Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe, has announced the appointment of Middle East hospitality veteran, Mustafa Ainen, as cluster general manager of two of the chain’s most dynamic additions to its Saudi portfolio, the newly opened Centro Shaheen Jeddah and Centro Waha Riyadh, the latter of which is scheduled to open by end of Q2 2017.
“The appointment of Mustafa Ainen constitutes a valuable asset to furthering the success of Rotana’s well-grounded presence and expansion in Saudi Arabia,” said Rotana’s area vice president, Mohamad Haj Hassan. “Mustafa brings both the experience and well-honed sensibility that are needed for this most exciting brand of new hotels in the rapidly developing Saudi Arabian hospitality sector.”
Centro represents Rotana’s dynamic new brand that provides highly comfortable and affordable hospitality in a contemporary atmosphere fostered by the dynamic design of the properties, inside and out.
“I am excited about this opportunity to contribute to building the reputation and solidifying the image of Centro brand in the Saudi market, the perfect home for it,” stated Ainen. “Our priority is to fulfil Rotana’s promise to guests and to optimize the competitiveness of the brand through the work of high performing guest-centric teams that together will make the Centro properties synonymous with quality, comfort and affordability.”
Ainen brings over 25 years of experience in Middle Eastern hotel operations, development and project management to the brand. He displays the overall vision acquired holding the GM position in prestigious hotel chains as well as the detailed knowledge of individual hotel operations honed from holding top positions at individual properties. Mustafa is not new to Rotana family and his relationship with the company reaches back to 1995 when he helped in the chain’s first hotel in Dubai, and eventually he undertook numerous top positions at other Rotana hotels including the Media Rotana Dubai among others.
Rotana recently confirmed plans to additionally open new hotel properties in Saudi Arabia in 2017 under the “Centro by Rotana” brand, these include Centro Waha, Riyadh; Centro Olaya, Riyadh; Centro Corniche, Alkhobar; and Centro Salama, Jeddah.
Hospitality veteran Mustafa Ainen tapped to head 2 Rotana hotels
Hospitality veteran Mustafa Ainen tapped to head 2 Rotana hotels
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.
