ShareKUWAIT: Cybersecurity has become a fundamental pillar for the stability of societies and the protection of personal and institutional data, First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah said during the closing ceremony of the Kuwait Hackathon 2024.
The Hackathon competition was held at Kuwait University in Shadadiya on November 30, 2024, offering total prizes of up to KD 10,000. The event featured a “Capture the Flag” challenge, where participants worked to uncover vulnerabilities and solve complex cybersecurity problems. Special prizes were awarded to teams that excelled in performance and innovation. It was organized by the National Cybersecurity Center in collaboration with CODED, a Kuwait-based coding academy. The hackathon was designed to encourage creativity and foster a sense of competitiveness among youth passionate about cybersecurity. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, who is also Kuwait’s Defense and Interior Minister, said its goal is to equip young people with the skills necessary to protect Kuwait’s cyberspace.
He expressed immense pride in all the participants, who demonstrated exceptional skills and promising potential in shaping a secure and prosperous digital society. He also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of the competition, acknowledging them as partners in empowering national talent. Sheikh Fahad also honored the teams who won the competition.
Ahmad Marafi, CEO and co-founder of CODED, highlighted the academy’s programs for students of all ages, as well as its intensive bootcamp, which trains participants in data science and artificial intelligence. He also thanked Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and Minister of State for Communications Omar Al-Omar for their support, noting that their presence was evidence of the Kuwaiti government’s belief in its youth. — KUNA
