CITC Implements Regulatory Framework to Beef up Cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
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CITC Implements Regulatory Framework to Beef up Cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) on Saturday announced the implementation of a regulatory framework to beef up cybersecurity in the Kingdom.

The “cybersecurity regulatory framework” for service providers in the communications, IT, and postal (services) sector aims to raise the security levels of service providers.

It aims to ensure the implementation of adequate cybersecurity measures according to the best international practices.

In a statement, CITC said the regulatory framework contains a comprehensive set of cybersecurity requirements and controls that will contribute to regulating the communications, IT and postal service sectors.

The framework ensures an increase in the level of confidence in the integrity of the infrastructure of service providers, and the application of best practices to develop appropriate cybersecurity measures.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Province Municipality has presented, through the Municipal Investment Portal "FORAS", new investment opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Mayor of the Eastern Province Fahad Al Jubeir noted that these opportunities fall under a package of 44 investment opportunities in various cities and provinces.

Undersecretary for Investments at the Eastern Province Municipality Eng. Hamdan Al-Aradi said that there are significant changes in the provisions of the regulation on disposing of municipal real estate, both in terms of improving contractual terms, by increasing the contract period from 25 to 50 years and reducing bank guarantees from 100 to 25 percent.

Aradi indicated that optimal utilization of municipal real estate was empowered by investing in public parks within two years of adopting the scheme instead of five years, which would increase the number of parks, raise the standard of residential neighborhoods and improve quality of life.



Saudi KAUST Partners with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota to Advance Zero-Carbon Fuel Cell Technologies

The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)
The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)
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Saudi KAUST Partners with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota to Advance Zero-Carbon Fuel Cell Technologies

The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)
The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have embarked on a strategic partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060.

As a centerpiece of this partnership, KAUST has acquired Proton Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules from TMC, establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory at KAUST under its Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP) dedicated to advancing this cutting-edge technology, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The facility will be at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's efforts to lead in hydrogen innovation, particularly in tailoring fuel cells to the region's unique environmental conditions.

Professor Mani Sarathy, from KAUST's Physical Science and Engineering Division, said: “At KAUST, we are excited to collaborate with TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors to drive the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and net-zero goals for 2060.”

“Through our Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP), we are focused on advancing research that will optimize hydrogen fuel cells for the region's specific conditions, ensuring their efficiency and reliability. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to pioneering innovations that support sustainable solutions and contribute to a greener future for Saudi Arabia and beyond,” he said.

Sarathy and his team at CERP are currently leading research efforts to explore the performance, durability, and environmental integration of PEM fuel cells, supported technically and financially by TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors.

The team is conducting a series of modeling and experimental studies to assess factors such as temperature sensitivity, humidity impact, and overall efficiency, with the goal of maximizing the environmental benefits of these fuel cells within the Kingdom's infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia, with its vast renewable energy resources, is well-positioned to produce both green hydrogen and blue hydrogen using Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. With this in mind, the Kingdom aims to produce approximately 2.9 million tons of hydrogen by 2030, with competitive costs for both domestic use and export.