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2nd Edition of World’s Fastest Growing Cybersecurity Event ‘Black Hat’ Launched in Riyadh

The second edition of the world’s fastest growing cybersecurity event "Black Hat" was launched Tuesday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). SPA
The second edition of the world’s fastest growing cybersecurity event "Black Hat" was launched Tuesday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). SPA
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2nd Edition of World’s Fastest Growing Cybersecurity Event ‘Black Hat’ Launched in Riyadh

The second edition of the world’s fastest growing cybersecurity event "Black Hat" was launched Tuesday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). SPA
The second edition of the world’s fastest growing cybersecurity event "Black Hat" was launched Tuesday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). SPA

The second edition of the world’s fastest growing cybersecurity event "Black Hat" was launched Tuesday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) featuring the participation of experts, speakers, and investors.

The opening ceremony was attended by top officials and the Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming & Drones, Faisal Al-Khamisi.

During his speech he conveyed the significance of the three-day event, saying the gathering “embraces InfoSec experts and innovators from major global companies, enthusiastic to share their expertise through more than 600 hours of content over the next three days.”

"We are proud that last year, Black Hat Riyadh edition became the world’s most attended cybersecurity event, with 30,000 attendees," he added.

"With the opening of this edition, we are prepared to surpass our own record, welcoming more participants from all over the world, with more than 60,000 registered, more than 250 sessions, 350 leading companies from 70 countries, as well as prizes exceeding SAR1 million for the competitions and challenges during the event.”

He also referred to the role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, saying “We attribute every milestone in the technology sector to our visionary and inspiring leader.”

Annabelle Mander, Senior Vice President of Tahaluf expressed her gratitude to the Saudi Federation For Cybersecurity, Programming & Drones, saying “The growth of Black Hat Middle East and Africa can be attributed to a partnership, in one of the thrilling markets globally. I would like to express my gratitude to our partners and friends at (SAFCSP) for their contribution, in making this achievement possible”

During the event there was an announcement regarding the collaboration between "HABOOB", owned by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity and Programming & Drones, and Mandiant by Google Cloud, aiming to deliver "Chronicle Cyber Shield" solution to the Kingdom.

This collaboration represents a step towards enhancing cybersecurity services across the government entities. The "Chronicle Cyber Shield" offers an integrated solution that empowers government entities to proactively and effectively detect cyber threats using technologies and resources while staying updated on the developments in this field.

The opening day of the Black Hat conference covered a range of subjects including discussions on cyber risks, the impact of software in warfare, techniques utilized in transportation hacking and the application of AI in development and security enhancement. The sessions were enriched by the presence of speakers like Sam Curry, Zscalers Chief Security Officer, Chris Wysopal, Veracodes Co-founder and CTO Graham Ludlow, Chief Cybersecurity Officer at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and Camille Fasquez, a partner at Brown Rudnick.

The Cyber Seed Startups have commenced unveiling four distinct awards: the Innovative Ideator for startups in their infancy with promising ideas poised to enter the market, the Shining Seedling for startups in the early stages of development beyond the ideation phase, Established Excellence for experienced startups making significant waves, and the Saudi Superstar, providing an opportunity to showcase and promote the wealth of cybersecurity talent within the Kingdom.

Simultaneously, the Activity Zone promises awards exceeding SAR1 million across various competitions, including the CTF Competition, Bug Bounty Cup, Cyber Escape Room, Smart City Simulation, Chip-off Village, Drones Zone, Smart Contract Hacking, Medical Hacking, and Lock pick Village.

The Black hat event runs until November 16, featuring the participation of renowned exhibitors such as IBM, Cisco, Huawei, Spire Solutions, Trend Micro, Mandiant, Google Cloud, Cloud flare, Qualys, Illumio, SITE, Mobily, Cyberani, Al Moammar Information Systems, Haboob, and Sirar by stc, DSS Shield, Cipher, among many others.

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Aljadaan: Emerging Markets Account for 70% of Global Growth

Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
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Aljadaan: Emerging Markets Account for 70% of Global Growth

Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan stressed Sunday that the world economy is going through a “profound transition,” saying emerging markets and developing economies now account for nearly 60 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power terms and over 70 percent of global growth.

In his opening remarks at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla, the minister said these economies have become an increasingly important driver of global growth with their share of global economy more than doubling since 2010.

“Today, the 10 emerging economies in the G20 alone account for more than half of the world growth. Yet, they face a more complex and fragmented environment, elevated debt levels, slower trade growth and increasing exposure to geopolitical shocks.”

“Unfortunately, more than half of low income countries are either in or at the risk of debt distress. At the same time global trade growth has slowed at around half of what it was pre the pandemic,” Aljadaan added.

The Finance Minister stressed that the Saudi experience over the past decade has reinforced three lessons that may be relevant to the discussions at the two-day conference, which brings together a select group of ministers and central bank governors, leaders of international organizations, leading investors and academics.

“First, macroeconomic stability is not the enemy of growth. It is actually the foundation,” he said.

“Structural reforms deliver results only when institutions deliver. So there is no point of reforming ... if the institutions are unable to deliver,” he stated.

Finally, he said that “international cooperation matters more, not less, in a fragmented world.”

Business

Georgieva from AlUla: Growth Still Lacks Pre-pandemic Levels

Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Georgieva from AlUla: Growth Still Lacks Pre-pandemic Levels

Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Sunday that world growth still lacks pre-pandemic levels, expressing concern as she expected more shocks amid high spending and rising debt levels in many countries.

Georgieva spoke at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla.

The two-day conference brings together a select group of ministers and central bank governors, leaders of international organizations, leading investors and academics to deliberate on policies to global stability, prosperity, and multilateral collaboration.

Georgieva said that the conference was launched last year in recognition of the growing role of emerging market economies in a world of sweeping transformations.

“I came out of this gathering .... With a sense of hope for the pragmatic attitude and determination to pursue good policies and build strong institutions,” she said.

Georgieva stressed that “good policies pay off,” and said that growth rates across emerging economies reached four percent this year, exceeding by a large margin those of advanced economies that are around 1.5 percent.

Business

Saudi Arabia’s flynas, Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Launch 'flynas Syria'

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
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Saudi Arabia’s flynas, Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Launch 'flynas Syria'

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)

Saudi budget carrier flynas has signed an agreement with the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport to establish a new commercial airline under the name "flynas Syria," with operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Saturday’s agreement comes within the framework of bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria, as well as the strategic investment agreements between the two countries, coordinated with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards, meeting the highest safety and aviation security requirements. All licensing and operational procedures will be completed in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The carrier will be established as a joint venture, with 51% ownership held by the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport and 49% by flynas.

The new airline will operate flights to several destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This expansion aims to bolster air traffic to and from Syria, enhance regional and international connectivity, and meet growing demand for air travel.

"This step is part of our commitment to supporting high-quality cross-border investments. The aviation sector is a key enabler of economic development, and the establishment of 'flynas Syria' serves as a model for constructive investment cooperation,” said Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.

“This partnership enhances economic integration and market connectivity and supports development goals by advancing air transport infrastructure, ultimately serving the mutual interests of both nations and promoting regional economic stability,” he added.

President of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari also stated that the establishment of flynas Syria represents a strategic step within a comprehensive national vision aimed at rebuilding and developing Syria's civil aviation sector on modern economic and regulatory foundations.

“This will be achieved while balancing safety requirements, operational sustainability, investment stimulation, and passenger services. The partnership reflects the state's orientation toward smart cooperation models with trusted regional partners, ensuring the transfer of expertise, the development of national capabilities, and the enhancement of Syria's air connectivity with regional and international destinations, in line with global best practices in the air transport industry."

flynas Chairman Ayed Al-Jeaid stated that the company continues to pursue strategies aimed at growth and international expansion, describing the agreement as a historic milestone in the company's journey and a promising investment model in partnership with Syria.

flynas CEO Bander Al-mohanna said the step represents a qualitative leap in the company's strategy and financial performance, highlighting the transfer of the company's low-cost aviation experience to the Syrian market to support regional and international air connectivity.

flynas currently operates 23 weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Damascus, including two daily direct flights from Riyadh, one daily flight from Jeddah, and two weekly flights from Dammam.

The airline made history on June 5, 2025, by adding the Syrian capital to its network, becoming the first Saudi carrier to resume scheduled flights to Damascus.