Chedid Re, a company of Chedid Capital Holding — one of the top 20 reinsurance brokers in the world, and the only Arab Lloyds Broker — won the best reinsurance broker in Saudi Arabia award at the Arabian Business Awards for outstanding success and innovation in the reinsurance industry.
Held on Feb. 19, the 2018 Arabian Business KSA Awards honored top individuals and companies that have delivered success, innovation and excellence, as well as those that have made a vital contribution to the vibrancy of business within Saudi Arabia and across the region.
The crowning of Chedid Re for the award reinforces the company’s market-leading status in the Kingdom. The company, in collaboration with multiple capacity providers, and fueled by ongoing market research and exposure, has successfully created a range of innovative bespoke re-insurance solutions and services for companies in Saudi Arabia.
Elie Abi Rached, CEO of Chedid Re KSA, said: “We are delighted and honored to be awarded by highly-acclaimed Arabian Business Awards. The nomination is a testament to Chedid Re’s excellent business reputation, effective management, and sustainable performance. Chedid Re has always been at the forefront of implementation of quality management measures in its day to day operations, which is reflected in its strong performance over the years.
“We would like to share this award with our clients, as we remain committed to servicing them with transparency and efficiency. By targeting the best practices that position our business to qualify for awards, we have optimized our company’s performance and established a culture of achievement that promotes sustainable growth.”
He added: “Saudi Arabia’s insurance market is the biggest in the region and remains poised for further rapid growth in the years to come, as the economy expands and diversifies, leading to greater demand for reinsurance products and higher rates of affordability from the enormous potential consumer market under the guidance and supervision of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. We will continue this journey with a firm strategy, and keep providing Saudi recruits continuous training and career advancement opportunities to develop their skills, attracting local talent and building a Saudi national workforce of high potential to be capable of leading Saudi Arabia’s reinsurance business today and in the future.”
Chedid Re named best reinsurance broker in KSA
Chedid Re named best reinsurance broker in KSA
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.
