Dive Atlantis, the newest addition to Atlantis, The Palm’s resort attractions, hosted a two-day diving training program for people with special needs, as part of its efforts to make diving more accessible and to support social inclusion and social empowerment of people with disabilities.
The training, organized in collaboration with Disabled Divers International (DDI), a non-profit organization, was designed to promote, develop and conduct scuba diving training programs for the disabled in professional and non-professional categories.
In addition to the support of the Dive Atlantis team, the sessions were supervised by Mark Slingo, director of training and marketing in DDI, a scuba diving instructor who is currently in a wheelchair due to an accident.
Mark conducted the training at Dive Atlantis on March 11 and 12, with six professional diving instructors with an aim for them to become DDI certified while learning adaptive techniques required to teach scuba diving to disabled students.
On the first day of training, Slingo covered the theory portion followed by a practical test the following morning. The course was aimed at mobilizing individuals with disabilities to enjoy the treasures of the ocean.
The initiative comes as part of Atlantis’ CSR activities, and to increase its entertainment offering to families across the world, whatever their needs or requirements.
“Diving can be an enriching experience, potentially helping to improve quality of life,” says Mike Ceci, manager, Dive Atlantis, Atlantis, The Palm.
“Dive Atlantis is going the extra mile in providing these educational and entertainment activities to all visitors. Diving is a sport where you experience the feeling of absolute weightlessness, and so diving is usually a comfortable sport for those with challenges in regards to movement.
Since its introduction in 2010, DDI has conducted professional and non-professional programs around the world.
Atlantis, The Plam hosts diving training for special needs people
Atlantis, The Plam hosts diving training for special needs people
PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc’s CISO500 program advances cyber leadership
The fifth edition of the CISO500 program ran from Feb. 8-12. Delivered in partnership between PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc, the program featured five intensive days of rich discussions and hands-on practical experiences, aimed at strengthening leadership capabilities in cybersecurity and keeping pace with rapid technological transformation.
The program is designed to develop the capabilities of executive cybersecurity leaders and enhance their strategic role in supporting organizations’ digital transformation. It equips participants to address contemporary challenges in the cyber landscape and expand their influence within decision-making ecosystems.
Yasser Al-Swailem, CEO of Sirar by stc, said that the program represents an important step toward strengthening the readiness of cyber leaders in the region. He noted that the CISO500 program is a fundamental pillar in the journey toward building a secure and trusted Saudi cyberspace aligned with national ambitions. He added that investing in national cybersecurity leadership is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for ensuring sustainable digital development. The program reflects a commitment to empowering national talent to lead the digital security landscape according to the highest global standards.
He further emphasized that such initiatives contribute to strengthening digital security ecosystems and enabling organizations to confidently and sustainably address future challenges.
Samer Omar, cybersecurity and digital trust leader at PwC Middle East, added: “CISO500 is a long-term investment in Saudi leadership. Over the past year, we’ve seen how bringing together senior Saudi cybersecurity professionals in a structured executive environment accelerates capability, builds confidence and deepens collaboration. As the program enters its second year, our focus remains on equipping Saudi CISOs with the strategic perspective and technical depth required to secure the Kingdom’s digital ambitions.”
The program addressed a range of advanced topics, including common cyber transformation pitfalls, mechanisms for securing enterprise digital transformation, and cybersecurity budgeting and financial governance. These topics enhanced leaders’ ability to translate cyber risks and security investments into financial indicators that support executive decision-making.
It also covered the latest technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, quantum computing, and the protection of critical and operational infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on the importance of security governance for AI technologies and strengthening enterprise-wide risk management perspectives associated with them.
The program adopted an interactive learning methodology combining strategic discussions, collaborative work, and creative practical exercises, contributing to a deeper understanding of concepts and enabling their translation into applicable organizational practices.
Abdullah Al-Asmari, global cybersecurity director at the Saudi Research and Media Group and one of the program participants, said that the experience added significant strategic and practical value: “The program provided a rich experience that strengthened the leadership perspective of cybersecurity, particularly in linking technical practices with strategic and financial dimensions within the organization. It also offered valuable space for exchanging expertise on emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, and the challenges of securing critical infrastructure. This experience enhances cyber leaders’ ability to adopt a more influential role in supporting digital transformation and enabling decision-making based on a comprehensive understanding of risk and value.”
He added that the program facilitated the exchange of insights on emerging challenges and strengthened the ability to align cybersecurity with institutional objectives and executive decision requirements.
Participants said that the program constituted a valuable professional and knowledge-driven experience that enhanced the readiness of cyber leaders to keep pace with rapid digital transformation, reinforcing cybersecurity’s role as a strategic enabler that supports innovation while preserving business trust, reliability, and sustainability.
