The fifth edition of the “CISO500” program, a leading initiative organized in strategic partnership between “PwC Middle East” and “Sirar by stc”, recently concluded after five days of intensive sessions and rich discussions aimed at honing the skills of cybersecurity leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The context of digital transformation and the importance of cybersecurity

This program is being held at a crucial time, as Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid technological advancements in line with the goals of Vision 2030, where digital transformation is a cornerstone of diversifying the national economy. With the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure in both the public and private sectors, the urgent need arises to develop national leaders capable of protecting cyberspace from evolving threats. The program's role extends beyond technical training; it also aims to promote the strategic concept of cybersecurity as an enabler of business, not merely a defensive tool.

Program themes: From governance to artificial intelligence

The fifth edition of the program focused on developing the skills of Chief Cyber ​​Security Officers (CISOs) to enable them to play a pivotal role in strategic decision-making within their organizations. The program covered advanced topics including:

• Cyber ​​transformation pitfalls: Reviewing common challenges and how to avoid them to ensure a secure digital transition.
• Financial management and governance: How to manage cybersecurity budgets and translate technical risks into financial metrics that support board decisions.
• Emerging Technologies: Discussing the impact of artificial intelligence and quantum computing on the security landscape, with a focus on the governance of AI technologies and securing critical and operational infrastructure.

Enhancing national preparedness

Commenting on the program's conclusion, Mr. Yasser Al-Suwailem , CEO of Sirar by stc, affirmed that the program represents a crucial step towards enhancing the readiness of cybersecurity leaders in the region. Al-Suwailem stated, “The CISO500 program is a cornerstone in our journey towards building a secure and reliable Saudi cyberspace, fully aligned with our national aspirations.” He added that investing in national leaders is no longer an option but a strategic imperative to ensure sustainable digital development, noting that the initiative embodies a commitment to empowering talent according to the highest global standards.

Long-term investment in talent

For his part, Professor Samer Omar , Head of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust at PwC Middle East, explained that the partnership reflects a firm commitment to developing leadership capabilities. He stated, “The CISO500 program is a long-term investment in Saudi leadership. Over the past year, we have witnessed how bringing together top Saudi professionals in a structured executive environment accelerates capacity building and fosters trust.” Omar emphasized that the focus is on providing chief information security officers with the strategic vision and technical depth necessary to safeguard the Kingdom’s digital ambitions.

Interactive experience and participant testimonials

The program adopted an interactive learning methodology that combined strategic discussions with practical activities. In this context, Professor Abdullah Al-Asmari , Head of Cybersecurity at the Saudi Research and Media Group, highlighted the program's added value, stating, "The program provided an enriching experience that enhanced the leadership perspective on cybersecurity, particularly in linking technical practices to strategic and financial dimensions." He added that the program offered a valuable platform for exchanging expertise on the challenges of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, thereby strengthening leaders' ability to make decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of risks and value.

The participants concluded the program by emphasizing its role in establishing cybersecurity as a strategic enabler that supports innovation and maintains business sustainability and reliability in light of increasing global challenges.

ICAN 2026 conference concludes with resounding success

The International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN 2026) concluded its work in Riyadh, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) at King Saud University. The two-day conference witnessed an exceptional turnout of over 30,000 participants and experts from within the Kingdom and abroad, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's journey towards global leadership in advanced technologies. The conference yielded tangible results, including the launch of seven key initiatives and the signing of 27 strategic agreements aimed at accelerating digital transformation and building a knowledge-based economy.

Strategic background: Artificial intelligence at the heart of Vision 2030

The organization of this conference comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s tireless efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and technological innovation at the heart of its priorities. The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) plays a pivotal role in leading this transformation, working to build a sophisticated data and artificial intelligence infrastructure, develop national capabilities, and stimulate investment in this vital sector. The ICAN 2026 conference serves as a strategic platform to translate these directions into practical reality by bringing together leading minds, experts, and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and forge effective partnerships that support national aspirations.

Key initiatives and agreements and their expected impact

The initiatives launched formed the cornerstone of the conference's outcomes, designed to address multiple aspects of the artificial intelligence ecosystem, from education and research to professional application. Among the most prominent of these initiatives are:

• The “Samai 2” initiative, in partnership with 11 ministries, aims to enable government personnel to use artificial intelligence technologies responsibly and efficiently, thereby enhancing the quality of government services and improving performance efficiency.
• National Frameworks and Standards: The second version of the National Framework for Academic and Professional Program Standards, in addition to a unified university curriculum, was launched to ensure that educational outcomes are aligned with future labor market requirements.
• “Azka X” platform: A national capacity-building platform that offers specialized training programs in collaboration with global technology giants such as IBM, Microsoft, AWS, and Oracle, to equip young people with the necessary skills.

In addition, the conference witnessed the signing of 27 strategic agreements with more than 50 local and international entities, including leading universities and technology companies. These partnerships will contribute to accelerating knowledge transfer, localizing technology, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for attracting investment and talent in the field of artificial intelligence. The significance of these outcomes extends beyond the local level, impacting regionally and internationally, as Saudi Arabia presents a pioneering model for building a sustainable and integrated digital economy.

A global platform for exchanging experiences

The conference was more than just an advertising platform; it was a vibrant intellectual forum featuring over 64 international speakers across 14 panel discussions and 15 practical workshops. The accompanying exhibition, comprising 23 booths, provided a unique opportunity for educational and technological institutions to showcase their latest innovations and experiences, enriching the dialogue and opening new avenues for collaboration. The event concluded with an awards ceremony honoring partners and celebrating outstanding national talent, including SDAIA employees, alumni of its academy, and high-achieving participants in international competitions, underscoring that investment in human capital is the foundation of future success.