A Standout Day at the ISJ Leaders in Security Conference 2025

What a day! The ISJ Leaders in Security Conference 2025 took over Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina this week, and what a fantastic gathering it turned out to be. With a packed out room full of security professionals from across the globe in attendance, it was a refreshing reminder of just how strong (and diverse) our community really is.

And while the topics on stage were serious, the energy in the room was anything but heavy. There was a real sense of purpose, curiosity, and collaboration, something that’s not always easy to foster in such a fast-paced, high-stakes industry.

A Full Agenda with Plenty to Think About

This year’s programme tackled some big themes, many of which are on all of our minds right now. From AI and the future of security operations, to resilience in times of crisis, and the balancing act between cyber and physical threats, no stone was left unturned.

One of the standout sessions has to be the keynote by H.E. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis from SIRA. His interactive dialogue with an AI assistant.  Yes, you read that right, was part fascinating, part unsettling… but completely captivating. Let’s just say the future is closer than we think….. or at least it appears that way. I felt like a scene from I, Robot featuring Will Smith.

The panel sessions were equally engaging. Topics like public-private collaboration, national infrastructure protection, and leadership in uncertainty sparked some healthy debate and a lot of honest reflection. It’s always encouraging to see how willing people are to share lessons learned and explore new ways forward.

International Vibes & Real Conversations

What stood out most this year was the international presence. Colleagues from Europe, Asia, North America, and all across the Middle East made the trip, bringing fresh insights and stories from their own corners of the world. It’s not every day you find this kind of mix in one room, and it’s a big part of what made the day so energising.

Cheers to Networking Done Right

And speaking of energy, this year saw the addition of a networking drinks reception, and I have to say, it was a fantastic touch. After a day of high-level discussions, it was great to shift gears, relax, and catch up with friends, peers, and even a few new faces. In an industry that moves fast and is often spread out across time zones, these moments are gold.

Final Thoughts

Whether it was a new insight picked up during a panel, a surprising AI moment during the keynote, or a casual chat during the reception, this year’s ISJ conference delivered on all fronts. It continues to grow, continues to raise the bar, and continues to remind us why we do what we do.

Here’s to the conversations, the connections, and the community, and here’s to an even bigger Leaders in Security in 2026.