In a bid to bolster the rising cadre of cybersecurity professionals in the UAE, Circularo has reaffirmed its commitment by returning as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 School of Cyber Defence competition. This initiative is organized by TechFirm Technology LLC and operates under the auspices of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC). Aimed at university students, the competition will simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios, encouraging participants to devise practical security solutions. The grand finale is slated for September 18, 2026, at the GISEC Global event in Dubai, where five teams will vie for top honors by defending their strategies before a panel of cybersecurity experts.
The competition journey begins with an online qualification round, after which selected teams will tackle a case study focusing on evaluating and responding to a security threat. Following a rigorous assessment by specialists, the five best teams will receive guidance from mentors to prepare for the final showdown. This year’s event will cover critical areas such as network protection, threat management, system security, and incident response, with a spotlight on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Highlighting its commitment to practical education, Circularo intends to provide students with experiential learning opportunities beyond academic theory. The company aims to leverage its industry knowledge through direct engagement with participants. Circularo, established in 2013, specializes in digital trust solutions and document workflow technologies, serving a diverse clientele that includes government bodies and businesses across the Middle East and globally.
The School of Cyber Defence competition first debuted at GISEC Global 2025, attracting over 300 applications from UAE universities and featuring 130 students in the qualifying rounds. This inclusive competition is open to students aged 17 and above, with teams consisting of up to five members. Notably, prior competition experience is not a prerequisite, making it accessible to a broader range of participants. The event offers a substantial prize pool exceeding AED 20,000.
The timeline for the 2026 competition is as follows: registration closes on September 3, with the online qualification round concluding by September 6. The case study and its evaluation are scheduled for September 7 to 11, followed by the announcement of finalists and the start of mentoring on September 14. The competition will culminate on September 18 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre within Expo City Dubai, providing an international stage for aspiring cybersecurity experts.
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