The global cybersecurity community will gather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 1–3, 2026, as Black Hat Middle East and Africa (Black Hat MEA) returns for another edition of one of the region's major cybersecurity events. Bringing together security professionals, ethical hackers, technology companies, enterprise leaders, and innovators, the three-day event will offer a platform to explore emerging threats, exchange expertise, and discuss the technologies shaping the future of information security.
Taking place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Black Hat MEA 2026 will bring together different parts of the cybersecurity ecosystem through conferences, specialized training, competitions, exhibitions, and investment-focused programming. The event is designed to connect the international cybersecurity community with regional organizations and businesses working to strengthen digital infrastructure and security capabilities.
A Meeting Point for the Global Cybersecurity Community
Since its launch in Riyadh in 2021, Black Hat MEA has developed into a major business-to-business platform for the cybersecurity industry in the Middle East and Africa. Its focus spans information security, ethical hacking, cyber defense, enterprise resilience, and security innovation.
The 2026 edition will bring together cybersecurity practitioners, researchers, enterprise decision-makers, technology vendors, investors, and security enthusiasts. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from industry experts, discover new solutions, participate in hands-on activities, and build relationships with professionals working across the global information security landscape.
What to Expect at Black Hat MEA 2026
Black Hat MEA 2026 will feature a diverse program covering several areas of cybersecurity and technology. The conference program will provide a platform for industry experts and practitioners to share insights, discuss security developments, and explore the challenges facing organizations today. These discussions will offer attendees perspectives on the changing cybersecurity landscape and the approaches being developed to address evolving threats.
The event will also feature specialized cybersecurity training, giving participants opportunities to develop practical skills and deepen their technical knowledge. Hands-on learning remains an important part of the cybersecurity ecosystem, particularly for professionals working in penetration testing, ethical hacking, threat detection, and defensive security.
Competitions will bring another dimension to the event, creating opportunities for participants to test their technical capabilities and engage with the wider cybersecurity community. Meanwhile, the exhibition floor will showcase cybersecurity products, services, and technologies from companies working across the information security industry. Black Hat MEA will also include investment-focused programming, creating opportunities for businesses, startups, investors, and technology leaders to connect and explore potential collaborations.
Together, these activities position the event as more than a traditional industry conference. It offers a space for technical learning, business development, networking, and discussions around the future of cybersecurity.
HackerNoon x Black Hat MEA 2026
HackerNoon is partnering with Black Hat MEA 2026 as an Official Media Partner, supporting the event's reach and visibility across the global technology community. As an independent technology publication platform, HackerNoon connects millions of readers with stories, insights, and developments from across the technology industry. Its community includes technology professionals, founders, developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses working across emerging technology sectors.
Through this media partnership, HackerNoon looks forward to amplifying conversations around cybersecurity, information security, ethical hacking, and security innovation while bringing greater visibility to the people and organizations contributing to the industry.
Join the Cybersecurity Community in Riyadh
Black Hat MEA 2026 will take place from December 1–3, 2026, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham, Saudi Arabia.
Organized by Tahaluf and co-organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), the event continues to bring international cybersecurity expertise and regional technology ambitions together in Riyadh.
For cybersecurity professionals looking to expand their knowledge, businesses exploring security solutions, or technology leaders interested in connecting with the global information security community, Black Hat MEA 2026 offers three days of opportunities to learn, collaborate, and explore what's next for cybersecurity.
Interested in attending? Join the global cybersecurity community at Black Hat MEA 2026.
Black Hat MEA Event Details
- Event: Black Hat MEA 2026
- Dates: December 1–3, 2026
- Venue: Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham, Saudi Arabia
- Organizer: Tahaluf
- Co-organizer: Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP)