Alyasra Fashion, a leading fashion and retail brand in the region, will establish a training academy to support careers of Saudi nationals in the retail industry.
The training programs, which include functional and behavioral training, are expected to help Saudis to achieve leadership roles and success in their careers.
“The aim of the retail academy will be to help launch and advance retail careers of Saudis, while supporting the country’s fast-growing retail fashion sector within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030,” the company said in a press release.
The announcement was made by Asil Attar, Alyasra Fashion chief executive officer. Attar, who is a global fashion industry expert besides being among the top 55 most powerful Arab women recognized by Forbes, told Arab News: “Alyasra will work together to leverage support of leading international academic fashion institutions to help develop the academy in Riyadh.”
She said that a large number of Saudi men and women will benefit from the industry skills training as “Saudization is a key priority for Alyasrah, which is one of the top pioneers in supporting the feminization of stores.”
Attar said the company has managed to achieve 100 percent feminization in brands such as DKNY and Trinkets, and aims to have 100 percent Saudization in all brands across the region by the end of August.
“Alyasra fashion has a strong foundation and we look for strategic opportunities that fit within our portfolio, placing our customer at the heart of everything we do,” she added.
Alyasra Fashion has over 250 stores across the Middle East including stores selling everything from watches, jewelry, ready-to-wear fashion, leather goods, accessories and footwear. These include over 60 brands, such as Max Mara Group, LVMH, Jimmy Choo, DKNY, Fossil Group, OnTime, Cole Haan, Ecco and Trinkets.
Alyasra Fashion to establish training academy for Saudis
Alyasra Fashion to establish training academy for Saudis
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.
