Effat University, Saudi Arabia’s first private non-profit women’s university, and QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), producers of the widely respected QS World University Rankings, joined forces to organize a special edition of “QS in Conversation,” a three-day event at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London, from Feb. 7-9.
The event was held under the theme “International Rankings and World Migrant Scholars.” Discussion and debate topics on the conference agenda covered the perspective of students and professors on various aspects of internationalization and university rankings.
Heading the roster of speakers was Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, member of Effat University’s board of founders and board of trustees, and chairman of the board of directors of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Saudi Arabia.
Other eminent speakers included Lord David Howell, chair of the International Relations Committee in the House of Lords, UK; Mandy Mok, chief executive officer of QS Asia, Quacquarelli Symonds, Singapore; Mohammed El-Gomti, chairman of the Foundation for Science, Technology, & Civilization, UK; Dr. Ahmed Al-Kuwaiti, from the Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia; and Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, assistant professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Program at Effat University, Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, president of Effat University, delivered the welcome address and showed a video overviewing Effat University and its academic and professional success. Her speech also highlighted the role of Muslim scholars and the first migrant scientists and thinkers to spread knowledge around the globe.
“The scale of international scholastic mobility has been rapidly growing in recent decades, in step with broader trends of globalization and the growth of higher education,” said Dr. Al-Lail. “As a leading and progressive academic institution for women, Effat University is aligned with these international trends and our partnership in organizing ‘QS in Conversation’ is part of our commitment to ensure that Effat University plays a leading role in highlighting women’s empowerment on the world stage.”
Effat University partners with Quacquarelli Symonds for ‘QS in Conversation’
Effat University partners with Quacquarelli Symonds for ‘QS in Conversation’
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.
