Saudia Cargo’s on-time performance amid pandemic recognized

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Updated 20 July 2021
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Saudia Cargo’s on-time performance amid pandemic recognized

  • Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Saudia Cargo stepped up efforts to transport vital medical cargo and other essential goods within and outside the Kingdom using its strategic location connecting the East and the West

Saudia Cargo won the “On-Time Hero Award” at the Heroes of the Pandemic Awards 2021 for its remarkably timely performance in delivering cargo in Saudi Arabia and its global markets despite the many challenges and circumstances across borders caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the theme “Recognizing Excellence in Governance and Logistics,” the awards ceremony held in Dubai on July 12, brought together the industry’s top government officials, executives and decision-makers who joined live and via webcast. The event was organized by Transport and Logistics Middle East.
Saudia Cargo’s On-Time Hero Award under the Air Transport Category recognizes the cargo airline’s on-time delivery performance in moving lifesaving medical cargo across continents, including time-and-temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals like medicines, vaccines and other life necessities.
Commenting on Saudia Cargo’s latest accolade, the cargo airline’s CEO Teddy Zebitz said: “We see our role at Saudia Cargo evolving from facilitating trade, to keeping humanity safe. It was a matter of being switched on and fully alert to ensure the supply chains hold intact against this global threat to humanity.




We see our role at Saudia Cargo evolving from facilitating trade, to keeping humanity safe.
Teddy Zebitz
CEO of Saudia Cargo

“Those shipments, which mainly involved food and medical supplies like masks, PPE, ventilators, PCR test kits, medicines, among other medical goods, were successfully transported from different destinations globally through our dedicated Saudia Cargo’s team and partners — pilots, crew, cargo specialists, people on the ground. They are undoubtedly the heroes of our time.”
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Saudia Cargo stepped up efforts to transport vital medical cargo and other essential goods within and outside the Kingdom using its strategic location connecting the East and the West. By the end of 2020, it successfully transported more than 500,000 tons of cargo and operated over 6,000 cargo flights.
In line with the recently launched Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy, in which the country is envisioned to become the next global aviation and logistics hub, backed by government and private sector funding totaling $147 billion spread over nine years, Saudia Cargo continues to innovate and widen its network across the world, building on its strength as one of the leading air cargo carriers with robust logistics support.


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.