Her Excellency Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inaugurated the Global Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) today, kickstarting the long-awaited three-day student recruitment exhibition. The opening ceremony was also attended by Chancellors, Vice Chancellors and Provosts of all the major universities in the region, marking the launch of the 2024 edition of the region’s foremost education and training event.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the exhibition which runs from April 24 to 26, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, covers study streams related to emerging and traditional careers with a focus of trending computing, technological advancements, progress in medicine and sciences, leadership and other future career paths for students.

Over 200 universities from 30 different countries are participating this year, offering students nearly 2,500 course options. The event is expected to see over 20,000 visitors in the following days. With its innovative programs and exciting networking possibilities, GETEX promotes international collaboration and educational advancement for all participants.

Her Excellency Aisha Abdulla Miran, said: “KHDA is committed to supporting initiatives that empower students to make informed decisions about their higher education journeys, and GETEX serves as a vital resource for both students and the higher education sector.”

“We welcome students and visitors to stop by the KHDA stand to learn more about international higher education choices right here in Dubai. The 38 universities that are licensed and accredited by KHDA offer more than 650 programmes ranging from business and life sciences to gaming and AI. Enrolments at Dubai’s private universities grew by a record 12% this year, reflecting the city’s strong reputation for high quality higher education choices in the region, attracting future leaders and nurturing a hub for knowledge and innovation” she added.

This year’s highlights also include the second Academia Industry Innovation Conference, which is being hosted under the theme ‘Educating Future Leaders and Innovators,’ with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence. Along with multiple workshops, seminars, and discussions for attendees, there will be an AI hackathon, AI startup showcase, youth career counselling, a youth internship fair, AI innovation awards, and a roundtable discussion with educators and other professionals. Furthermore, students will benefit from over 30 seminars on higher education, guiding them towards their desired academic paths.

Tanya Mokle, Director of GETEX, stated, “With more new courses, universities, and themes each year, we continue to grow in an effort to give students better education options to secure their future. GETEX has always been committed to supporting students and helping them choose their career paths, as well as bolstering the future of young adults with training and professional options available locally and abroad. This year, we are also pleased to welcome 27 Indian Universities, 25 Chinese universities and over 20 universities from Russia and the CIS Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has once again reiterated their commitment to be accessible to students and anyone interested in pursuing an education in Dubai.

GETEX 2024 is set to offer students in the UAE, as well as families and professionals of all ages, the opportunity to interact with regional and international educational institutions from over 40 countries, including USA, India, UK, Russia, China, Australia, Turkey, Malaysia, Germany, Canada, and Hungary, promising first-hand knowledge about diverse academic offers and admission benefits.

Following a resounding success, VAP Group is thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of the inaugural editions of the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show, held on April 16 and 17, 2024, at Grand Hyatt, Dubai.

The heavy rainfall that hit Dubai on Tuesday this week, most of the other events were canceled, only the Global AI Show and Global Blockchain Show took place. There were thousands of attendees who witnessed these grand events. While the event was seeing great success, VAP Group’s CEO, Vishal Parmar, took this moment to announce a significant milestone for blockchain & AI services by launching Times of AI and Times of Blockchain, two digital media subsidiaries of the VAP Group that will contribute to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. These initiatives are poised to make substantial contributions to the ongoing progress in both of these respective fields.

The Global AI Show emerged as a powerhouse platform, showcasing a convergence of international and regional luminaries in the artificial intelligence and machine learning domains. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive exploration of AI’s transformative potential across key sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and oil and gas. With thought-provoking keynote speeches and panel discussions, the event provided invaluable insights into unlocking new possibilities through AI technologies. Notable highlights included Jamie Metzl’s captivating session on the implications of AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions, as well as Dr. Divya Chander’s illuminating journey from brain reading to closed-loop brain-machine interface systems.

Meanwhile, the Global Blockchain Show illuminated the dynamic landscape of blockchain technology, drawing together experts from the web3 ecosystem to share their insights and discuss future opportunities. From thought-provoking presentations by visionaries like H.E. Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, to enlightening fireside chats with industry leaders like Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, Dubai Blockchain Center, attendees were immersed in discussions covering diverse topics ranging from the evolution of the digital ecosystem to the decentralized cloud vision of blockchain platforms like DFINITY.

The interactive presence of Sophia, the world’s first AI-humanoid robot, as the Official Ambassador for both events added a unique dimension, inspiring attendees with the boundless possibilities of AI and web3 technologies.

Various luminaries and experts spoke about advancements in AI and blockchain to come in the next few years. While addressing at the event, Dr. Divya Chander, MD, PhD, Neuroscientist, Physician, Medical Futurist said, “Elon Musk is not the first person to find neuronlike, he is just the famous one”. Additionally, Scott Melker said, “if I had to choose to put my money in the gaming industry, I will put it in India”.

In addition to the rich conference agenda, the events featured a vibrant start-up village where budding entrepreneurs showcased their innovative ideas to potential investors and venture capitalists. The launch of the VAP Accelerator further underscored its commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI and blockchain innovators.

A highlight of these events was the resounding success of the Global Blockchain Awards and Global AI Awards ceremonies, which recognized industry experts and leading organizations for their outstanding contributions.Neoki stood out by winning Best Visionary in Crypto of the Year, showcasing their innovative approach in the cryptocurrency realm. Binance secured Best Exchange of the Year, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer. At the Global AI Awards, H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, UAE, received the prestigious Global Visionary award for Pioneering a New Future, while Rashed AlSuwaidi, from the Ministry of State AI, UAE, was honored with the powering advancement of technology award, emphasizing their significant contributions to technological innovation. ADNOC Distribution won another iconic award for Best AI Achievement in Energy & Utilities, These achievements underscore the profound impact of visionaries and innovators in shaping the future of blockchain and AI technologies.

Both of the events concluded with an unforgettable afterparty at the luxurious White Beach at Atlantis, The Palm, providing a perfect setting for industry experts and enthusiasts to network, forge new connections, and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.

The resounding success of the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show underscores Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. VAP Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support in making these landmark events a grand success.

As the Middle East’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event, GISEC Global continues to provide a solid platform and expand the opportunities for women in the field, fuelling the growth of a diverse industry that is set to transform the world’s digital behaviours.

This International Women’s Day, GISEC Global 2024 is spotlighting some of the most influential women in cybersecurity who will take centre stage at the Inspire conference, the most awaited annual progamme gathering female leaders and industry experts, during the Middle East’s largest cyber security showcase from 23-25 April 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

As pioneers forging a complex and dynamic career path, seasoned security architect Alina Tan, esteemed cybersecurity advisor Judy Ngure, and cybersecurity influential digital creator Caitlin Sarian are among the headliners and stand as powerful symbols of female perseverance, talent, and advocacy.

Their unique contributions to the cybersecurity space have seen ground-breaking impact across the automotive industry, corporate landscape, and social media – while collectively, they continue to expand the industry’s understanding of inclusivity and the subsequent potential for even greater innovation.

From motorsport aspirations to an unprecedented career in auto cybersecurity

A prominent presence in Singapore’s automotive cybersecurity industry – and one of the Top 30 Women in Security in ASEAN – Alina Tan is a powerful representation of female success in a largely male-dominated field.

Her passion for cybersecurity stemmed from a personal interest in motorsport, which saw her leverage the synergy between the two to establish a specialised interest group, Car Security Quarter, dedicated to automotive security within her local community. She also spearheads the Singapore Chapter of the Automotive Security Research Group, a global non-profit that promotes knowledge sharing and the development of security solutions.

“I firmly believe in the power of representation and visibility,” said Tan. “Through my experiences, insights, and accomplishments, I aim to demonstrate that women can excel in cybersecurity and thrive in diverse roles within the industry. Notable initiatives in the Middle East, such as GISEC Global, feature dedicated stages for Women in Cybersecurity, providing a large-scale platform to showcase talent and inspire a new generation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).”

Leading female figures to take the GISEC Global 2024 stage

Tan will be joined in the Inspire conference at GISEC Global 2024 by Judy Ngure, the founder and CEO of Bug Bounty Box, a platform to help security leaders manage vulnerabilities. A cybersecurity practitioner for over five years, she sits on various advisory boards across Africa, supporting organisations in furthering diversity in the cybersecurity field.

Ngure also co-authored a book titled “African Women in Security: Remarkable Women Moving Cybersecurity in Africa”, which aims to celebrate women in the field, demonstrate their value and inspire other women to enter the industry.

Caitlin Sarian, also known as Cybersecurity Girl, is a dominant cybersecurity influencer with a comprehensive career history – including a decade of consulting experience at the likes of EY and a previous role at TikTok’s Global Cybersecurity Advocacy and Culture team.

As well as attending the Women in Cybersecurity roundtable, Caitlin will be leading a talk titled ‘The flawed path: debunking the efficacy of current cybersecurity training approaches and how we can improve our future,’ in which she hopes to relay the urgent need to overhaul outdated education methods in favour of training strategies that prioritise real-world application and critical thinking.

The challenge: women are underrepresented and overlooked

Tan, Ngure, and Sarian agree that for many young women, there may be a sense of not receiving the support, recognition, and validation they deserve for their contributions to cybersecurity. A lack of inclusive programmes and opportunities for professional growth often results in feelings of being side-lined, which can dampen enthusiasm for pursuing a career in the industry.

An especially significant barrier to upskilling women in cybersecurity is a pervasive lack of understanding around what the field entails. While many assume it is strictly about coding, it has proven to be a multifaceted profession that requires a variety of skills – from analytical expertise and problem-solving to communication and creativity.

An overwhelming number of available bootcamps and online courses can also make it difficult for beginners to start, with the information overload often leading to confusion and discouragement before women have even stepped foot into the industry.

“The biggest challenge is getting women excited about technical topics in cybersecurity because it looks like a very male-dominated environment – which it is,” said Ngure. “The other key challenge is retaining women in the cybersecurity field; I have seen many women move from technical cyber roles to non-technical jobs. I do encourage women to upskill compared to moving because we need more women active in the industry’s technical leadership positions.”

Sarian agreed, saying: “Increased female participation in cybersecurity is not just a matter of equity – it’s a strategic necessity. The field of cybersecurity benefits immensely from diversity, as it brings different perspectives, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving. Women, with their unique experiences and viewpoints, can drive innovation and enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures.”

She continued: “As the industry becomes more inclusive, we can expect a more holistic approach to security challenges – one that has the potential to result in more robust and comprehensive security strategies that strengthen our defence against cyber threats.”

The solution: awareness, accessibility, and advocacy

Addressing these challenges can be achieved through a variety of avenues, largely led by governments and enterprises, to create more opportunities for women in tech, cybersecurity, and defence.

On a corporate level, enterprises can adjust their recruitment and hiring processes to eliminate any unconscious biases, as well as partner with female-focused organisations to support with targeted outreach efforts.

Mentorship and development are also essential to ensure that women are receiving the senior support they need and are positioned to undertake ongoing training and development to fuel their career growth.

Awareness and advocacy remain top-of-mind and play a crucial role in championing female role models in the industry, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the wider cybersecurity community. Awards ceremonies, media campaigns, and conferences can stir conversations around female success and entrepreneurship in the industry.

Governments are able to further drive accessibility through education and training initiatives that encourage girls to pursue STEM education and careers, along with dedicated scholarships and grants to fund their academic journey.

At a higher level, policy and legislation can better equip businesses to deliver equal pay and opportunity – as well as flexible working policies to attract and retain top female talent – while cross-industry partnerships serve as a powerful tool for collaboration to foster a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce.

The Middle East’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event

GISEC Global 2024 will welcome over 20,000 visitors, 750 of the world’s foremost exhibiting companies such as Huawei, Honeywell, du, Cloudflare, and Qualys, 350-plus leading cybersecurity speakers, and over 1,000 ethical hackers from more than 130 countries in the 13th edition of the annual three-day of the Middle East’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event.