UAE Cybersecurity Market Set for Exponential Growth
The cybersecurity landscape in the UAE is poised for remarkable expansion, anticipated to surge from US$620 million in 2024 to an impressive US$1.29 billion by 2030.
This transformation is largely propelled by advancements in AI-driven security analytics, the adoption of Zero Trust architecture, and vigorous governmental initiatives.
In this context, the InCyber Briefing at Intersec 2026 will delve into essential insights regarding the shifting digital threat landscape and the governance frameworks applicable to emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
Driving Forces Behind Growth
ResearchAndMarkets has outlined the rapid growth of the UAE’s cybersecurity sector, attributing it to a trifecta of factors: ongoing digital transformation efforts, the increasing incidence of cyber threats, and robust governmental endorsement of digital infrastructure.
The enactment of the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy and the establishment of organizations such as the Cybersecurity Council serve as pivotal growth catalysts. The findings indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% projected until 2030.
InCyber Briefing: A Platform for Industry Leaders
Part of the 27th edition of Intersec, scheduled for January 12–14, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the InCyber Briefing is meticulously designed for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), cybersecurity strategists, and digital risk leaders.
These professionals are navigating an era characterized by unparalleled technological acceleration. The focus will be on tangible tools and real-world frameworks that engage with topics such as AI governance, post-quantum preparedness, supply chain resilience, and cyber risk assessment.
Keynote Address by Luqman Kondeth
A notable highlight will be a keynote address by Luqman Kondeth, Director of Cybersecurity at New York University Abu Dhabi, titled “The Oracle in the System: A Village Parable for Governing AI.” In this session, Kondeth aims to translate the complexities of AI governance into actionable insights regarding trust, oversight, and responsible innovation.
In the narrative, the Village Head grapples with the challenge of preserving his community amidst uncertainty, carefully balancing resources, risk, and innovation.
The introduction of an Oracle—a brilliant yet unpredictable tool—mirrors the dilemmas we face with AI: reaping its benefits without relinquishing our judgment.
By observing the Head’s approach to rule-setting, validation of predictions, and ensuring human involvement, audiences will perceive governance as a collective wisdom system rather than mere compliance, stated Kondeth.
Addressing Risks in AI Governance
Kondeth notably addresses the crucial challenge within AI deployment: the dichotomy between accurate predictions and hallucination. He asserted that while governance frameworks cannot entirely eradicate risk, they are essential in establishing accountability and fostering awareness.
“We must construct a framework of ‘three lines of defense’: operational teams to rigorously test AI in controlled environments, risk and compliance teams to evaluate accuracy and bias, and internal auditors to ensure adherence to established rules,” he remarked.
The Future of AI Governance
Envisioning the trajectory of AI governance, Kondeth predicts a shift from regulation toward infrastructure, seamlessly integrated into design and decision-making processes, akin to the current landscape of cybersecurity and privacy.
AI governance needs to be perpetual, cohesive, and human-centric. We are advancing towards AI control rooms that continuously monitor model performance and are fortified by ongoing risk evaluations rather than sporadic audits.
Given that AI will function as both a tool and a service throughout enterprises, alignment with Enterprise Architecture is imperative. Ultimately, governance must be fluid—assessing not solely performance but also trust, accountability, and societal impact, he concluded.
Closed-Door Roundtable by Kearney
Alongside the one-day InCyber Briefing, leading management consulting firm Kearney will convene a closed-door roundtable titled “Defending the Digital Backbone: Securing National Infrastructure in the Era of AI and Hybrid Threats.
“Insights gleaned from this discussion will culminate in a white paper exploring how governments can transition from reactive to proactive, intelligence-driven resilience, thereby integrating policy, technology, and ecosystem collaboration to safeguard critical assets.
Insights from Intersec Show Director
Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, remarked: AI, automation, and digitalization are redefining the cybersecurity arena.
The InCyber Briefing empowers decision-makers with foresight, frameworks, and leadership strategies requisite for ethical and effective AI governance while fortifying their organizations against evolving threats.
Intersec 2026: A Landmark Event
With an anticipated gathering of over 1,400 exhibitors from upwards of 60 countries and an expected influx of 50,000 visitors, Intersec 2026 is set to be the largest edition to date, encompassing 67,000 square meters of exhibition space.
The event enjoys the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with support from the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
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