[12] The first event of Black Hat MEA was held from 15th – 17th November 2022 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Saudi Arabia.

[16][17] The second edition of the event took place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Saudi Arabia from 14th – 16th November 2023 under the tagline 'Infosec on the Edge.

[23][24] These new initiatives complemented Black Hat MEA’s existing tournaments and a cybersecurity-focused Activity Zone, sponsored by NEOM in the 2023 edition, with prize funds of up to SAR 1,000,000.

[15] Over the various editions the speaking panel has included many executives, government officials, and sportspersons, including Jayson E. Street, Jenny Radcliffe, Bruce Schneier,[28][29] Kurt Sanger, Alissa Abdullah, Magda Lilia Chelly,[30] Caleb Sima, Chris Roberts, Kim Albarella,[31] Cynthia Kaiser, Camille Vasquez, Dr. Pascal Andrei, Gary Sorrentino, Jeff Scheaffer, Chris Meenan,[26][32] CISOs of major tech companies and local government entities such as Netflix, Uber, Snap Inc, Thales Group and Ministry of Justice (KSA).

[16] Black Hat's sponsors and partners include venture capitalists, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, education institutes and start-ups.