Saudi Hackathon Tests Critical OT Cybersecurity

In response to the critical need for safeguarding vital industries such as electricity and utilities from cyberattacks, the Centre of Excellence for Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity organised the “Operational Technology Cybersecurity Hackathon” in Dhahran.

This initiative underscores the importance of ensuring the continuity of essential services that impact both the economy and daily life, emphasising that protection extends beyond mere hardware and data security.

The Operational Technology Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (OTC-CoE), in collaboration with Aramco and the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), hosted the successful four-day OT Cybersecurity Hackathon from August 24 to 27, 2026, at Dhahran Techno Valley in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The hackathon concentrated on practical issues that operational technology systems in the utilities, water, power, and oil and gas industries face.

Hackathon Venue & Key Details

The event, which took place at the Dhahran Techno Valley, brought together leaders in technology, professionals from many fields related to the cybersecurity of operational systems, researchers, students, and specialists from around the world. It sought to promote cooperation and the sharing of knowledge on the difficulties in safeguarding vital infrastructure.

The hackathon was organised by the Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Saudi Aramco and the Global Cybersecurity Forum, aimed at developing specialised cybersecurity capabilities and improving coordination among stakeholders.

Protecting operational systems is crucial, as failures can disrupt infrastructure managing industrial operations and vital services, threatening the continuity of strategic sectors and supply chains.

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40 Teams Tackle Cybersecurity Challenges

Approximately 40 teams participated in the hackathon, including cybersecurity experts, students, researchers, and specialists, along with personnel from oil, gas, and critical infrastructure sectors, as well as representatives from local and international government entities.

The event served as a collaborative platform for participants to discuss and exchange ideas on cybersecurity for operational systems. It offered mentorship and guidance from specialists both locally and internationally. Additionally, cash prizes were provided to motivate participants to create practical solutions that connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges faced in crucial sectors.

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Collaboration Across the Value Chain

The Centre perceives the hackathon as an integral element of a larger ecosystem aimed at enhancing specialised skills and encouraging collaboration among multifaceted stakeholders. In partnership with Saudi Aramco and the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Centre unites companies and organisations from various sectors, such as the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), Cyberani, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, and SABIC.

This diversity aims to represent different segments of the Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity value chain, including system operators and technical solution providers. The Centre focuses on five key areas: capacity building, standards and policy support, research and innovation, thought leadership, and awareness raising.

The hackathon exemplifies capacity building by training a specialised workforce and promoting inter-organisational collaboration, enhancing the resilience of infrastructure and supply chains against cyber threats, and ensuring the continuity of strategic services.

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