Virgin Megastore celebrated the opening of its latest megastore, located in Hayat Mall, Riyadh, with a gala event on Nov. 7.
“We are expanding our chain of Virgin Megastores in key locations to meet the needs of the Kingdom’s fast-growing population,” said Virgin Megastore CEO in Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Ramadan. “Since our core customer base is predominantly youthful we specialize in offering an innovative home entertainment shopping experience that includes both local and international taste delivered by a young Saudi and Arab sales team.”
Featuring a light show and free gifts to customers, the opening event was attended by VIPs welcomed by Ramadan. Guests included Richard Wildash, deputy head of missions at the British Embassy, Paul Hardy, acting director of the UK Department for International Trade in Saudi Arabia, and Hatim Abduljabbar, COO of Ayan Holding.
Virgin Megastores is a one-stop shop for all entertainment needs, offering a high level of customer service and a range of products including computers and accessories, electronics and multimedia, gaming, books, gadgets, gifts, music and movies, and house gadgets. There is also a counter selling tickets for events and concerts.
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in retail entertainment with over 40 stores throughout the Middle East where it caters to local cultures through events, activities and support of local artists.
Virgin Megastore is currently located in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, and it aims to open more megastores across the Kingdom in 2018. It was established in Saudi Arabia in 2008.
New Virgin Megastore opens in Riyadh’s Hayat Mall
New Virgin Megastore opens in Riyadh’s Hayat Mall
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.
