'Cybersecurity essential in protecting critical infrastructure'

An official from Msheireb Properties emphasised the crucial role of cybersecurity in protecting critical infrastructure at its inaugural outdoor cybersecurity conference held Thursday in Doha. Engineer Ahmed al-Korbi, senior ICT manager at Msheireb Properties, described Msheireb Downtown Doha as a “smart tech leader in Qatar,” adding that hosting a first-ever outdoor cybersecurity conference underscores its “commitment to introducing technological innovation and digital safety among the community.”

The conference, held in partnership with White Hat Desert (WHD), gathered more than 1,500 participants from across multiple sectors to Barahat Msheireb. The event featured 15 speakers, five specialised Cybersecurity Villages, and CTF ‘Capture the Flag’ competition to Barahat Msheireb, and representation from energy, banking, construction, healthcare, and broadcasting companies, setting a new benchmark for cybersecurity events in Qatar.

“Through our sophisticated network of over 650,000 connected IoT devices and state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, we understand firsthand the critical importance of cybersecurity in modern urban environments. This event demonstrates our dedication to sharing this knowledge with both industry professionals and the general public in Qatar,” al-Khorbi noted in his opening speech.

The morning industry session delivered comprehensive insights across four key themes: ‘Emerging Threats’, ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Risk Management’, and ‘Cyber Strategy’.

The event featured five distinct cybersecurity villages, each offering specialised experiences. The ‘Digital Forensics & Incident Response’ village provided hands-on training with security experts, while the ‘Application Security’ section offered a fundamental understanding of secure development practices.

Participants engaged with offensive security methods in the ‘Penetration Testing’ area and explored malware analysis in the ‘Reverse Engineering’ section. The ‘WHD Clinic’ served as a community hub for networking, while the Qatar Scientific Club showcased innovative demonstrations in robotics and electronics.

The evening session transformed Barahat Msheireb into an interactive technology playground, featuring exciting competitions and demonstrations. Attendees witnessed ‘Sumo Robot’ battles and high-speed drone racing competitions. Gaming enthusiasts participated in an intense Fortnite tournament while aspiring technologists engaged in circuit board-building workshops. Live hacking demonstrations captured the audience's attention, providing real-world examples of cyber threats and defence mechanisms.

Al-Khorbi said, “The diversity of activities and depth of expertise shared today reflects our commitment to making cybersecurity accessible to everyone. From the technical discussions about AI-driven attacks and ransomware in the morning sessions to the engaging family activities in the evening, we’ve succeeded in creating a comprehensive platform for cybersecurity awareness and education.”