Kempinski Ramadan Tent invites guests

The Ramadan tent portrays Arabic heritage and is a blend of traditional and modern attributes.
Updated 22 May 2018
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Kempinski Ramadan Tent invites guests

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski has announced the launch of the “Kempinski Ramadan Tent” to celebrate the holy month with guests.
The venue has witnessed remarkable turnout in the past years.
The Ramadan tent portrays Arabic heritage and is a blend of traditional and modern attributes.
The tent, which is built specifically for Ramadan, is spread across 2,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 800 visitors. At the open buffet, visitors can enjoy a wide range of Saudi, Arabic and international dishes, including a variety of Eastern and Western desserts, and freshly prepared beverages to quench the thirst after a long day of fasting.
Christian Ruge, general manager of the hotel, said: “Based on the overall culture of our brand, and our concept of providing hospitality services to our guests with the quality and luxury required, we have expanded this culture in Saudi Arabia by offering a tent designed with an authentic Arabic style — as we do every year.”
He added: “Guests of the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski consider the Ramadan tent as their own home. When they visit our Ramadan tent with their families or friends, they will feel comfortable, enjoy the cozy atmosphere and savor the most delicious food with live cooking stations.”
This year Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski will offer a children’s pavilion where they can color, have their faces painted, read books, enjoy games, and watch cartoons. Families will be able to enjoy their privacy in separate areas. Guests will also be able to watch the preparation of the dishes.
Sahoor at the hotel will be served daily at the Ottoman restaurant Tuğra on the fourth floor from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The buffet will represent the best of European luxury and authentic Arabian hospitality.
Those wishing to stay at the hotel during Ramadan can avail themselves of the Ramadan package, which has numerous benefits including complimentary iftar at the Kempinski Ramadan Tent.
Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski is located in the financial district of Riyadh. The hotel comprises 23 floors and 349 rooms and suites. The hotel is involved in a range of community service activities, such as joint cooperation agreements with charities, foundations and others. Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group.


PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc’s CISO500 program advances cyber leadership

Updated 15 February 2026
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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.