A new study by King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) shows that fleet emissions can fall by approximately 0.5 to 0.9 percent for each 1 percent of the fleet replaced by electric vehicles (EVs).
The study entitled, “Electric Vehicle Deployment and Carbon Emissions in Saudi Arabia: A Power System Perspective,” points out that renewables deployment in the western and southern regions of the Kingdom would result in the marginal generator for EV charging becoming carbon-free.
The study built a power system model for Saudi Arabia, which quantifies the carbon emission implications of deploying EVs within the Kingdom. The model represented the four operating regions in the Kingdom and simulated 18 scenarios. These scenarios stemmed from varying the number of EVs deployed, the efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), the effectiveness of EVs, and the time of charging. The study revealed that if 100,000 EVs were deployed (nearly 0.67 percent of Saudi Arabia’s passenger vehicle fleet) in place of the same number of ICEVs, the result would be a net carbon emissions reduction of 0.36 percent, a ratio of approximately 1 to 0.5.
The study also found that deploying EVs in the Kingdom would, on average, result in a net decrease in carbon emissions. For example, if 100,000 ICEVs (0.667 percent of the 15 million cars on the road) were replaced with 100,000 EVs, carbon emissions would decrease, on average, by around 0.35 percent.
KAPSARC’s study confirmed that each 1 percent of ICEVs replaced with EVs would reduce emissions by 0.5 percent. By extension, if the entire passenger car fleet changes to EVs, the fleet emissions would theoretically be halved on average, a decrease of 35 million tons.
The study also points out that the net emissions would increase if the most efficient ICEVs were replaced with the least efficient EVs in the worst-case scenario. The time of charging EV batteries does not have a material effect on EV emissions because the marginal generator, for the most part, remains the same in all regions.
KAPSARC study shows drop in carbon emissions with EV deployment
KAPSARC study shows drop in carbon emissions with EV deployment
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.
