation plan for UAE institutions, joined by experts from the Technology Innovation Institute, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, and CPX, highlighting practical challenges.

Youth and Talent Sessions

The "Dark Platform" spotlighted young talent in vulnerability discovery during the session "Smaller Than a Hacker? Think Again," featuring security researcher Banadana Kor and junior analyst Riyan Agl from India, stressing the need for career pathways that enable responsible offensive security work.

AI and Cyber Financial Crime

The "Tracking Money" panel examined the rise of cross‑border organized cybercrime and AI‑enabled attacks. Participants Yashasvi Yadav from Maharashtra Police (India) and Lt. Col. Khaled Thalek from Dubai Police emphasized rapid response to disrupt illicit fund flows using advanced analytics.

A hands‑on drill titled "Inside the Breach" simulated OT system compromises, led by Capt. John Balntain and Thomas Blank, underscoring the importance of readiness and coordinated decision‑making under pressure.

In the closing session, experts from Greece and the UAE discussed achieving regional cyber sovereignty and boosting public‑private partnerships, noting that AI and automation will accelerate threat response while preserving human judgment for critical decisions.