The seventh edition of the Jeddah Urban Development & Real Estate Investment Event, powered by Cityscape, opened Wednesday, putting the spotlight on a range of projects that are set to alter the Kingdom’s landscape.
The event, which runs until Nov. 4 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, was opened on behalf of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed by city Mayor Hani Mohammad Aburas.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the event focuses on home ownership as well as efforts to build a tourism hub and create attractive real estate investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Hussein Al-Harithy, vice chairman and MD, National Exhibition Co., organizer of the Jeddah Urban Development & Real Estate Investment Event, said: “The event showcases mega projects, which will set the foundation for a robust real estate sector in the Kingdom.”
Exhibitor Sloanes Real Estate KSA is displaying the opportunities available in the residential sector. The company exhibits a range of apartment units as part of its Bayat Plaza, two neighboring towers situated in the heart of Jeddah.
Sloanes KSA is launching the third tower in the Bayat series of developments, which will comprise 40 stories of hotel and commercial space. In addition, the company will launch exclusive off-plan properties in London.
Offering financial services and products to visitors, Saudi Hollandi Bank aims to demonstrate its commitment to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of increasing home ownership among citizens.
Thus, the company will launch its Home & Cash finance product, which allows customers to apply jointly with a spouse or a direct relative.
Vision 2030 calls for large coastal areas to be given over to tourism projects and for new investment in museums and historical sites to create internationally acclaimed attractions.
One of the speakers at the day’s workshop was Sobhi Agha, chief marketing officer at SAB Holding.
The event also includes the Real Estate Awards Jeddah 2016. The awards are designed to reward industry professionals, developers and architects for their achievements in the Kingdom.
Cityscape focus on projects that are set to alter Saudi landscape
Cityscape focus on projects that are set to alter Saudi landscape
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.
