Saudi Arabia’s NCA calls for startups to register for new cybersecurity accelerator

Participants are seen during the Saudi cyber security forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
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Updated 23 August 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s NCA calls for startups to register for new cybersecurity accelerator

  • The accelerator aims to strengthen entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, localize cybersecurity and encourage innovative solutions to cyber challenges across a range of disciplines, including data, cloud and artificial intelligence security

RIYADH: The National Cybersecurity Authority has called on local cybersecurity startups to register for its new accelerator through its website.

The accelerator forms part of the CyberIC program for the development of the cybersecurity sector and is one of the principal tools by which the NCA aims to stimulate the local cybersecurity ecosystem.

The program is designed to increase the number of cybersecurity startups by linking them with investors, targeting approximately 40 startups in the field within three years.

It will provide more than SR 6.5 million ($1.7 million) in financial support for expanding companies and more than 500 hours of guidance and direction.

The accelerator aims to strengthen entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, localize cybersecurity and encourage innovative solutions to cyber challenges across a range of disciplines, including data, cloud and artificial intelligence security.

The NCA is working to attract foreign and local investors to the industry.

Its launch of the cybersecurity accelerator is made in partnership with its technical arm, the Saudi Information Technology Company, and Plug and Play, which is one of the largest technology business accelerators in the world.

Both parties will contribute to the program by helping startups during their training and providing a supportive environment throughout the program.

 


Saudi Hajj Ministry suspends Umrah firm, overseas agent over contract violations

Updated 29 December 2025
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Saudi Hajj Ministry suspends Umrah firm, overseas agent over contract violations

  • Company failed to provide accommodation for a number of Umrah pilgrims, despite these services being documented in the contractual programs, ministry says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday announced the suspension of an Umrah company and its overseas agent for failing to provide accommodation services for pilgrims in line with approved contractual programs.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the company’s failure constitutes a clear violation of regulations governing services for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.

It noted that a number of pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom without secured accommodation, despite these services being documented in the contractual programs.

This prompted immediate regulatory action against the company and its overseas agent under the established legal frameworks, the ministry said. 

Pilgrims circumambulate the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in this photo taken earlier this month. (SPA)

"The measures are intended to safeguard the rights of affected pilgrims, prevent a recurrence of such violations, and ensure the continued enhancement of service quality," it added.

Last June, the ministry suspended seven Umrah companies due to deficiencies in providing transport services to pilgrims.

In an earlier report quoting the Hajj Ministry and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, SPA said more than 1.7 million Muslims from all over the world arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah during Jumada Al Akhira alone.

Also referred to as Jumada Al Thani, Jumada Al Akhira is the sixth month of the Islamic calendar. For Hijri year 1447, this sixth month ended on December 20, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar.