Dubai: GITEX Global 2024, the world's largest tech event, reached its midpoint with a specific focus on the current and future challenges of cybersecurity. The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 14th to 18th, highlighted the escalating issues of cyber threats and the innovative approaches to cybersecurity in various industries. According to Emirates News Agency, the "Cybersecurity Day" during GITEX Global featured a series of keynote speeches, panels, and discussions led by top industry experts. The sessions focused on the urgent challenges, emerging threats, and opportunities in cybersecurity facing individuals, enterprises, and nations. With cybercrime damages expected to soar to US$10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the event emphasized the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. The day included a pivotal session on AI-driven digital fraud, particularly in the finance industry, which has seen a 40 percent increase in fraud due to the adoption of AI technologies. Experts discu ssed how AI is being used to combat these threats and the importance of maintaining vigilance in the digital age. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, shared insights on how the UAE has successfully mitigated millions of cyber threats this year alone. He highlighted the role of AI in revolutionizing cybersecurity efforts in the UAE, a major financial hub that countered 71 million attacks in the first quarter of 2024 alone through advanced threat detection technologies. Todd Conklin, the US Department of the Treasury's Chief AI Officer, also spoke on the significant role of AI in reducing fraud within the US Treasury's payments ecosystem, noting nearly $600 million in fraud prevention over the past six months. The event also underscored the global cooperation in technology and cybersecurity, with 88 percent of the startups present being new to GITEX Global. The event facilitated over 13,000 pre-arranged concierge meetings, fostering partnerships across local, regional, a nd international levels, demonstrating GITEX's role as a catalyst for global collaboration in tech and cybersecurity.