OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection (CIP) cybersecurity solutions, and Redington, a leading technology aggregator, today announced a distribution partnership covering the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Levant, Türkiye, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The partnership combines OPSWAT’s CIP portfolio with Redington’s on-the-ground sales, technical, warehousing, logistics and financing capabilities. Together, OPSWAT and Redington will widen access to specialised protection for segmented, air-gapped and operational technology (OT) environments across government, defence, banking, telecoms, energy, utilities and other regulated sectors.

The agreement will have an initial emphasis on solutions such as MetaDefender Kiosk™ and MetaDefender Optical Diode™ for government, defence and OT environments. Redington’s local stockholding, logistics infrastructure and in-country technical resources will support the movement and deployment of these solutions across a region in which procurement requirements vary significantly and supply-chain continuity remains under pressure. Its financing capabilities will also help partners pursue complex, multi-stage projects, particularly in frontier markets.

Critical infrastructure has become an increasingly visible front in geopolitical conflict, with both cyber and physical incidents demonstrating how rapidly disruption can spread beyond the initial target and  particularly affecting growth markets. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 found that 36% of organisations in Africa lacked confidence in their country’s preparedness to respond to a major cyber incident affecting critical infrastructure, compared with 15% in Europe and North America.

The partnership will enable channel partners to build integrated solutions addressing the security and compliance requirements of critical environments. OPSWAT’s specialised capabilities for protecting files, removable media, segmented networks and OT environments can be combined with infrastructure and cybersecurity technologies available through Redington’s wider portfolio. Partners can then add assessments, implementation and professional services to deliver complete, outcome-based CIP propositions, rather than standalone products.

Managed services will form a central part of this partnership. Through Redington’s DigiGlass offering, partners will be able to extend customer engagements into 24/7 security operations without having to make the upfront investment required to build their own security operations capabilities.

Hussam Sidani, Regional Vice President – META, OPSWAT, said, “Critical infrastructure customers cannot wait for technology to clear borders, financing gaps or skills shortages. Redington brings resilience on all three fronts. Its financial stability gives partners the confidence to pursue complex, multi-stage projects; its regional stock and logistics help keep hardware-led deployments moving when supply chains are under pressure; and programs like DigiGlass give partners a path from product resale into recurring, higher-value managed services.”

Sayantan Dev, Chief Executive Officer, Software Solutions Group, Redington, said, “Critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly connected, making its protection more complex and more critical. As AI accelerates both innovation and the sophistication of emerging threats, partners need the right technologies, expertise and support to stay ahead. This is where technology ecosystem orchestration becomes important – bringing together the right security capabilities, partner expertise and market context. Through our partnership with OPSWAT, we aim to enable partners to strengthen cyber resilience, address emerging AI-driven risks and build relevant solutions that help customers protect the critical infrastructure their businesses and economies depend on.”

During the first 12 months, OPSWAT and Redington will prioritise Africa, Türkiye and CIS through recruiting and certifying partners, building qualified pipeline and pursuing early customer reference wins. OPSWAT will lead technical certification and enablement, while Redington drives partner recruitment and channel logistics across the region. The same partner, enablement and go-to-market framework will be available across the wider METAPCIS footprint from day one, with execution tailored to local regulations, procurement requirements and channel readiness.

Symbiosis Dubai marked a significant milestone in its UAE journey with the inauguration of its newly added Block 4 at Dubai Knowledge Park on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, followed by its first Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel-Dubai.

The expansion into Block 4, alongside the university’s existing presence at Block 14, reflects Symbiosis Dubai’s continued focus on growth with the student experience at its core. As the student community and academic portfolio continue to expand, the university has remained committed to creating better spaces, stronger learning opportunities and a more engaging campus environment. The additional facilities will further support academic delivery, student collaboration, innovation, industry interaction and overall student development.

The inauguration was followed by another landmark moment for the university as its inaugural MBA cohort graduated at the first Convocation Ceremony in Dubai.

The graduating cohort holds particular significance for Symbiosis Dubai, having joined the university at the very beginning of its UAE journey in 2024. Their graduation marks the completion of the institution’s first academic cycle in Dubai and reflects how both the students and the university have progressed over the past two years.

During this period, Symbiosis Dubai has expanded its academic portfolio across business, technology, computer studies, media and communication, psychology and commerce, while continuing to strengthen its engagement with industry and the professional ecosystem in the UAE.

For MBA students, this has translated into a strong focus on internships, placement support, industry projects, corporate interactions, networking opportunities and career-focused initiatives, helping students build practical experience and prepare for professional roles beyond the classroom.

The university has recorded high internship participation among first-year MBA students, while its broader career and placement initiatives continue to create pathways for students to connect with employers, explore full-time opportunities and transition more confidently into the workplace.

This emphasis on career readiness remains an important part of the Symbiosis Dubai student experience, supporting students not only through their academic journey but also as they move towards internships, placements and long-term professional opportunities.

The first Convocation Ceremony was graced by H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, as Chief Guest, alongside Guests of Honor H.E. Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai, and Mr. Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President, TECOM Group.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, Provost, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Symbiosis International University and Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai.

A special message and blessings from Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and President, Symbiosis, were also shared with the graduating cohort.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, said: “Our first Convocation in Dubai and the inauguration of Block 4 represent an important stage in the growth of Symbiosis Dubai. As our inaugural MBA cohort graduates, we are also expanding our academic capacity and creating greater opportunities for the students who will follow. The UAE has emerged as a dynamic global hub for education, innovation and industry, and we are proud to be growing within this ecosystem. Our focus remains on delivering strong academic experiences, deepening industry engagement and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the region and beyond.”

The inauguration of Block 4 and the first Convocation mark a significant step in Symbiosis Dubai’s journey in the UAE. As the university continues to grow its academic community and industry partnerships, it remains focused on strengthening its presence in Dubai and contributing to the UAE’s evolving higher education landscape.

CABSAT and SATExpo will take place from 5–7 October 2026 at their new home, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, bringing together international leaders across media, content, broadcast, Pro AV, satellite communications and space technology.

Now in its 33rd edition and held in strategic partnership with Dubai Studio City, CABSAT 2026 arrives as the region’s unified sourcing platform for media technology, content creation, broadcast and professional audiovisual (Pro AV) solutions. Co-located SATExpo, now in its second edition and held in strategic partnership with the UAE Space Agency, will connect the international satellite, space and advanced-connectivity ecosystem across infrastructure, connectivity and emerging commercial applications.

CABSAT 2026 is expected to welcome more than 18,800 visitors, 450+ exhibiting companies and 700+ brands from over 120 countries, alongside more than 150 speakers and 50+ hours of industry content. Confirmed international exhibitors include Grass Valley, Ross Video, Evertz, Imagine Communications, Haivision, LiveU, NAGRAVISION and Qvest, spanning broadcast, production, content and media technology.

SATExpo 2026 is expected to bring together more than 8,000 visitors, 150+ exhibitors from over 70 countries and 80+ expert speakers. Participating companies include Eutelsat, SES, Telesat, APSTAR, Space Norway and ST Engineering iDirect.

Rajendra Salgaonkar, Head of Sales, Exhibitions, inD, said: “The media, entertainment and space industries are evolving at remarkable speed, creating new opportunities across technology, content and connectivity. CABSAT and SATExpo have evolved alongside these industries, bringing together the people, technologies and ideas shaping what comes next. With CABSAT now bringing together media technology, content creation, broadcast and Pro AV, and SATExpo connecting the satellite and space value chain, our new home at Expo City Dubai provides an exciting setting for international business, knowledge exchange and collaboration.”

Contentverse explores the forces reshaping media and content

At the heart of CABSAT’s knowledge programme, Contentverse Director’s Cut, the evolution of Content Congress, will bring together international and regional media leaders to examine how artificial intelligence, new storytelling formats, changing audience behaviour and emerging commercial models are reshaping content creation, distribution and monetisation.

The programme will feature international and regional industry leaders including Amith Jain of JioStar, Moon Baz of Meta, Assad Ghanem of Viu and Ellie Habib of OSN+ contributing perspectives across creator-led content, vertical storytelling, production, technology and evolving audience behaviours.

The programme comes as the MENA media and entertainment market continues to expand. The sector is projected to reach USD 18 billion by 2028, with digital platforms expected to account for 74 per cent of the market, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are projected to represent 66 per cent of the regional media and entertainment share. Globally, the industry is expected to reach approximately USD 4.2 trillion by 2030.

From content development to production in action

Beyond the conference programme, CABSAT 2026 will create further opportunities for industry collaboration, industry access and recognition. Co-Production Salon in partnership with H-consult will facilitate curated meetings between content creators, producers and investors, connecting creative projects with potential production partners, financing opportunities and international collaboration. The Dubai Studio City Sound Stage Tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Dubai’s production infrastructure and capabilities, while the BroadcastPro Manufacturer Awards 2026 will recognize technologies and solutions advancing the broadcast and media-production industry.

Exhibitor perspective

Across the exhibition floor, CABSAT will also showcase how technology providers are responding to changing production requirements, as broadcasters and media organisations increasingly move towards more flexible, software-defined and IP-based workflows. Exhibitors will demonstrate solutions spanning production, broadcast engineering, cloud and IP workflows, reflecting the wider transformation taking place across the media technology ecosystem.

Klaus-Joerg Jasper, Sales Director Middle East, Lawo, stated: “CABSAT remains one of the most important meeting points for broadcasters, media organisations, and technology innovators across the Middle East. At this year’s show, we are demonstrating how open, software-based and IP-native technologies are helping media companies transition from fixed infrastructures to more flexible, service-oriented production models.”

SATExpo connects the future of satellite and space

Held under the theme ‘Connecting the future’, SATExpo 2026 will bring together the international satellite, space and advanced-connectivity ecosystem. Covering the complete value chain from satellite manufacturing and launch services to ground systems, connectivity, downstream applications and space-data analytics, the event will connect governments, satellite operators, technology providers, investors and emerging space businesses.

The SATExpo Summit, themed ‘From Space Race to International Collaboration in Orbits – A Future for All’, will examine three areas shaping the sector: orbital safety, liability and sustainability governance; future in-space infrastructure and services from GEO to LEO; and human spaceflight and space exploration.

Alongside the Summit, the Satellite Innovation Showcase, Startups and Space-Tech Demonstrations will highlight emerging technologies and practical applications. The Matchmaking Programme will facilitate curated meetings between satellite operators, solution providers, investors and government stakeholders, creating opportunities for commercial discussions and international partnerships.

Together at their new Expo City Dubai home, CABSAT and SATExpo 2026 will provide distinct but complementary platforms for the content, mediatech, broadcast, Pro AV, satellite and space technology communities, creating opportunities for technology discovery, international collaboration and business exchange.