DUBAI: A student team from Middlesex University Dubai has won the second edition of the School of Cyber Defense competition, after emerging from a nationwide field of university participants to take first place at GISEC Global 2026.
Team Unlisted, comprising Aiman Waheed, Mary Camille Bognot and Nikoloz Khorkheli, secured the top position in the competition’s final at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, on September 18.
The competition was held under the patronage of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and organised with TechFirm. It was designed around practical cybersecurity scenarios rather than conventional academic testing, requiring participants to analyse security problems, develop solutions and defend their work before an expert panel.
From hundreds of applicants to seven finalists
The 2026 edition attracted more than 350 applications from students representing more than 30 universities across the UAE, according to the competition organisers and event reporting.
The competition progressed through several stages. More than 300 participants from over 90 teams took part in the qualification round, which used scenario-based cybersecurity challenges.
Teams that advanced were then required to work on case challenges and submit proposed solutions. More than 70 teams submitted responses to 15 challenge briefs, with judging focused on factors including the relevance of the solution, technical depth, innovation and whether the proposed approach could be demonstrated through a working prototype.
Seven teams eventually reached the live final at GISEC Global.
The finalists represented BITS Pilani Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Al Ain University, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai, University of Dubai and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.
Middlesex team takes first place
Team Unlisted from Middlesex University Dubai finished first, followed by AUSec from the American University of Sharjah in second place and ADPoly CyberGuard from Abu Dhabi Polytechnic in third.
The competition carried a total prize pool of AED 55,000 for the winning teams, according to DESC’s account of the final.
The result also gave the Middlesex team recognition in a competition designed to replicate aspects of professional cyber-defence work. University officials said the team had been mentored by Dr Maha Saadeh and Dr Engie Bashir from the university’s Computer Engineering and Informatics department.
Practical cybersecurity takes centre stage
The School of Cyber Defense is part of a broader effort to expose UAE university students to practical cybersecurity challenges and industry expectations.
DESC said the 2026 competition placed particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Participants were expected to demonstrate technical knowledge alongside analysis, teamwork and problem-solving.
The final was held during GISEC Global 2026, which ran from September 16 to 18 at Dubai Exhibition Centre. DESC said the event also featured cybersecurity competitions involving Dubai Government entities and other initiatives focused on strengthening specialist capabilities.
For students, the competition offered a route beyond classroom-based exercises. Teams had to work with realistic security scenarios and explain why their proposed solutions could address the problems presented.
That practical emphasis reflects the skills increasingly required in cybersecurity roles, where professionals must identify threats, assess risks and respond to incidents rather than simply understand security concepts in theory.
UAE focus on developing cyber talent
DESC has described investment in cybersecurity talent as an important part of strengthening Dubai’s digital ecosystem.
The School of Cyber Defense was first introduced at GISEC Global 2025. That edition attracted more than 300 applications, with 130 participants progressing to qualification rounds before the final teams were selected.
The 2026 edition expanded the competition into a team-based format and brought university students from across the UAE into a common environment with cybersecurity practitioners and industry partners.
The three winning teams in 2026 were Middlesex University Dubai’s Unlisted, American University of Sharjah’s AUSec and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic’s ADPoly CyberGuard.
With the final completed at GISEC Global, the competition has now established a second edition as a platform for UAE university students to demonstrate practical cybersecurity capabilities in front of industry professionals.
What happened at the School of Cyber Defense 2026?
Middlesex University Dubai’s Team Unlisted won the second edition of the School of Cyber Defense competition at GISEC Global 2026 in Dubai.
Who won the School of Cyber Defense at GISEC 2026?
Team Unlisted from Middlesex University Dubai took first place. AUSec from the American University of Sharjah finished second, while ADPoly CyberGuard from Abu Dhabi Polytechnic finished third.
How many students applied for the competition?
The competition organisers reported more than 350 applications from students at more than 30 universities. DESC later reported more than 400 registrations, so the safest description is that the competition attracted hundreds of student registrations/applications.
Where was the final held?
The final took place on September 18, 2026, at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, during GISEC Global 2026.
Which universities reached the final?
The seven finalists represented BITS Pilani Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Al Ain University, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai, University of Dubai and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.
What was the prize pool?
DESC reported a total prize pool of AED 55,000 for the School of Cyber Defense 2026 final.
Who organised the School of Cyber Defense?
The competition was organised by TechFirm with the Dubai Electronic Security Center serving as the government cybersecurity partner/patronage body.
What did students have to demonstrate?
Participants worked on realistic cybersecurity problems, developed practical solutions and presented or defended their approaches before expert judges. The 2026 edition placed additional emphasis on AI, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
