Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

The event is designed to empower attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving security landscape and drive the sector forward in line with Vision 2030.
Short Url
Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

The Security Middle East Conference, a pivotal gathering for the region’s leading security executives, organizations, and government officials, will return on May 13 at Voco Hotel Riyadh. This exclusive, invite-only event is designed to empower attendees with the knowledge, connections and foresight needed to navigate the evolving security landscape and drive the sector forward in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

More than just a conference, the Security Middle East Conference offers a unique platform built on three core pillars:

Networking: Forge Strategic Alliances

Attendees will have unparalleled opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, establish crucial business contacts, forge strategic alliances and develop partnerships that will shape the future of security in the Middle East.

Education: Elevate Skills and Knowledge

Attendees will gain actionable insights and cutting-edge knowledge to implement in their roles from a dynamic agenda featuring insightful keynote addresses from global thought leaders like Dr. Khalid Koser, executive director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, and Dr. Faisal Alfouzan, director of cybersecurity at Absher. There will also be engaging panel discussions with regional experts including representatives from International Maritime Industries, King Salman Park Foundation, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, FIFA, and Diriyah Company; practical workshops led by ICON Training Co. and others; and interactive live podcasts and tech stage presentations from leading providers including NEDAP, Limitless Technologies, Magnet Forensics, and PureTech Systems.

Future: Uncover Trends and Drive Innovation

The conference will delve into the future of security, exploring emerging threats, the integration of AI and the security implications of mega-projects. Live technology demonstrations will offer a firsthand look at the innovative solutions shaping tomorrow’s security landscape.

Attendees can further elevate their expertise by participating in a dedicated two-day masterclass led by Nadeem Iqbal, director at IFPO MENASA and global advisory board member (business growth and strategy). This intensive workshop titled “Align security with your organization’s business DNA!,” will equip security professionals with the strategies to seamlessly integrate security efforts with overarching business objectives, driving long-term success and operational excellence.

The Security Middle East Conference is supported by leading industry organizations including the Information Security Forum, The Security Institute and the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and sponsored by innovative companies including Magnet Forensics, Limitless Technologies, ThreatLocker, Convergint, Eagle Eye Networks, CTF Consoles, PureTech Systems, Allied Telesis, ICON Training, Comm Port, and NEDAP.

The event offers a vital platform for security leaders to collaborate, learn and shape the future of the industry in the Middle East.


SVC invests $1.2bn and contributes to Kingdom’s pole position in VC funding

Updated 12 March 2026
Follow

SVC invests $1.2bn and contributes to Kingdom’s pole position in VC funding

Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) released its annual “Impact Report,” which highlighted SVC’s role in the record growth rates achieved by the Saudi private capital ecosystem in 2025. 

The report emphasized SVC’s impact on the Kingdom's private capital ecosystem (Venture Capital, Private Equity, Venture Debt, and Private Debt) since the company’s establishment in 2018.

The report showed that SVC's total committed investments since its inception have reached $1.2 billion, while its investments have stimulated partner commitments totaling $5.9 billion, or 4.9 times SVC’s commitment. This highlights SVC’s role as a key catalyst and market maker in the private capital ecosystem.

The report indicated that the number of funds backed by SVC increased to 65, while the number of startups and SMEs supported exceeded 1,000 across several vital sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, education technologies, transport, and logistics.

Commenting on the report, Nora Alsarhan, Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer at SVC, said: “The report highlights the transformative progress happening across Saudi Arabia’s private capital ecosystem as a direct result of the initiatives and goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.” 

She added: “We remain committed to developing investment programs, products, and developmental initiatives based on market needs analysis and aligned with leading global models, which enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi private capital ecosystem, support diversification of the national economy, and help achieve the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

The report showed that SVC’s strategy contributed to the Kingdom’s maintaining its first rank in the MENA region for the third straight year in VC funding in 2025, reaching a historic total of $1.7 billion. This reflects the growth seen across various economic and financial sectors under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen the national economy.

The report indicated that the number of venture capital investors has increased sixfold since SVC was founded in 2018, when the number did not exceed 34, reaching 200 in 2025. This reflects the depth of the market and the expansion of the institutional investor base in Saudi Arabia.

The report also highlighted the launch of the inaugural Private Capital Forum, a regional platform to advance dialogue on private capital. The forum brought together 1,070 participants and 59 speakers across 20 sessions, reaching 7.2 million people digitally and generating over 10.5 million media impressions.