عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Saudi Monetary Authority Launches Cyber-Security Training Program

The SAMA logo.
The SAMA logo.
TT
TT

Saudi Monetary Authority Launches Cyber-Security Training Program

The SAMA logo.
The SAMA logo.

Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) announced the launch of the second version of its cyber-security training program.

The program, dubbed Secure 18, is scheduled to start Monday in order to prepare national cadres for taking cyber-security positions in the financial sector, as well as other sectors. The initiative, held for the second year in a row, is part of the Financial Sector Development Program's efforts to help push Vision 2030 forward.

SAMA explained that the 26-week program will be held in Saudi Arabia and United States, through which 26 trainees will attend seminars, meetings and scientific and practical training delivered by international experts.

The Authority illustrated that the acceptance process in the program went through several systematic phases of assessment that encompass about 8,000 computer science and information technology graduates from local and foreign accredited universities.

It explained that the first phase will begin in Riyadh for five weeks through which trainees will learn the fundamental concepts of cyber-security, as well as basic skills. They will then travel to the United States to begin the second phase, which lasts 19 weeks, during which they will develop their technical specialization.

Trainees will be divided into four technical tracks: defense and protection, penetration test, Pascal structure and governance and risk management. They will be motivated to research and increase their cyber-security knowledge. The second phase includes intensive practical and on-the-job training, seminars, discussion panels and guidance.

In the final phase, participants will be trained to encounter real cyber-attacks and project management through real-time simulation experience. This phase includes visits to legislative and supervisory authorities in the Kingdom.

In January 21, SAMA graduated 19 students (both male and female) who underwent intensive training for six months and a half in Saudi Arabia, the United State and United Kingdom.

The graduates were eventually recruited by SAMA, the Ministry of Finance, General Authority of Zakat and Tax, General Authority of statistic and Saudi Customs, as well as the banking sectors.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
TT
TT

FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.