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His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), and Dr. Ahmed Abdulhameed Al Shaikh, CEO of the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), signed a cooperation agreement during a press conference. The press conference was held to announce that the NCSC is set to host the third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS). The event is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 6, 2025, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The event will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The agreement was signed as part of a strategic partnership between the NCSC and BIBF, aiming to develop national capacity in cybersecurity through specialized training programs that will be held during the AICS2025 conference and exhibition.

His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stated that this step comes as part of the NCSC’s strategy to establish a secure and sustainable digital environment by enhancing partnerships with leading academic and professional institutions like BIBF. The CEO also noted that BIBF plays a pivotal role in capacity building and developing qualified talent capable of keeping up with the rapidly evolving challenges in the cybersecurity field.

His Excellency stated that the third edition of the AICS will serve as a leading international platform bringing together experts, professionals, and decision-makers from around the world to exchange knowledge and showcase best practices at both local and global levels. The goal is to enhance the readiness of public and private sector institutions to address cybersecurity risks and to foster national collaboration for a safe cyberspace.

The CEO added that the conference will feature innovative initiatives, advanced technical workshops, and specialized discussion panels that focus on key cybersecurity topics such as critical national infrastructure (CNI) protection, secure digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data security.

The CEO emphasized that cybersecurity is now a fundamental pillar for building a secure and sustainable digital future, highlighting the importance of the Kingdom, through the NCSC, hosting the third edition of the AICS, which demonstrates the Kingdom’s readiness and capability to lead regional and international dialogue in this vital field.

Dr. Ahmed Abdulhameed Al Shaikh, CEO of BIBF, affirmed that the Kingdom is a pioneer in adopting digital transformation as a strategic choice for building the future. Dr. Ahmed noted that digital transformation now plays a central role in enhancing operational efficiency, driving economic growth, and meeting citizens’ expectations for smarter, faster services.

The CEO of BIBF explained that cybersecurity has become a pillar of digital transformation, as it ensures data protection and the safeguarding of CNI. Therefore, it is crucial for national security and economic stability.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh stated that BIBF’s participation in AICS2025 reflects its belief in the importance of raising awareness and knowledge of current cyber challenges, especially in the banking and financial sector, which is one of the most vulnerable to cyber threats and simultaneously a vital pillar of the national economy. The CEO of BIBF stressed that successful digital transformation cannot be achieved without investing in human capital through continuous learning, specialized training, and capacity building in technology and cybersecurity. The CEO confirmed that BIBF will continue to play a leading role in preparing national talent capable of shaping the future with confidence and competence.

Ms. Maryam Majed, Head of the Digital Transformation and Project Management Centre at BIBF, noted that BIBF’s participation in AICS2025 aligns with its vision of creating a dynamic environment for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Ms. Maryam emphasized that the conference serves as a unique platform that brings together technology leaders from around the world to explore digital integration and opportunities for collaboration in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technological innovation.

Ms. Maryam added that BIBF’s presence at this key regional event reflects its deep commitment to its role as a hub for knowledge advancement and a bridge between local and international institutions. She highlighted that knowledge partnerships and the exchange of expertise are essential for building resilient and secure digital ecosystems.

Ms. Maryam also confirmed that, as the knowledge partner of AICS, BIBF aims to promote cybersecurity culture in society by offering free awareness courses during the conference, enabling individuals and institutions in the Kingdom to understand modern digital challenges and gain the tools to deal with them confidently and professionally. This initiative aims to strengthen readiness to face future challenges led by modern technology and digital knowledge.

A team of BIBF experts will also participate in a series of sessions to raise awareness on various cyber-related topics, including data security, cybercrime risks, and the impact of emerging technologies on the financial and business sectors.

In addition, BIBF will offer professional certifications, including a certificate in Data Privacy in collaboration with the Judicial and Legal Studies Institute, as well as a Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate (ISACA - CSX-F), in cooperation with the ISACA Bahrain Chapter. These certifications provide lucrative career opportunities for their holders and support both career advancement and knowledge development.

The third edition of AICS is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from 50 countries, featuring over 100 global speakers, international pavilions, and youth empowerment programs aimed at preparing the next generation of cyber leaders through mentorship, training, and hands-on experiences.