RIYADH: Riyadh will host the largest cyber challenge in the world through the “Capture the Flag” competition, as part of Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026.
The event will be held from Dec. 1 to 3 and organized by Tahaluf, in partnership with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and Tuwaiq Academy, with the participation of a select group of cybersecurity specialists and experts from various countries around the world.
This event comes as part of joint efforts aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for cybersecurity and advanced technologies by providing a competitive environment that stimulates innovation, develops national talent, and attracts global competencies and expertise.
Competition builds on Guinness World Record success
The Capture the Flag competition builds on the success of previous editions, including helping Saudi Arabia secure a Guinness World Records title for hosting the world's largest Capture the Flag cybersecurity competition during Black Hat Middle East and Africa. The achievement underscores the Kingdom's growing leadership in cybersecurity and its position as a global destination for major technology events.
The 2026 edition will offer prizes exceeding SR790,000 ($209,957), in addition to hosting the top 150 teams in the in-person finals in Riyadh, to compete in advanced challenges covering the latest fields of cybersecurity, contributing to the development of practical skills, enhancing competitiveness, supporting innovation in the sector, and consolidating the Kingdom’s presence on the map of global technology events.
Those wishing to participate from around the world can register through the link: https://bh.tuwaiq.edu.sa.
Tuwaiq Academy CEO Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi affirmed that hosting the competition comes as an extension of the academy’s efforts to empower national competencies, attract global expertise, and provide a competitive environment that contributes to discovering talent and enhancing innovation in the cybersecurity sector.
He noted that the Kingdom’s hosting of this global event reflects the rapid development it is witnessing in technical fields and its role in building a competitive digital ecosystem at the international level.
Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2026 edition attracts thousands of specialists, decision-makers and experts from around the world, after the 2025 edition recorded attendance exceeding 45,000 visitors from more than 140 countries, making it one of the largest cyber events in the world and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for hosting major technology events.
