The ‘edge Security Leadership Awards winners took centre stage as CISOs and cybersecurity leaders were honoured during a gala evening at Kempinski, The Boulevard, Dubai.
The awards celebrated industry visionaries and companies redefining industry standards, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to cybersecurity. They also celebrated visionaries who have kept pace with the ever-evolving tech landscape and have played a role in reshaping the future.
The occasion was made even more special by being held against the backdrop of GISEC Global, one of the largest and most eagerly anticipated events in the cybersecurity space.
This unique alignment brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and tech enthusiasts under one roof, creating a vibrant atmosphere to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments that continue to shape our digital world.
This year, the ‘edge Security Leadership Awards’ featured 14 winners, each representing a different aspect of the dynamic regional cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East.
These categories showcased the region’s diverse technological achievements, from startups to established enterprises. The ceremony also witnessed two Editor’s Choice Awards given away.
One of the Editor’s Choice Awards was for Strategic Cybersecurity Leader of the Year. The award was presented to HE Dr Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government. The award commended and honoured Al-Kuwati’s work in cybersecurity.
Appointed into the Cabinet as the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government in 2020, Dr Al Kuwaiti’s mandate includes being the Chairman of the UAE Cyber Council and the Managing Director of the National Data Centre under the Supreme Council for National Security.
As the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government by investiture, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has legal authority over all aspects of securing cyberspace for the entire Nation.
Positive Technologies received the second editor’s choice award in the category of Homeland Security Vendor of the Year. As a leading Homeland Cybersecurity vendor, they developed creative installations and attractions for guests of all ages that increase cyber literacy and change the digital world’s perception.
Sarith Bhavan of Mubadala Investment Company also received a highly commended award in the CISO of the Year category, with some of the most stellar nominations.
The winners of edge Security Leadership Awards are:
Security Innovation categories:
| Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) of the year | Gulf Business Machines |
| Identity and Access Management Innovator of the year | WSO2 |
| Cloud Security Innovator of the Year | Huawei |
| AI Security Innovator of the Year | Check Point Software Technologies |
| Network Security Innovator of the Year | Huawei |
| Security Innovation Leader of the Year | Genie Sugene Gan, Kaspersky |
| Cybersecurity VAD of the Year | Mindware |
| Data Protection Innovator of the Year | Cloudflare |
| Emerging Security Vendor of the Year | CyberX |
End-User Categories
| Rising Security Leader of the Year | Ali Al Kaf Alhasmi, Mubadala Investment Company |
| CISO of the Year | Tushar Vartak, RakBank |
| Innovative Security Project | Binesh Balan, Gulftainer Company |
Editor’s Choice Awards
| Strategic Cybersecurity Leader of the Year | HE Dr Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government |
| Homeland Security Vendor of the Year | Positive Technologies |
