DEF CON Middle East brings the culture and technical depth of the world flagship hacker conference to Bahrain, with optional two-day training courses on November 8-10 followed by the main conference on November 11-12 at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir. The event features the DEF CON village format - specialist communities running hands-on areas covering topics from hardware hacking and lock picking to AI security and social engineering - alongside talks, contests, and the informal culture that defines DEF CON globally. Following a successful inaugural Bahrain event in 2025, the 2026 edition continues DEF CON expansion into the Middle East and Gulf region, making it accessible to the growing security community across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the wider region.
Venue
Exhibition World Bahrain
Sakhir, Bahrain
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Our picks for DEF CON Middle East attendees
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Gulf Gate Hotel
Government Avenue, Manama, Bahrain
Four-star hotel seven minutes walk from Bab Al Bahrain and the old souq, with an outdoor pool and solid mid-range rooms -...
Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain
City Centre Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
Contemporary five-star hotel sharing the City Centre Bahrain complex with the Westin, offering direct mall access, a pool, and full-service spa -...
Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain
Adliya District, Manama, Bahrain
Four-star hotel in the Adliya district, Manama upscale dining and arts neighbourhood, with free parking and a daily buffet breakfast - best...
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa
Zallaq, Bahrain
Five-star beachfront resort in Zallaq, the closest upscale property to Exhibition World Bahrain with a private beach, thalassotherapy spa, six restaurants, and...
The Westin City Centre Bahrain
City Centre Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
Five-star hotel directly connected to City Centre Bahrain mall in central Manama, with an infinity pool, spa, and the full Westin wellness...
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