The Saudi Dental Society (SDS) and Colgate have joined forces to launch a series of initiatives designed to enhance oral health care habits across the Kingdom.
The “Pledge to Enhance Oral Health Care in KSA by 2023” was unveiled during a special signing last week attended by representatives from SDS and Colgate. Comprising five key elements, the initiative is a five-year comprehensive strategy to challenge and positively impact attitudes and behavior toward oral health care in the Kingdom through a wide-ranging series of programs.
Results from the latest research carried out by the Saudi Ministry of Health show that 88 percent of people had not visited a dentist in the past 12 months — the recommended minimum being a routine visit every six months.
The major goal of this joint mission is to ensure that by 2023 at least a quarter of Saudi citizens are routinely visiting their dentists.
“Lifestyles and dietary habits are constantly evolving and an increase in the consumption of sweetened food products and tobacco has resulted in a spike in oral diseases in the developing world. Oral health is directly impacted by lifestyle as increased sugar intake can cause dental caries, leading to cavities that could ultimately lead to tooth loss,” said Burc Cankat, vice president and general manager, North Africa Middle East hub, Colgate, at the signing of the initiative.
“There is a pressing need for increased oral health promotion and reinforcing the message of the importance of oral health care and routine check-ups. Colgate is committed to enhancing oral health in the Kingdom. Through our strong partnership with the Saudi Dental Society we are confident of achieving the oral care goals outlined in our pledge to the citizens of Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Dr. Fahad Al-Shehri, president of Saudi Dental Society, said: “Oral hygiene practices among Saudi citizens are not as regular as they should be and the awareness on prevention of oral diseases is limited. It is time to act, and we are confident that our initiative with the extensive outreach programs aligned to it, as well as the support of the educators, parents and all concerned, will help achieve significantly improved attitudes and behavior toward oral health.”
Saudi Dental Society, Colgate launch oral health campaign
Saudi Dental Society, Colgate launch oral health campaign
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.
