Circularo is set to bolster the UAE’s cybersecurity talent by stepping in as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 School of Cyber Defence competition. This initiative is orchestrated by TechFirm Technology LLC and is held under the auspices of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC). The competition aims to engage university students in tackling cybersecurity scenarios that emphasize practical security operations.
The competition unfolds in several stages, culminating in the final event on September 18, 2026, at GISEC Global in Dubai. Five teams will advance to the final round, where they will present and defend their proposed solutions to a panel comprised of cybersecurity experts. Initially, participants will engage in an online qualification round. Teams that advance will work on a case study, which involves assessing a security situation and formulating an appropriate response. After an expert evaluation, the top five teams will receive guidance and mentorship before participating in the final showdown.
In 2026, the program will cover crucial areas like network protection, threat management, system security, and incident response, with a focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Circularo’s sponsorship aims to provide students with hands-on experience to complement their academic pursuits. Additionally, the company plans to share industry insights through interactive classroom engagements and direct interactions with participants.
The School of Cyber Defence competition made its debut during GISEC Global 2025, drawing over 300 applications from UAE universities and engaging 130 students in the qualification rounds. Open to students aged 17 and above, the competition allows participation in teams of up to five members, with no requirement for previous competition experience. The initiative offers a prize pool exceeding AED 20,000.
Key dates for the competition include the closure of registration on September 3, 2026, the online qualification by September 6, 2026, and the case study and jury assessment from September 7 to 11, 2026. Finalists will be announced and mentored on September 14, 2026, leading up to the final event on September 18, 2026, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. Circularo, founded in 2013, specializes in digital trust and document workflow solutions, including electronic signing and secure digital transaction services, serving government organizations, businesses, and institutions across the Middle East and other international markets.
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