Majed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or Modon, launched the inaugural SaudiFood Manufacturing show, which ran from April 30-May 2 at ROSHN Front.
Al-Argoubi toured the exhibition’s aisles, visiting the stands of many national and international companies, as well as countries. More than 500 global players from 35 countries participated in the exhibition, from across the processing, packaging and ingredients sectors.
Opening the Food Forward Summit, Al-Argoubi stressed the importance of the event for showcasing the economic transformation of the Kingdom and advancing the industrial base to realize Saudi Vision 2030. Bringing together manufacturers and industry, SaudiFood Manufacturing is enforcing global partnerships and solidifying the Kingdom’s vision to be the perfect destination for industry, he said.
“The industrial sector is going to increase both the GDP and abilities of youth in the Kingdom. We are making impressive growth through Saudi Vision 2030, and Made in Saudi is remarkable for expanding cities across the country and achieving our goals,” Al-Argoubi added.
The Modon CEO’s speech was followed on stage by leading food futurist Tony Hunter of Future of Food Consulting, speaking for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia. He outlined the technologies advancing the personalization of food and showcased the tools increasing access to nutritious food. “SaudiFood Manufacturing is looking into the future, optimizing and maximizing the opportunities based on new technologies. There is a will to make things happen in the Kingdom with a vision for the future and everyone is pushing in the same direction to make Saudi Arabia one of the hubs for food manufacturing in the region,” said Hunter.
The first day of SaudiFood Manufacturing also saw the winners of the inaugural SaudiFood Manufacturing Awards announced. Aimed at recognizing innovative products and technologies that enhance productivity, offer greater convenience, and promote sustainability within the F&B manufacturing sector, the awards were organized in three categories. Brenntag won the Best Ingredients Innovation Award for its plant-based Greek-style cheese alternative, while Multivac scooped the Best Packaging Innovation Award for its TX series and smart services. DC Norris and Co. came out top in the Best Processing Innovation category for the DCN Jet Cook, which uses advanced steam technology for sustainable food production.
SaudiFood Manufacturing is affiliated with leading trade event Gulfood Manufacturing.
SaudiFood Manufacturing looks to the future of F&B innovation
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SaudiFood Manufacturing looks to the future of F&B innovation
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.
