Call for Trainers: DEF CON Training Middle East 2026
Event Description
Dates: November 8-10, 2026
Location: Bahrain (venue TBD)
Submission Deadline: May 9, 2026
DEF CON has been one of the world’s leading cybersecurity communities for more than three decades, known for convening industry, government, and independent experts to exchange advanced knowledge and practical skills. Building on this tradition, DEF CON Training delivers intensive courses taught by recognized global instructors. DEF CON Training courses offer hands-on instruction in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
This November, training will run before DEF CON Middle East. Courses will be two days (Nov 9-10) or three days (Nov 8-10).
Course Guidelines
Courses should be two or three days long, providing about 8 hours of content per day. This timing should include any exams or capstone activities.
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Two day courses will run November 9-10.
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Three day courses will run November 8-10.
Strong applications will include all information requested in the application below and will include novel approaches or unique topics, especially those that have not been offered at other recent DEF CON Training sessions or similar events.
All courses for DEF CON Training Middle East must offer a certificate of proficiency option for students ($300 course add-on). The structure of the proficiency exam is flexible, but it should include a clearly defined evaluation of the student’s knowledge of the course material. There should be a distinct benefit offered to students who choose this option, such as an extra activity or the opportunity for additional feedback from the instructor. If all students participate in the evaluation activity, then only students who purchase the add-on should have their work graded and be given feedback on their performance.
Topics of Interest
Our local partners have identified several subjects of particular interest. While submissions are not limited to these areas, trainings covering these topics will receive preference for acceptance:
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AI & cyber
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Cloud
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DevOps
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Forensics
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ICS
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Incident handling
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Malware analysis
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Red teaming satellites
DEF CON Training Policies
All submissions, including those from returning trainers, will be evaluated by the training review board through a competitive process. Accepted courses will be posted on the DEF CON Training website. DEF CON Training will provide promotion and administrative support. Gross revenue for each course will be split evenly (50% to each party) between DEF CON Training and the trainer(s), based on the price set together.
Email training@defcon.org with any questions or if you would like to provide supplements to your submission.
Submission Instructions
Please submit your application using this form.
If you’re having trouble with the link, copy the following link into your browser and submit your application: https://forms.office.com/r/0EjMtArDWq
Send any questions to training@defcon.org.
The submission deadline is May 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. We expect to share the results with all applicants in early June.