Saudi Arabia’s HRDF to join international cybersecurity organization

The exchange of knowledge in a security incident response involves 656 businesses and government organizations spanning 101 countries. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 20 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s HRDF to join international cybersecurity organization

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has increased its stakes in cybersecurity protection, with the Human Resources Development Fund receiving approval to join the US-based Forum of Incident Response and Security Team – an institution known for its global best practices. 

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the membership enables access to global cybersecurity incident response practices and facilitates the sharing of technical information among participants. 

The objective is focused on improving the efficiency of organizations in safeguarding their systems and data. 

Following meeting cyber and regulatory standards, members are selected to join. The exchange of knowledge in a security incident response involves 656 businesses and government organizations spanning 101 countries. 

HRDF, also known as HADAF, is the Kingdom’s 11th member and aims to improve cyber maturity by implementing measures to guarantee the protection and safety of information and services, according to SPA. 

In May, the fund partnered with King Saud University to launch the career counselor training program in cooperation with the National Career Development Association.

The initiative strives to improve and develop the national competencies in the education and vocational sector and contribute to the employment of national cadres in various areas. 

Additionally, it aims to promote engagement within the business community and contributes to achieving one of Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, specifically through human capacity development.

The occasion was attended by Mohammed Al-Numay, vice-rector for educational and academic affairs at KSU, and Turki bin Abdullah Al-Jawini, general manager of HRDF. 

In this regard, Al-Numay delivered a speech on behalf of KSU President Badran Al-Omar, stating that the project was carefully designed to improve the effectiveness of national cadres in education and other sectors. 

HADAF also signed a cooperation deal with the Kingdom’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program in January to support training and recruitment opportunities generated by the program’s initiatives. 

The agreement intends to develop Saudi Arabia into a leading industrial power and an international logistical platform in several potential fields, with emphasis on the use of 4G technology. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main market sheds 85 points to finish at 11,098 

Updated 17 February 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main market sheds 85 points to finish at 11,098 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed lower in the latest session, falling 85.79 points, or 0.77 percent, to finish at 11,098.06. 

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index declined 0.63 percent to close at 1,495.23, while the parallel market index Nomu dropped 0.91 percent to 23,548.56.  

Market breadth was firmly negative, with 42 gainers against 218 decliners on the main market. Trading activity saw 226 million shares exchanged, with total turnover reaching SR4.5 billion ($1.19 billion).  

Among the session’s gainers, Tourism Enterprise Co. rose 9.40 percent to SR15.02. SHL Finance Co. advanced 4.51 percent to SR16.00, while Almasar Alshamil for Education Co. gained 3.56 percent to SR23.88.  

Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. added 3.03 percent to SR19.70, and Banque Saudi Fransi climbed 2.61 percent to SR19.30. 

On the losing side, Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. recorded the steepest decline, falling 6.61 percent to SR96.

Al Moammar Information Systems Co. dropped 5.14 percent to SR164.20, while National Company for Learning and Education declined 4.60 percent to SR124.30. Saudi Ceramic Co. slipped 4.14 percent to SR27.30, and Arabian Contracting Services Co. fell 4.12 percent to SR116.50. 

On the announcement front, Saudi Telecom Co. announced the distribution of interim cash dividends for the fourth quarter of 2025 in line with its approved dividend policy.  

The company will distribute SR2.74 billion, equivalent to SR0.55 per share, to shareholders for the quarter.  

The number of shares eligible for dividends stands at approximately 4.99 billion shares. The eligibility date has been set for Feb. 23, with distribution scheduled for March 12.  

The company noted that treasury shares are not entitled to dividends and that payments will be made through Riyad Bank via direct transfer to shareholders’ bank accounts. stc shares last traded at SR44.80, unchanged on the session. 

Separately, National Environmental Recycling Co., known as Tadweer, reported its annual financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, posting significant growth in revenue and profit.  

Revenue rose 53.5 percent year on year to SR1.24 billion, compared with SR806 million in the previous year. Net profit attributable to shareholders increased 68.4 percent to SR60.9 million, up from SR36.2 million a year earlier, driven by higher sales volumes and operational expansion.

Tadweer shares last traded at SR3.80, up 2.70 percent.