With the global cybersecurity market anticipated to be worth $298.5 billion by 2028, according to Markets and Markets, the 14th edition’s opening day saw several panel discussions, workshops and roundtables take place, focusing on the power of AI and how it’s changing the cybersecurity landscape.

H.E. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, delivered a powerful speech on the importance of harnessing AI, navigating geopolitical tensions and securing the Digital Future. He revealed an alarming statistic: the UAE is facing more than 200,000 daily cyberattacks, with government entities being the most targeted. Robust measures are being taken, he said, and with the advent of the fifth industrial revolution, cybersecurity must evolve to tackle the threats posed by AI tools. He highlighted human-data interfaces, autonomous systems and AI governance and digital ethics as key areas that the industry needs to rapidly review.

He said, “Cybersecurity has become an integral part of everything that we do, and the UAE is already moving towards becoming an AI-nation in cybersecurity. There are so many great pillars as part of our UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy that focus on governance, innovation, defence and protection – all of which remain vital for the future.”

Renowned cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and founder of Kaspersky, was among the speakers to take to the stage. Addressing the audience, he described AI as a tool that is benefiting both cybercriminals and businesses, but emphasised that greater efforts need to be implemented by organisations to help build a safe AI-driven future.

He said, “We are living in a world where it’s very much AI vs AI – defence against attack. With that said, the world is interconnected through digitalisation and is part of every aspect of our everyday lives. Using AI will only take that to the next level and will make things faster and better. However, unfortunately, we are facing issues with cybercrime, and that can stop us from using AI globally, but the good news is that cybersecurity companies are investing and working on immunity that will make future systems impeccable and secure, which can help us take the next stage.”

Attendees also gained a fascinating insight into Dubai’s ongoing commitment to protecting the emirate digitally at a time when it is accelerating its efforts to become a ‘smart’ city. During his presentation, Faisal Abdulaziz, Director of the Cybersecurity Threat Center of Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), highlighted the work the organisation is doing to embed cybersecurity into every layer of Dubai’s digital transformation, safeguarding the city’s smart services, critical infrastructure and digital economy – with a key focus on talent development.

Another speaker to address the audience was Aarti Borkar, CVP of Security, Customers Success and Incident Response at Microsoft. She revealed that 80 per cent of leaders cited leakage of sensitive data as their main concern, while 88 per cent of organisations are concerned about indirect prompt injection attacks, emphasising the importance of secure and resilient infrastructure.

“Success in AI is defined by your practical techniques and security must come above all else,” she said. “When it comes to building safe systems, you must plan the final stage as a perfect solution that you can use and then create milestones on how you get there. Then work on the thing that will hurt the most first, and then gradually the next element. Every day, you have to move towards the next step of being safe and staying compliant, so we can use AI safely and efficiently.”

The event has brought together some of the leading players in the industry, including Huawei, AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud Security, CISCO, Deloitte, Kaspersky, Check Point, Cloudflare and Honeywell, alongside groundbreaking cybersecurity companies Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, OPSWAT, Qualys, CrowdStrike and StrikeReady.

GISEC Global 2025, which is hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, supported by DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police, will continue on Wednesday with more engaging panel discussions and thought-provoking debates on AI’s pressing issues from weaponised large language models (LLMs) to next-gen AI-powered defences. Rysha Media is the official media partner of the event.

Rob Lydic, President of Wavelynx Technologies

“At Wavelynx, we’re committed to providing our customers, including those in the MENA region, with tailored access control solutions,” said Rob Lydic, President of Wavelynx Technologies. “Our advanced technology helps businesses secure their facilities and embrace the opportunities of a digital future.”

The MENA region is experiencing a surge in demand for access control systems due to growing urbanization. As cities expand and security concerns rise, access control systems are becoming essential for managing access in commercial settings. These systems play a vital role in enhancing property security and preventing unauthorized access, making them a priority for companies seeking to protect employee safety, data, and assets.

Wavelynx is strategically positioned to deliver advanced access control solutions tailored to the diverse needs of the MENA region’s commercial real estate, hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors. The company’s innovative technologies are designed to enhance security measures, streamline operations, and create safer environments. These include their Ethos readers, Configure, and the Wavelynx Wallet Solution, which together offer streamlined security management, improved operational efficiency, and a modern approach to access control.

To deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the MENA region, Wavelynx is collaborating with leading partners, including ACRE, AMAG, Genetec, and Tyco/JCI. By leveraging their expertise and market knowledge, Wavelynx is helping clients seamlessly integrate existing systems into the company’s open and secure access control platform, enhancing user experience and reducing operational costs.

Through a series of breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and hands-on workshops, EVOLVE24 attendees will learn about the value of modern data architecture, the benefits of a true hybrid cloud, and how the combination can accelerate enterprise AI. Sponsored by IBM, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Red Hat, the events will include customer sessions focused on the challenges and barriers of enterprise AI adoption, the benefits of hybrid data management, and the state of data infrastructures.

Cloudera’s EVOLVE24 Dubai is a platform for real-world insights and practical applications. Keynote sessions will feature senior executives from Cloudera, including CEO Charles Sansbury, Chief Revenue Officer Frank O’Dowd, and Chief Strategy Officer Abhas Ricky, who will be joined by leading voices from across various industries, including financial services, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

“EVOLVE24 is one the world’s most comprehensive data and AI event series, providing organizations with hands-on training and one-to-one access with Cloudera experts,” said Charles Sansbury, CEO of Cloudera. “By turning EVOLVE24 into a multi-day, multi-city global conference, Cloudera is bringing the power of our platform and our community directly to our customers around the world. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate and network with some of the leading experts in data management, analytics, and AI.”

With 25+ exabytes of data under management, Cloudera is a hybrid open data lakehouse for analytics and AI. By organizing and managing large volumes of data efficiently and securely, Cloudera says it enables companies to harness the power of their data, trust its accuracy, and rely on it for analysis and AI-powered decision-making.

Terry Lin, Vice President of Kirisun

Ahead of this year’s highly anticipated edition in the UAE, Kirisun has detailed its plans to present an impressive array of next-generation innovations that underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and customisation. Terry Lin, Vice President of Kirisun, said, “DMR has become very popular and is widely used across the critical communications landscape. Nowadays more and more public safety organisations are using DMR in a mission-critical context as a more valid and cost-efficient system for the critical communication features they need. Meanwhile, we are also seeing fast increases in using DMR technology on mission-critical communication for government emergency departments and tactical or incident teams. At Kirisun, innovation drives our endeavours. We continuously push the boundaries to ensure our DMR product and solutions evolve with our users’ needs in both business-critical and mission-critical communication areas.”

With CCW 2024 fast approaching, Kirisun will showcase its ETSI TS 102-361 DMR technology and products, these end-to-end professional wireless solutions also offer dispatching, network management, voice recording, and geographic information solutions. Others confirmed to be presented at DWTC include Kirisun’s PTT product and solution range which includes the TD60 and TD66, state-of-the-art dual-mode professional radios that support DMR T2, T3, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) functionalities, and are fully packed with features which are designed to fulfil critical communications needs such as secured Bluetooth data transformation and customised voice encoders.

Other key highlights will also include PTToC solutions as Kirisun unveils its versatile KiTalk category that offers tailored solutions to meet specific business-critical communications challenges. Designed for frontline officers, operational vehicles, and control rooms, CCW will enable attendees to become well-versed in Kirisun’s convergence communication system expertise. The company will detail how frontline teams can make better, safer, and more informed decisions with these solutions by maximising their data usage and communication capabilities across different radio systems.

Lin added, “We always aim to deliver tailored solutions that truly matter. PTToC is an important new broadband technology for the future of critical communications and we are excited to showcase our KiTalk PTToC solutions that offer variants like KiTalk-Cloud, KiTalk-SME, and KiTalk-Pro. Each is designed to address unique sector-specific requirements and offerings like these exemplify our dedication to providing bespoke communication solutions to those we serve. We pride ourselves on recognising the diverse challenges our users encounter and customisation remains pivotal.”

Additionally, Kirisun will present the official launch of its new 4G and 5G body-worn cameras during CCW. Both devices offer user-friendly operation and boast an extended battery life that lasts beyond a full shift. They ensure reliable capture of high-quality video, securely storing and organising it with precise time, date, and location information. This meticulous approach maintains the integrity of evidence, supporting thorough incident investigations. Furthermore, Kirisun will unveil an exhilarating plan to introduce a groundbreaking Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof PTToC radio at CCW. This pioneering device marks the world’s first explosion-proof PTToC radio, boasting a meticulously crafted Professional PMR design.

“Innovate for a Safer World”, Hytera’s latest brand campaign theme, also the theme for its exhibition at CCW2024, encapsulates what the leading critical communications solution provider is to present and convey. At its booth J10, Hytera will showcase its enduring mission to enhance operations safety and efficiency for various sectors through its technological innovation. The new products to be unveiled span its multiple product lines such as Body Worn Camera (BWC) and Digital Evidence Management (DEM), Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) and Mission Critical Services (MCS), Dual-mode radio, intrinsically safe two-way radio, and smartphone.

Stanley Song, head of Hytera UAE and VP of Hytera, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating: “At the core of Hytera’s development is innovation – a driving force for unlocking new value and a fundamental pillar for fulfilling our commitment to those we serve. This is one of the many reasons we are excited to showcase our latest advancements at CCW2024 while engaging with industry professionals, exchanging ideas, and deepening our understanding of their needs. Our interactions with them will no doubt prove vital for driving our product development forward and reinforcing our commitment to creating a safer and more efficient world.”

Amongst the latest Hytera innovations to be unveiled at CCW 2024 is the SC880 5G Body Camera – a state-of-the-art smart device with Ultra High Definition (UHD) video recording and live streaming. Equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology and a high-power infrared LED light, the SC880 ensures stable and clear footage capture, whether in day or night conditions, serving as a critical component for revealing essential details during operations. Notable features include a single button push-to-talk (PTT) function which seamlessly transforms the camera into a two-way radio through Hytera PoC Solution, providing added versatility for users.

Hytera is one of the few providers that offers a complete body camera portfolio and DEM software at the same time, which makes it a strong player in the market. Its Cloud-native Digital Evidence Management Platform, a robust innovation designed for the efficient collection, storage, and automatic analysis of digital evidence from various sources, will surely garner attention from the public safety and security sector. Hytera DEM platform supports flexible and comprehensive evidence management suited for law enforcement and security industries.

The PDC5 Series Dual-mode Rugged Radio will also be on public display for the first time. Designed to provide seamless, dual-mode communication with superior audio quality and robust connectivity, the PDC5 Series is optimized for critical industries such as railways and security. This series of radios is essential for government institutions and businesses who want to leverage both Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) and LTE technologies.

Hytera will also spotlight three products from its Intrinsically Safe (IS) device portfolio, ideal for industries with operations in hazardous environments of explosive gas and combustible dust. These products include the PNC460U, a ruggedized smartphone with versatile PTT features and various data applications empowered by Android 12, as well as two-way radios PT890Ex and HP79XEx. The radios of TETRA and DMR protocols provide reliable voice calls optimized with AI-based noise cancellation in noisy industrial environments.

Attendees at CCW 2024 can look forward to exploring an array of solutions, forging valuable supply chain partnerships, and gaining valuable insights into the future landscape of critical communications. Exhibitors will be showcasing their offerings and innovations providing hands-on experiences for visitors through product demonstrations and direct interactions with industry experts.

Among the key exhibitors at CCW 2024 are Platinum sponsor Motorola Solutions, Gold Sponsors Ericsson and Leonardo and Host Operator Professional Communication Corporation – Nedaa. Speaking ahead of the event, H.E. Mansoor Bu Osaiba, CEO of Nedaa said, “As the Host Operator of CCW, Nedaa is honoured to welcome the event’s inaugural debut in the Middle East. Our involvement with CCW, an internationally acclaimed gathering, has consistently propelled advancements in critical communications. With its prestigious history spanning various global locations, CCW’s arrival in the Middle East marks a significant milestone. Here, amidst a landscape where SMEs, industry pioneers, and governmental entities continuously push the boundaries of communication, we are excited to witness the convergence of innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships. As leaders in this vital sector, we are eager to leverage our expertise to ensure that this upcoming edition of CCW sets a benchmark for those that follow.”

“Motorola Solutions will showcase the transformative potential of connected technologies for mission-critical communications,” said Michael Kaae, Corporate Vice President at Motorola Solutions. “At CCW 2024 we will demonstrate the latest innovations in TETRA digital radio, video security and access control, and the command centre technology that brings together vital information into a single view. For those visiting our stand, Motorola Solutions will highlight how technologies can empower users to act more decisively and effectively and how advancements in AI and video analytics can assist and accelerate human decision-making.”

On their part, Leonardo focuses their commitment to shaping the future of critical communications through their presence at CCW 2024, where, as Gold Sponsor, they will present their solutions and reinforce their engagement to advancing the mission-critical communications landscape. As a global industrial group renowned for expertise in Aerospace, Defence & Security, Leonardo brings unparalleled technological capabilities to the forefront. With a product-based approach, Leonardo carries to CCW 2024 its proprietary solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, cyber security and data platform technologies. Their extensive involvement in major international strategic programs underscores their position as a trusted technological partner of governments, defence and public safety agencies, and institutions worldwide.

“At Ericsson, we are at the forefront of mission-critical communications, leveraging cutting-edge 3GPP 4G and 5G technology to pioneer next-generation, high-performing, and secure mobile broadband services. Our unwavering commitment to resilient communications ensures Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure organizations can rely on our solutions in the most demanding situations. Through strategic collaboration with communications service providers, we drive digital transformation, empowering these organizations to safeguard lives, protect property and society with confidence and efficiency,” concluded Magnus Packendorff, Head of Mission Critical Networks at Ericsson.

CCW 2024 is set to occur from 14-16 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE.

Check out Arabian Reseller’s GISEC 2024 Special Edition, here: https://arabianreseller.com/april2024

For over 20 years, CCW has been the critical communications industry’s leading conference and exhibition globally – presenting a unique international networking platform for mission-critical and business-critical end-users to build connections, enhance expertise, and explore the latest cutting-edge technologies. 

As governments, organisations, and thought leaders prepare to converge with manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators, CCW 2024 will build on this legacy with a series of insightful and informative sessions at the heart of its programme. These will be led by renowned experts at the forefront of critical communications from across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the US, Asia, and Europe.

Kevin Graham, Chief Executive Officer, TCCA, said, “Preparations are all but finalised ahead of what promises to be another defining Critical Communications World and as such, we’re delighted to present attendees with an exciting glimpse of what awaits. With so many distinguished critical communications professionals with outstanding careers and intriguing perspectives participating, the stage is set for this year’s conference to set a new benchmark for future editions to emulate.”

A hallmark of CCW’s enduring influence, impact, and prestige; the conference will extensively inform attendees on the latest trends and factors impacting the sector like always. Taking place under the theme ‘Securing society and industry – Connection is the lifeline’, the three-day conference programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive debates.

From Airbus, Leonardo, Motorola Solutions, Professional Communication Corporation – ​Nedaa and Nokia to AT&T, Ericsson, FirstNet, Sepura, and many more, the conference will welcome over 120 guests from distinguished critical communications companies based around the globe. On the agenda are various discussion topics impacting telecommunication, city service and public safety network operators, oil and gas utilities, police communications, and healthcare practitioners – such as TETRA and mission-critical broadband, networks, and services. 

Attendees can expect a series of comprehensive presentations, studies, and perspectives sure to provide key learnings, insights, and inspiration. These will surround topics like multi-system critical connect solutions, MCX services, geospatial data, digital twins, AI smart policing, and bridging gaps in universal healthcare. Additionally, engaging panel discussions locked in for CCW 2024 will revolve around critical communications aspects such as future technologies, AI, IoT, and 5G alongside devices, multi-layered constellations, and security. 

Running alongside the main conference, CCW 2024 focus forums will also offer deep-dive sessions with multiple presentations, interactive discussions, and roundtables. These forums will be another empowering platform for industry incumbents to learn about the latest developments and share details on their challenges, experiences, and skillsets. 

Since its inception, CCW has been organised by the TCCA, the membership organisation which leads the global development and promotion of standardised critical communications solutions for professional users. Dubai won its bid in May 2023 to host the upcoming edition of CCW, which will be held in collaboration with ​ Professional Communication Corporation – Nedaa – and the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai.

TCCA has confirmed that all CCW 2024 conference sessions are free to attend. Attendees can also check out the conference programme and register free online to join the global critical communications community at the industry’s annual showpiece event.

“We are on a mission to revolutionize identity security and privileged access, and we want all our customers to reap the benefits,” said Mohammad Ismail, Vice President, MEA at Delinea. “The new Azure Data Center gives customers in the Middle East. the peace of mind that their cybersecurity investments with Delinea are future-proofed, thanks to a cloud-native infrastructure, hundreds of integrations and a contractually guaranteed 99.99% uptime. Delinea continues to drive local investment to support regional initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

At GISEC 2024, along with unveiling the availability of Delinea’s new Azure Data Center, the company will also present the latest innovations introduced on the Delinea Platform, including, Privilege Control for Server which will help local partners and customers better manage privileged access to Windows, Linux and Unix servers to limit standing privileges and shared credential sprawl and offer greater control mechanisms over user access. As well as showcasing the recent acquisitions and integration of the Authomize and Fastpath capabilities.

The new Azure Data Center will contribute towards the growth of the PAM market, which is forecasted to increase from US$4.26 billion in 2024 to $11.31 billion in 2028. The Middle East region – driven by Saudi Arabia and the UAE – is a key part of this growth, focusing on digital acceleration and adopting cloud-based operations.

With in-depth focus forums, a convergence of leading worldwide brands, and a conference programme led by experts at the forefront of critical communications, this year’s CCW presents an unmissable agenda for visitors to experience and enjoy. Kevin Graham, Chief Executive Officer, TCCA, said, “With CCW fast approaching, we’re proud to invite the global critical communications community to join the sector’s biggest companies and brightest minds for a three-day event unlike any other. By presenting vital opportunities to view the latest technologies, source innovative products, and forge new long-term business relationships, CCW 2024 promises to foster a vibrant new wave of collaboration across regional and international territories.”

Seven weeks out from the annual industry showpiece, TCCA has previewed a series of upcoming highlights sure to increase anticipation even further. Running alongside the main conference programme, these include scheduled focus forums, where visitors will examine a series of specific topic areas through comprehensive exploration sessions. From TETRA security and development to MCX broadband, critical broadband roadmaps, and more, each session will comprise multiple presentations and interactive discussions and roundtables – bringing specialists together to learn about the latest advancements and share knowledge, expertise, and experience.

Another is the on-site Global Village, a dedicated space where government authorities and operators will discuss international collaboration ideas, challenges, and best practices. Returning to CCW for a fourth successive year, the Global Village will facilitate benchmarking and expertise exchange whilst enabling exhibitors to showcase their projects and achievements. 25 government authorities participated in 2023 with more nations from around the world set to be represented this time around.

Additionally, a series of tech tours will enable visitors to take a detailed look at specific areas of interest with opportunities to meet prominent exhibitors, watch live demonstrations, ask questions, and explore new and innovative technologies. Led by the CCW event team, these tech tours are free of charge and include a range of topics such as emerging technologies, narrowband devices, hybrid solutions, cybersecurity, next-generation mission-critical services, smart cities, and more.

Commenting on Dubai’s hosting of CCW 2024, Graham added: “Dubai has long been a beacon of innovation and a shining example of how to stay ahead of the communications curve – continuously welcoming the world’s foremost experts and thought leaders to share best practices and showcase the latest next-generation solutions. This was at the forefront of our thinking during the selection process and, in hosting CCW, we have no doubts that Dubai will further elevate its position on the critical communications frontier and instigate further vital reform that benefits the industry and the world.”

Since its inception, CCW has been organised by the TCCA, the membership organisation which leads the global development and promotion of standardised critical communications solutions for professional users. Dubai won its bid to host the upcoming edition of CCW in May 2023, which will be held in collaboration with the Professional communication corporation – Nedaa and the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai.