Experts to discuss cybersecurity issues at Riyadh forum

Under the patronage of King Salman, the National Cybersecurity Authority is organizing the event on Oct. 2 and 3. File
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Updated 18 March 2024
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Experts to discuss cybersecurity issues at Riyadh forum

RIYADH: Top decision-makers and entities will convene to discuss pivotal issues in the digital realm at the fourth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh, scheduled for October.

Under the patronage of King Salman, the National Cybersecurity Authority is organizing the event on Oct. 2 and 3, centered around the theme “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace.” 

The objective is to bolster international cooperation on critical digital issues, attracting elite participants and prominent global entities in the cybersecurity domain.

This year’s forum will build on the principles and objectives established during previous events, contributing to the enhancement of international cooperation in cybersecurity and stimulating economic and social development in this field, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The conference will feature several dialogue sessions focusing on key areas, including addressing cyber disparities and understanding online behavior and social dynamics in the digital world to foster integration. 

An additional topic will include how to bridge social gaps between communities, organizations, and nations.

Additionally, talks will delve into the cyber economy, exploring how it can spur development by cultivating markets in the sector. 

Participants will explore strategies for harnessing emerging technologies to propel progress and innovation.

The forum acts as a global platform that gathers decision-makers, government officials, businesses, cybersecurity experts, academics, and nongovernmental organizations. It operates in accordance with the strategic objectives of the GCF Institute to strengthen cybersecurity globally, foster economic and social development, and coordinate with and support relevant international initiatives.

A forum recently held in Geneva, organized in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s UN Mission, emphasized collaborations in addressing challenges and opportunities in cyberspace.

The event on Jan. 23, organized by the GCF, drew over 60 diplomats, UN representatives, and NGO officials. They participated in the GCF Institute’s endeavors to foster global dialogue, research, and initiatives related to cyberspace.

In his opening speech, Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila, ambassador and permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN, underscored the GCF as a symbol of the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening global cybersecurity efforts. 

He highlighted that the GCF reflects Saudi Arabia’s resolve to unify international cybersecurity endeavors and promote initiatives that foster peace, prosperity, and positive socio-economic impact worldwide.


Industry leaders highlight Riyadh’s Metro, infrastructure as investment catalysts

Updated 59 min 35 sec ago
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Industry leaders highlight Riyadh’s Metro, infrastructure as investment catalysts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is experiencing a transformative phase in its real estate sector, with the construction market projected to reach approximately $100 billion in 2025, accompanied by an anticipated annual growth rate of 5.4 percent through 2029.

The Kingdom is simultaneously advancing its data center capacity at an accelerated pace, with an impressive 2.7 GW currently in the pipeline. This expansion underscores the critical role of strategic land and power planning in establishing national infrastructure as a cornerstone of economic growth.

These insights were shared by leading industry experts during JLL’s recent client event in Riyadh, which focused on the city’s macroeconomic landscape and emerging trends across office, residential, retail, hospitality, and pioneering sectors, including AI infrastructure and Transit-Oriented Development.

Saud Al-Sulaimani, Country Lead and Head of Capital Markets at JLL Saudi Arabia, commented: “Riyadh is positioned at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, offering unparalleled opportunities for both investors and developers. National priorities are continuously recalibrated to ensure strategic alignment of projects and foster deeper collaboration with the private sector.”

He added: “Recent regulatory developments, including the introduction of the White Land Tax and the rent freeze, are designed to stabilize the market and are expected to drive renewed focus on delivering premium-quality assets. This dynamic environment, coupled with evolving construction cost considerations in select segments, is fundamentally reshaping the market landscape while accelerating progress toward our national objectives.”

The event further underscored the transformative impact of infrastructure initiatives. Mireille Azzam Vidjen, Head of Consulting for the Middle East and Africa at JLL, highlighted Riyadh’s transit revolution. She detailed the Riyadh Metro, a $22.5 billion investment encompassing 176 kilometers, six lines, and 84 stations, providing extensive geographic coverage, with a depth of 9.8 km per 100 sq. km. This strategic development generates significant TOD opportunities, with properties in proximity potentially commanding a 20-30 percent premium. JLL emphasized the importance of implementing climate-responsive last-mile solutions to enhance mobility and accessibility, particularly given Riyadh’s extreme temperatures.

Gaurav Mathur, Head of Data Centers at JLL, emphasized the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s AI infrastructure, signaling a critical area for technological investment and innovation.

Focusing on the construction sector, Maroun Deeb, Head of Projects and Development Services, KSA at JLL, explained that the industry is actively navigating complexities such as skilled labor availability, material costs, and supply chain dynamics.

He highlighted the adoption of Building Information Modeling as a key driver for enhancing operational efficiency and project delivery.