Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has announced the launch of its Qatar International Cybersecurity Contest (QICC), to be held in Doha from October 1 to 3. The inaugural contest aims to enhance the leading role of Qatar in understanding and strengthening cybersecurity through international and local networking.

QICC, open to the wider community, and undergraduate and graduate students worldwide, will see contestants work independently or in groups over three days to devise preventive measures and realistic solutions to growing cyber threats.  

Dr. Yousef Haik, associate provost at HBKU, said: “The launch of QICC comes at a pertinent time, when cyber threats pose as some of the most alarming national and global security risks of our decade. It responds to His Highness the Amir’s recent announcement at the United Nations to harness collective international efforts in combatting cybersecurity risks. Through the Qatar International Cybersecurity Contest, HBKU aims to raise awareness on the complex nature of cyber-attacks with a multi-faceted view, and to highlight Qatar’s increasing role as an international leader in establishing policies and solutions to address these cyber challenges.

“We invite passionate and solution-driven students, practitioners, and experts to register and participate in this thought-provoking contest. The event promises to deliver riveting competition and networking opportunities as contestants work to further narrow the gap between research in academia and industrial applications, by nurturing breakthrough ideas and fostering innovative thinking.”

Each of HBKU’s five colleges will host a contest that brings together students, researchers, and experts from Qatar and the world, to address cyberspace through the lens of ethics and morality; fake news, misinformation, and disinformation; securing genetic data; national security; and critical infrastructure, and healthcare.  

The College of Islamic Studies (CIS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), College of Science and Engineering (CSE), College of Law and Public Policy (CLPP), and College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) will host the Empower Cyber-Akhlaq Contest; Fake News Detection Contest; Qatar International Hacking Contest; Cybersecurity MOOT Contest; and the Genomics Cybersecurity Contest, respectively. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded for each contest. 

Through the intensive interactive sessions to be held among contestants, HBKU aims to pave the way for future innovation; address existing vulnerabilities; discuss upcoming threats; and sow the seeds for sustainable technological development in the area of cybersecurity.

QICC aligns with the Qatar National Cybersecurity Strategy, which is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030). The strategy was developed to enhance cybersecurity in Qatar by establishing and maintaining a secure cyberspace to safeguard national interests and preserve the fundamental rights and values of Qatari society.

Eligibility and qualification requirements may differ across colleges, as per the terms outlined in the relevant contest descriptions.

For more information on eligibility and the submission process, and to register to participate in the Qatar International Cybersecurity Contest, please visit www.hbku.edu.qa/en/qicc. Applications close on Saturday, April 20.