Global Finance, a prestigious international financial magazine, has ranked NBAD for the fifth consecutive year among its ‘World’s 50 Safest Banks’.
NBAD remains the highest ranked Middle East bank in the list.
Global Finance’s annual ranking of ‘World’s 50 Safest Banks’ is a recognized and trusted standard of creditworthiness for the entire financial world.
“The continuous inclusion of NBAD among the world’s 50 safest banks reflects our disciplined strategy and ongoing focus on long term, sustainable growth,” says Alex Thursby, group CEO of NBAD.
“NBAD’s continued strong credit ratings complemented by its ranking among the World’s 50 Safest Banks are an invaluable asset that will serve our ambitious growth plans, including our strategy to be a leading player in the West-East Corridor.”
Global Finance selects banks for this list through an evaluation of long-term credit ratings — from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch — and total assets of the 500 largest banks worldwide.
“This ranking offers companies an objective tool for evaluating the world’s banks, both globally and by region,” says Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher of Global Finance.
Regarding the top safest banks in the Middle East, in which NBAD ranked highest, Giarraputo says: “Global Finance’s Safest Banks ranking provides an objective tool for benchmarking and analysis of regional banks.”
NBAD’s long term ratings are among the strongest combined ratings of any financial institution in the MENA region with ratings from Moody’s Aa3, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) A+, Fitch AA-, RAM (Malaysia) AAA, R&I’s (Japan) rating of A+, and ranked among the World’s 50 Safest Banks by Global Finance.
“NBAD has retained and strengthened its position in the league of the safest institutions in the world by virtue of the prudence exercised in its business conduct. During the recent global financial crisis, NBAD remained true to its principle of utilizing its strong balance sheet to support customers. NBAD’s financial strength has allowed us to continue doing business and expand throughout the crisis,” says Abdulla M. S. Abdul Raheem, deputy group CEO of NBAD.
NBAD safest bank in Middle East among world’s top 50
NBAD safest bank in Middle East among world’s top 50
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.
