The AI & Cybersecurity GCC Forum 2025 brought together global leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Held on October 6–7, 2025, the two-day event was organized by American International University (AIU) in strategic partnership with the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC). Day 1 took place at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait, while Day 2 was hosted at the AIU campus, featuring panels, workshops, and hands-on challenges that pushed the boundaries of innovation and digital defense.

Day 1: Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait

The forum commenced with a welcome address from AIU’s CEO, Mr. Richard Johnson, followed by opening remarks from Her Excellency Abeer Anwar Al-Awadhi, Chief of NCSC. Their messages emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing the GCC’s rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape.

The opening keynote, delivered by Mr. Renzon Cruz, Technical Director of Incident Response Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks, focused on “Exploitation and Protection: Harnessing AI Against Nation-State Threats.” His address set the tone for a day dedicated to exploring how AI technologies can strengthen national and corporate cyber defenses.

A panel discussion followed, featuring Mrs. Rifca Al-Sadoon, Dr. Reem Faraj AlShammari, and Eng. Bader Talal Almansouri as moderator. Their session highlighted the region’s growing investment in AI-driven innovation, intellectual property, and cybersecurity leadership.

The afternoon split into two workshop tracks — one on Artificial Intelligence and another on Cybersecurity.
In the AI track, Mr. Peter Bendor-Samuel, Founder and Executive Chairman of Everest Global Inc., presented “AI Futures: Navigating the Mega Force Shaping Enterprises,” followed by Ms. Eileen Vidrine, CEO of Vidrine Vantage, who spoke about “How CDOs and CDAIOs Are Elevating Enterprise Security.”

The cybersecurity track featured Mr. Neil Serebryany, Managing Director of Hyperion Horizons Group, who discussed “AI Cyber Convergence: The New Frontier.” This was followed by a high-level panel titled “Secrets from the Public Domain”, featuring Lt. Col. Saud Alwazzan, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Eng. Abdulrahman Mubarak Al-Shatti, and Dr. Muaath S. Al-Mulla, who shared real-world insights into combating cybercrime.

The day concluded with a closing keynote from Mr. Steve Nouri, CEO and Founder of Gen AI Works, emphasizing how organizations can responsibly leverage generative AI to build future-ready digital ecosystems.

Day 2: AIU Campus

The second day of the forum transitioned to the AIU campus, where academic excellence met practical innovation. Mr. Andrew Taylor, Vice President of Enrollment and Institutional Effectiveness, opened the day with leadership remarks, reiterating AIU’s commitment to fostering technology-driven education in the region.

A panel on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Cybersecurity” followed, featuring Mr. Neil Serebryany, Ms. Eileen Vidrine, and Mr. Renzon Cruz, moderated by Mr. Fawaz AlMutairi. The discussion explored how AI is transforming defensive strategies, data protection, and digital ethics in the GCC.

The day also featured a special session by Eng. Tareq Alesmail from NCSC, who spoke about User Utilization of AI in Kuwait and highlighted the national vision for integrating AI across industries.

Participants then engaged in the Cyber Labs Challenge, where attendees competed in two categories — Capture the Flag and Forensic Recovery — testing their technical prowess and problem-solving skills in real-time cybersecurity scenarios.

Adding an academic edge, the event also hosted Physics Without Frontiers: Artificial Intelligence and Biophysics for Neurology, exploring how AI can advance neuroscience and healthcare research.

Strategic Partners and Sponsors

The success of the AI & Cybersecurity GCC Forum 2025 was made possible through a network of dedicated partners and sponsors:

• Strategic Partner: National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC)
• Gold Sponsor: Al-Jeel Al Jadeed Educational Institutes Est. Co.
• Sponsors: KFAS, Ali Alghanim & Sons, and KIB
• Media Partner: Adzone Global
• Collaborators: CAIT (Central Agency for Information Technology), Ministry of Defense, and American Business Council Kuwait