Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: PwC Middle East and sirar by stc successfully concluded the first cohort of training for the CISO500 program, an exclusive initiative designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity capabilities.

This five-day intensive training marks a significant milestone in the program’s mission to support the Kingdom’s efforts in enhancing cybersecurity leadership and developing executive-level cyber talent, a recent statement revealed.

The program, launched at LEAP 2025, aims to develop 500 highly skilled Saudi CISOs over five years, strengthening the Kingdom’s cyber defenses and advancing workforce nationalization.

The cohorts, consisting of 19 Saudis selected from over 1,000 applicants, included cybersecurity professionals from some of the Kingdom’s most strategically significant organizations.

Over five days, participants engaged in immersive workshops and hands-on scenarios covering strategy, compliance, digital transformations, AI and emerging technology, cyber resilience, risk management, and strategic governance.

Samer Omar, Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Leader at PwC Middle East, emphasized the pivotal role of the CISO500 program in enabling a new generation of leaders to manage risk, drive resilience, and protect value.

For his part, Yasser Alswailem, CEO of sirar by stc, commented: "Through this initiative, we contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership in a secure digital future and support the goals of Vision 2030 in building national capabilities. Our collaboration with PwC Middle East reflects our commitment to advancing cybersecurity standards by empowering leaders and sharing knowledge in line with global best practices."

By equipping local professionals with advanced skills and strategic capabilities, the CISO500 program contributes to building a more resilient, trusted, and future-ready digital ecosystem, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.