The new-generation Hyundai Accent will make its official Africa and Middle East debut at a launch in Bahrain on March 26.
The vehicle aims to set new standards for design, quality, and technology in the small-car market across the region.
First revealed in Korea last year, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Accent features a bold new design and a sophisticated interior. Technical and engineering improvements include a more efficient powertrain and enhanced driving dynamics, as well as the latest safety technologies and convenience features.
“The Accent is a defining product for Hyundai, with a hard-earned reputation for delivering both quality and value,” said Mike Song, Hyundai’s head of operations for Africa and the Middle East. “This all-new model continues that tradition, while also demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to innovation. It is a stronger, safer, and more technically advanced car, in a package that will be enjoyable to drive and economical to own.”
The new Hyundai Accent is slightly longer and wider than the previous model, with increased interior space. Two four-cylinder petrol engine options are being offered in the region, including a 1.4-liter delivering 100ps (metric horsepower), and a 1.6-liter delivering 123ps. Both are advanced designs, with multi-point fuel injection, matched to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The interior offers a quiet, comfortable space, with controls located for easy, intuitive operation, while all materials have been selected for durability as well being pleasing to look at and touch.
Driver and passengers are protected by six airbags. Alongside automatic stability control (ESC), other safety features include static bending headlights to provide better illumination of the road through corners, auto cruise control that is designed for convenience and improved fuel economy, and emergency stop signal which automatically flashes the brake lights when the driver brakes heavily.
“Hyundai believes in democratizing new technology, and bringing important innovations into core, mass-market products as quickly as possible,” said Song. “Particularly in terms of safety features, the all-new Accent is showing the way forward in adopting new technology within its market, and moves Hyundai even further ahead as an industry leader.”
The new Hyundai Accent will arrive in showrooms during the second quarter of 2018.
New Hyundai Accent arrives in the Middle East
New Hyundai Accent arrives in the Middle East
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.
