SAS showcases latest in analytics and AI at LEAP 2023

SAS’ senior executives are present at the Basserah booth in LEAP 2023, showcasing their comprehensive portfolio of artificial intelligence and data analytics-driven cutting-edge solutions.
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Updated 08 February 2023
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SAS showcases latest in analytics and AI at LEAP 2023

SAS, a leader in analytics, is participating in LEAP 2023, a global technology event, being held in Riyadh, from Feb. 6-9. In this four-day event, SAS is present at the Basserah booth, showcasing their comprehensive portfolio of artificial intelligence and data analytics-driven cutting-edge solutions designed to enable organizations in Saudi Arabia to harness their potential and leverage the capabilities for the betterment of the economy, environment and society.

Focusing on collaborations in Saudi Arabia, SAS had recently announced its partnership with Basserah, a Saudi company established by NOMD Holding. This strategic partnership will drive a new era of advanced analytics and AI in Saudi Arabia with a focus on data and robotics process automation. This initiative aims to help organizations in the Kingdom capitalize on business and customer intelligence and automate repetitive business and operational processes through its products and services in order to maximize return on investment, and meet commercial and strategic objectives.

With SAS industry-leading solutions a part of Basserah’s product portfolio, customers can experience the potential of analytics first-hand and its capabilities to solve problems, improve productivity, streamline operations, and support sustainable innovation faster for businesses of all sizes. These offerings range from scalable, cloud-native SAS Viya and advanced fraud detection solutions to AI, composite AI, and AI-driven decision-making with real-time analytics. Since Saudi Arabia has set specific goals to transform into a digital society and economy by leveraging data as a national asset, Basserah’s collaboration with SAS opened up an entirely new world of possibilities for Saudi organizations. Baseerah and SAS’ focus for LEAP this year is on the public sector, telecommunications and manufacturing.

“SAS’ advanced analytics, cloud-native and advanced fraud detection solutions backed by AI will support organizations in Saudi Arabia to advance on their roadmap to achieve business sustainability in line with the goals of Vision 2030. We are excited to be part of LEAP this year, where we are addressing the most pressing challenges to improve decision-making, accelerate digital transformation across all industries, and open new doors for future customers and partnerships. Using SAS analytics and AI solutions, we at SAS aim to provide organizations with the capabilities to transform data into intelligence that propels the business forward,” said Bader Bahaian, country manager, Saudi Arabia at SAS.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see public sector use cases, such as smart city demos on air quality forecasting, traffic light monitoring and flood protection.

In addition, SAS is showcasing a use case on intelligent network operations in the telco industry and demonstrating how analytics can help prevent industrial accidents and ensure consistent product quality within the manufacturing industry.


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.