RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) on Saturday announced the implementation of a regulatory framework to beef up cybersecurity in the Kingdom.
The “cybersecurity regulatory framework” for service providers in the communications, IT, and postal (services) sector aims to raise the security levels of service providers.
It seeks to ensure the implementation of adequate cybersecurity measures following the best international practices.
In a statement, CITC said the regulatory framework contains a comprehensive set of cybersecurity requirements and controls that will contribute to regulating the communications, IT, and postal service sectors.
The framework ensures an increase in the level of confidence in the integrity of the infrastructure of service providers, and the application of best practices to develop appropriate cybersecurity measures.
This regulatory framework also requires the adoption of a risk management methodology and the fulfillment of all cybersecurity requirements by service providers to enable them to deal with cyber threats effectively.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program are accelerating primary and digital infrastructure projects intending to raise living standards.
The Kingdom has made notable progress in international indicators. It was ranked the most advanced and reform-driven country according to the World Bank’s “Doing Business” report. It also ranked third globally in terms of 5G networks.
Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity professionals are also getting a boost through training initiatives to meet the growing threat of cyberattacks.
Dr. Muhammad Khurram Khan, a professor of cybersecurity at King Saud University and founder of the Global Foundation for Cyber Studies and Research, in Washington, DC, earlier told Arab News: “After the Saudi Aramco incident (Shamoon cyberattack) in 2012, the (Saudi) government embarked on a journey to bootstrap its resources toward building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem to address the cyber risks from internal and external hostile adversaries.
“During the last few years, several local universities have commenced degree programs in cybersecurity to prepare skilled and professional experts to cater for the demand of the local public and private organizations,” he said.
Saudi Arabia implements cybersecurity framework
https://arab.news/g92z9
Saudi Arabia implements cybersecurity framework
- The regulations contain a comprehensive set of control to boost online security in the Kingdom
Dubai’s luxury residential market sees record $9bn sales in 2025: Knight Frank
RIYADH: Dubai’s luxury residential market hit a record in 2025, with sales of homes priced above $10 million rising 27.7 percent from a year earlier to $9.05 billion, according to Knight Frank.
A total of 500 homes worth more than $10 million changed hands during the year, up from just 30 such deals recorded in 2020. Within that segment, 68 properties were sold for more than $25 million, marking a 45 percent year-on-year increase, the property consultancy said.
The findings underscore Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for high-net-worth individuals, who are increasingly viewing the emirate not just as a part-time business base but as a full-time home.
In November, a separate analysis by Savills found that Dubai topped the rankings as the leading destination for HNWIs globally, surpassing New York and Singapore.
Commenting on the latest report, Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for the Middle East and North Africa at Knight Frank, said: “Dubai’s meteoric rise as the world’s busiest market for $10 million+ homes, having increased from just 30 sales in 2020 to 500 by the end of 2025, is best reflected in the emirate’s growing reputation as a magnet for the global elite.”
The final quarter of 2025 recorded 143 sales transactions for properties valued at more than $10 million, representing a 39 percent increase compared to the previous quarter.
The report added that demand for luxury residential properties remains highly concentrated in destination communities that combine waterfront living, security and amenities into self-contained ecosystems.
Palm Jumeirah led fourth-quarter sales in the $10 million-plus segment with 28 transactions, followed by Palm Jebel Ali with 22. La Mer, Jumeirah 2 and Tilal Al Ghaf also ranked among the most active neighborhoods at the top end of the market.
“Dubai’s residential market has differentiated itself from regional cities and many other global gateway locations through the creation of destination communities that integrate leisure, safety and convenience into self-contained ecosystems,” said Will Mckintosh, regional partner, Knight Frank’s head of Residential at MENA.
Mckintosh added: “At 50 percent larger than its established neighbor Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali remains a destination to watch. While it will obviously take time to reach the maturity of other established communities, the 2025 sales figures are a welcome indication of its high potential and the growing demand from the wealthiest buyers for prime waterfront property and the luxury Dubai lifestyle.”
The most expensive individual purchase in the fourth quarter was in the Business Bay community, where a six-bedroom apartment in Bugatti Residences by Binghatti sold for $149.7 million.
Knight Frank said Dubai’s real estate market is moving beyond its “emerging” phase to become an “emerged” market, marked by greater stability.
“Historical patterns of sharp market cycles, largely fueled by speculative investment, have receded and, while natural market cycles will persist, we believe the volatility associated with previous speculative booms is less likely in this new era of established residency,” said Durrani.
He added: “As the market extends past its five-year property price rally, the rate of price rises across the mainstream market is starting to slow, albeit they continue to rise. After growing by 194 percent since the fourth quarter of 2020, we believe prime values will expand by a further 3 percent during 2026.”
