Cybersecurity Students Shine at GISEC 2025

First-year Cyber Security students from Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai demonstrated their learning at the Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC) with a strong finish in the Capture The Flag (CTF) competition. 

GISEC is the region’s largest information security expo and brings together thousands of cybersecurity professionals, government officials, and global tech companies to showcase the latest technologies, discuss emerging threats, and foster international collaboration. 

Representing the Middlesex Innovation Hub (MIH) students Zainab Arslan Dar, Eshaal Umair Lodhi, Adrea Fernandes, Anastasia Kajalic, and Jeanette Susan Joice achieved a remarkable top six finish, competing with over 50 teams from across the UAE.

Zainab said: “As a team we thoroughly enjoyed competing alongside students from universities across the UAE. For most of our team members, this was our first CTF experience, and the final round served as an incredible learning opportunity. We’re determined to keep learning, improve our skills, and come back even stronger in the next CTF.”

Eshaal added: “While we didn’t win this year, the experience was immensely valuable. It pushed us to adapt quickly, learn on the fly, and work under constraints; skills that are just as important as technical knowledge in cybersecurity.”

Their performance highlighted the university’s strong academic foundation and the enthusiasm and potential of its students. The team were mentored and supported by MDX Faculty members Dr Engie Bashir, Dr Maha Saadeh, Dr Judhi Prasetyo, and Dr Chinnu Mary George.

The university also hosted a dedicated pod space within the exhibition, where students presented a range of innovative projects, exhibiting practical solutions to real-world cyber challenges, highlighting the hands-on approach of the university’s curriculum. 

Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University, Director Middlesex University Dubai, and Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director Engagement and Student Experience, Head of CEI, met with senior management from industry partner EC-Council to explore collaborative opportunities at the event.

These partnerships enhance the university’s reputation in the cybersecurity sector, offering students more access to certifications, internships, and experience.

Dr Engie Bashir, Senior Lecturer in CEI, MDX Dubai, said: “GISEC 2025 was a powerful reflection of our undergraduate students’ drive and potential. Watching our first-year team excel in a national CTF competition and witnessing the energy at our MIH pod was incredibly rewarding. This experience validates our commitment to hands-on, real-world learning and reinforces our focus on developing cybersecurity talent equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Opportunities to attend professional industry events like GISEX and GITEX are some of the many benefits of MDX Dubai’s CEI department. Apply today.