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Global leaders gather in Riyadh to forge collective action on cybersecurity

The event will focus on fostering collaboration under the theme 'Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,' with the goal of enhancing multi-stakeholder engagement and driving joint initiatives on key strategic priorities. File
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Updated 02 October 2024
Nour El-Shaeri
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Global leaders gather in Riyadh to forge collective action on cybersecurity

Updated 02 October 2024
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Experts from technology, public policy, defense, and other sectors will gather in Riyadh for the Global Cybersecurity Forum Annual Meeting on Oct. 2-3.  

The event will focus on fostering collaboration under the theme “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” with the goal of enhancing multi-stakeholder engagement and driving joint initiatives on key strategic priorities.  

The program will feature five core sub-themes, each addressing a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. “Beyond Cyber Discord: Building trust within geopolitical competition” will examine ways to overcome geopolitical tensions and cultivate trust among nations.  

“Cyber Psychology: Decoding human behaviors in Cyberspace” will explore the motivations of cybercriminals and strategies to protect users from cyber manipulation.  

The sub-theme “Cyber Social Fabric: Strengthening development and inclusion in Cyberspace” will focus on promoting social cohesion and equitable participation in the digital realm.  

Another critical topic, “Thriving Cyber Economy: Developing strong markets and building resilient cyber ecosystems,” will discuss strategies for economic growth and market integration within the cybersecurity sector. Lastly, “New Cyber Frontier: Integrating convergent technologies in Cyberspace” will investigate the impact of advanced technologies on the future of cybersecurity.  

The event builds on the success of previous editions, aiming to promote a collective approach to addressing challenges and opportunities in cyberspace.  

Day One  

The first day will kick off with various expert forums, fireside chats, and closed sessions, starting with the speaker session titled “Pathways to De-escalation: Shared priorities for reducing tensions and advancing stability in Cyberspace.”  

This session will delve into the effects of rising inter-state tensions in cyberspace and highlight opportunities for progress through new diplomatic channels, evolving norms, and emerging technologies.  

Also on the agenda is “Leadership Launchpad: Charting Paths to Leadership in Cybersecurity,” which will focus on strategies to advance mid-to-senior female cybersecurity professionals into executive roles. Additionally, “Ctrl + Invest” will showcase women-led ventures in the cybersecurity space.  

Another significant session, “Pioneering Pathways: Unleashing potential in the Cybersecurity sector,” will examine the diverse economic contributions of the cybersecurity industry in tech-driven markets, addressing its potential amid technological changes and the associated risks and opportunities for ecosystem development.  

“Equipping the Defenders: What law enforcement needs to win” will address the critical needs of law enforcement in tackling online child abuse, talent shortages, future skill requirements, and propose actionable solutions.  

In “Cyber Statecraft: The new chessboard of geopolitics,” participants will discuss strategies to integrate cybersecurity into national defense, enhancing geopolitical advantage and ensuring long-term security.  

“The Multilateral Frontier: Assessing the state of play and imperatives for collective action in cyber diplomacy” will analyze the current state of UN negotiations, emphasizing significant progress while addressing challenges in establishing robust international norms and frameworks for cyber governance.  

“Code, Clicks, and Culture: Social Transformation in the Technological Age” will focus on the social transformations driven by technological advancements and the cultural shifts resulting from increased interconnectedness and technology adoption across demographics.  

Additional panel discussions and closed sessions will also take place throughout the first day.  

Day Two  

The second day will feature in-depth discussions on the economic, political, and defense roles of cybersecurity in the digital era.  

One notable session, “The History of Cyber Diplomacy Future: Drawing insights from collaborative progress on trade, nuclear, and climate,” will explore how trade agreements, nuclear disarmament, and climate negotiations can inform effective strategies for cyber diplomacy.  

In “Principles of Stability: Applying the lessons of the past to the current and future challenges in Cyberspace,” participants will examine challenges through the lens of the Secure Future Initiative, a multiyear program focused on evolving Microsoft’s design, development, and operational standards for security.  

“Navigating the Future: Advancing the Global Cybersecurity Agenda to build confidence in cyberspace” will trace the evolution from the World Summit on the Information Society Action Line 5—which laid the groundwork for trust and security in information and communication technologies—to the establishment of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda. This session will highlight how the principles of Action Line 5 have shaped the ITU’s broader approach to cybersecurity.  

Panels will cover the security of the healthcare sector, strategies for psychological defense against cyberattacks, and the critical role of the sector during mega events. These discussions aim to address specific sector vulnerabilities and broader resilience strategies in the face of evolving cyber threats.  

Child protection in cyberspace  

Concurrent with the GCF Annual Meeting, the Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit will take place on Oct. 2-3 in Riyadh.  

This summit will bring together key stakeholders worldwide to ensure that children are safe and protected in cyberspace. The event is held in collaboration with ITU, UNICEF, GCF, the DQ Institute, and WeProtect Global Alliance.  

“Protecting children online is a shared responsibility,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “With today’s children spending an increasing amount of time online, it is crucial to protect and empower them. The Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit will bring together leaders from all sectors to ensure our youngest users can thrive online.”  

The summit will convene prominent figures from government, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to explore multi-stakeholder collaboration for enhancing child protection in cyberspace. The second day will conclude with a high-level roundtable themed “Advancing Collective Action for Child Protection in Cyberspace.”  

“We must work together to make the Internet a safe place for children to learn, socialize, and express themselves,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This Summit marks an important opportunity to coordinate global efforts to maximize the benefits of digital technology in children’s lives while protecting them from harm.”  

The summit aims to achieve four key objectives: consolidating global efforts and advancing collective action; enhancing the global response to pressing challenges; mitigating emerging threats facing children in cyberspace; and ensuring child protection resonates with the agenda of global decision-makers.  

These objectives align with the goals of the Child Protection in Cyberspace initiative and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 16, and 17 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

“We are gathering in Riyadh because we all recognize that as the risks to children in cyberspace grow in number and complexity, we must collaborate to develop innovative partnerships to advance our collective efforts to protect them,” said Majed Al-Mazyed, governor of Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, speaking on behalf of the GCF Board of Trustees.  

The event will focus on finding pathways toward a safer cyberspace for children, including designing new collaborative approaches and mechanisms to enhance responsiveness to emerging technological threats.  

“What we need today is coordinated, multi-stakeholder collaboration that enhances not only children’s safety and well-being in cyberspace but also their cyber literacy, as our highest priority,” said Yuyhun Park, founder of the DQ Institute.  

A 2022 GCF global report found that 72 percent of children worldwide have experienced at least one type of cyber threat, with the most prevalent being unwanted ads and inappropriate content. Nearly one in five children reported facing bullying or unwanted sexual advances.  

“Child exploitation is an urgent and growing problem. We need to focus on preventing harm and work together for a cyberspace designed to protect children globally from exploitation,” said Iain Drennan, executive director of WeProtect Global Alliance.

Topics: GCF2024 main

Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties

Updated 28 sec ago
Miguel Hadchity
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Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties

Updated 28 sec ago
Miguel Hadchity

RIYADH: The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has announced six key initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while also supporting Yemen’s ongoing economic development.

The initiatives were unveiled during a joint council meeting held in Makkah on Sunday, attended by over 300 Saudi and Yemeni investors, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Abdullah bin Mahfouz, chairman of the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council, which is part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, disclosed that agreements had been made to establish three new Saudi-Yemeni companies.

The first company will focus on renewable energy, with an initial capital investment of $100 million, to generate solar-powered electricity for Yemen.

The second venture will operate in telecommunications, utilizing Starlink satellite networks. The third company will organize exhibitions and conferences in Yemen to promote Saudi products and support the country’s reconstruction efforts, as reported by the Saudi state-owned channel.

In addition to these initiatives, the council has proposed upgrading the infrastructure at border crossings between the two countries, improving logistics services to facilitate smoother trade.

The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Yemen currently stands at SR6.3 billion ($1.6 billion), with Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia accounting for just SR655 million. However, sectors such as mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in Yemen remain largely underdeveloped and present significant growth opportunities.

Among the key recommendations is the establishment of quarantine centers to inspect Yemeni livestock, agricultural products, and seafood, aimed at increasing Yemen’s exports to Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to create “smart food cities” in border regions to bolster food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices through advanced resource management and technology.

Addressing banking and credit challenges is another priority. The council has called for improvements to Yemen’s banking infrastructure, including better collaboration with Saudi banks and the development of Yemen’s exchange sector, to facilitate smoother financial transactions for traders from both countries.

A significant proposal also includes the creation of a Yemeni Investors Club in Saudi Arabia, designed to encourage joint investments and foster business partnerships between the two nations.

Abdulmajid Al-Saadi, co-chairman of the Yemeni Business Council, commended Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms in investment regulations, highlighting that Yemeni capital, estimated at SR18 billion, has increasingly been channeled into Saudi markets. This places Yemen third among foreign investors in the Kingdom.

For over 23 years, the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has played a pivotal role in fostering economic relations between the two countries, organizing forums, identifying trade and investment opportunities, and promoting bilateral business exchanges. The targeted sectors for cooperation include renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, telecommunications, and trade development, in line with regional and global food security challenges.

In 2023, trade between Saudi Arabia and Yemen amounted to SR6.2 billion, with Saudi exports totaling SR5.6 billion, which included dairy products, fuels, and vegetables. Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia reached SR661.9 million, consisting of fruits, seafood, and printed materials.

Saudi Arabia has provided significant financial support to Yemen over the past few decades, including over $50 billion in funding for central bank deposits, government budgets, and development projects.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Yemen

Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents

Updated 19 min 9 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan
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Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents

Updated 19 min 9 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: The real estate market in Riyadh is experiencing significant growth, with rents for Grade A office spaces rising 20.8 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching SR2,131 ($567.31) per sq. meter. This increase reflects the city’s expanding economic activity, driven by both a thriving private sector and ongoing government initiatives aimed at positioning the capital as a global business and investment hub. According to JLL’s latest market analysis, this surge in demand for high-quality office spaces is contributing to a historic low in vacancy rates, which fell to just 1.6 percent in Q3 2024.

The report attributes the rise in office rents to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, particularly the continued growth of the private sector in Riyadh.

The city remains an attractive destination for businesses and investors, with strong demand for Grade A office space in key districts. JLL also highlighted that Northern Riyadh, with its superior accessibility and high-quality developments, is increasingly favored by occupiers, driven by the area's efficient workspaces and ample parking, which help mitigate rising traffic congestion.

In Jeddah, Grade A office rents rose by 11.6 percent year on year, reaching SR1,338 per sq. meter, with a low vacancy rate of 3.7 percent. These trends reflect broader market strength across Saudi Arabia’s key cities.

Hospitality sector thrives

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector continues to see impressive growth, fueled by a combination of high-profile events and the Kingdom’s expanding tourism infrastructure. With events like Riyadh Season and AlUla Season drawing millions of visitors, coupled with the ongoing development of urban infrastructure, the Kingdom is solidifying its status as a leading global leisure and business destination.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism has skyrocketed by 656 percent since 2019, with 17.5 million international visitors arriving in the first seven months of 2024 alone.

This boom in tourism, supported by initiatives such as the streamlined tourist visa system and a growing entertainment sector, has boosted the Kingdom’s appeal as a global leisure destination. In fact, Saudi Arabia has already surpassed its original Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 million visitors and is now aiming for 150 million by 2030.

“The hospitality sector is set for continued expansion, driven by a packed events calendar and a steady influx of religious tourists,” said Saud Al-Sulaimani, country head of JLL Saudi Arabia. “These factors will fuel demand for accommodations and enhance occupancy rates in key cities.”

In Riyadh, the average daily rate for hotels increased by 19 percent year on year in Q3 2024, reaching SR736.3, while revenue per available room saw a 17.1 percent rise to SR440.3. Despite a minor dip in occupancy by 1.2 percentage points, these metrics reflect the growing strength of the hospitality sector. Jeddah, on the other hand, saw a 10.3 percent year-on-year decline in RevPAR, attributed to a 12.1 percent drop in ADR, although occupancy rates rose by 1.4 percentage points. Makkah and Madinah presented mixed trends, with RevPAR declining by 2.9 percent in Makkah, while Madinah saw a slight increase of 1.6 percent.

“Performance metrics in the hospitality sector are expected to improve as we approach the year's end, fueled by key events like the Riyadh and AlUla Seasons, as well as continued religious tourism,” JLL added.

Residential market growth

The residential markets in Riyadh and Jeddah also saw strong performance in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong demand and shifting buyer preferences. In Riyadh, 4,000 new residential units were added in Q3, bringing the total stock to 1.46 million. Jeddah saw even greater growth, with 8,000 new units delivered, increasing its stock to 899,000 units.

Residential property prices in both cities also saw significant increases, with Riyadh experiencing a 12 percent year-on-year rise in sales prices, while Jeddah saw a 6 percent increase.

“This is an exciting time for Saudi Arabia, with unprecedented growth across multiple sectors,” said Al-Sulaimani. “The combination of soaring tourism numbers, rising hospitality revenues, and strong demand for residential properties is creating a dynamic environment that presents immense opportunities for investors and businesses alike.”

He added: “The Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy is evident, and we are excited to see how these developments will shape our future.”

Topics: real estate Riyadh office tourism

Saudi Arabia seeks to establish specialized courts to resolve business disputes 

Updated 45 min 56 sec ago
Nadin Hassan
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Saudi Arabia seeks to establish specialized courts to resolve business disputes 

Updated 45 min 56 sec ago
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to establish specialized courts to address investment disputes, enhance market confidence, and support its Vision 2030 strategy of becoming a global business hub. 

The initiative, revealed through a survey conducted by the Ministry of Investment and shared with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, is aimed at evaluating the need for such judicial bodies across key sectors, Al Arabiya reported. 

These courts are expected to bolster trust in the Kingdom’s legal framework, aligning with its broader legislative and judicial reforms designed to accelerate progress under Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy. 

The specialized courts are part of the strategy’s fourth pillar, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, which seeks to mobilize SR12 trillion ($3.19 trillion) in economic activity through transformative projects, improved infrastructure, and job creation. 

In August, Saudi Arabia announced a major overhaul of its investment laws, reaffirming its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment for global enterprises. 

Revised laws integrate existing commercial rights into a unified framework, prioritizing transparency and simplifying regulatory processes. They offer enhanced protections, including property and intellectual property rights, streamlined registrations, and the establishment of dedicated service centers to expedite government interactions. 

These updates build on previous measures such as the Civil Transactions Law, Private Sector Participation Law, Companies Law, Bankruptcy Law, and the introduction of Special Economic Zones. 

At the time, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih stated that the law underscored Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering a secure and investor-friendly environment, bolstering economic growth, and solidifying the Kingdom’s status as a leading global investment hub.  

He noted that Vision 2030’s policy framework offered investors the confidence and stability needed to thrive, particularly as other markets faced significant volatility. 

The law also seeks to create a competitive market by encouraging fair competition and guaranteeing equal opportunities for both domestic and international investors. 

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia launched its regional headquarters program, offering businesses incentives such as a 30-year exemption from corporate income tax and withholding tax on headquarters activities, along with access to discounts and support services. 

In October, Al-Falih confirmed the success of the initiative, announcing that the Kingdom had attracted 540 international companies to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh, surpassing its 2030 target of 500. 

Topics: Saudi Investment

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Oman launches food security projects to ensure supply, sustainability

Updated 22 December 2024
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
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Oman launches food security projects to ensure supply, sustainability

  • Food security is a top priority for Oman, particularly in light of the increasing risks that climate change poses to global supplies
  • Production will be distributed locally, regionally, and globally to meet increasing demand
Updated 22 December 2024
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

JEDDAH: Oman has launched new food security initiatives, partnering with government entities and the private sector to strengthen supply chain operations and enhance sustainability.

The scheme, announced by the sultanate’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, reflects the Gulf state’s commitment to long-term food security and economic diversification as part of its broader development goals.

Food security is a top priority for Oman, particularly in light of the increasing risks that climate change poses to global supplies. 

The government has launched several initiatives, including the Food Security Strategy 2010-2020, which focuses on three key areas such as managing demand, boosting local production, and ensuring reliable imports, with specific goals to promote sustainable agriculture, rural development, and fisheries.

The country also launched the National Nutrition Strategy 2020-2030, introduced by the Ministry of Health in 2021, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040. The initiative aims to improve nutrition, eliminate malnutrition, and enhance food security, which aligns with the World Health Organization’s Regional Nutrition Strategy.

Oman also unveiled the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy 2040, which aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. To further these goals, the sultanate also launched the Million Date Palm Plantation Project.

Salem bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, the agriculture ministry’s director general of food security, said that these projects include a sugar refining project — the first of its kind in the country, adding that it will be located on an area of 18,000 sq. meters at Sohar Port, with an annual production capacity of approximately 1 million tons, as reported by Oman News Agency.

Al-Ghufaili said that the plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art, European-made production lines, utilizing the latest technological advancements to produce refined sugar of the highest quality from raw sugar. 

He also said the production will be distributed locally, regionally, and globally to meet increasing demand, adding that the project’s rapid progress, with 91 percent completion, is bringing it closer to the final stages.

In a statement to ONA, the director general added that Salalah Mills Co. is currently implementing a food industries center project in the Khazaen Economic City, with an estimated cost of 18.5 million Omani rials ($48.08 million) and a production capacity of around 1.4 million units per day in its first phase.

He added that the initiative includes an industrial bakery, production lines for frozen and semi-cooked pastries, equipment and silos for storing raw materials, and refrigerated and dry storage facilities for products.

Al-Ghufaili said that the undertakings include constructing wheat silos at Sohar Port, increasing storage capacity to 160,000 tons to ensure sufficient supplies for the population.

He also highlighted a new partnership between Khazaen Economic City and Zircon Food Industries Co. to build an integrated industrial complex for filtering, sorting, and packaging rice, sugar, and spices, along with large-scale food storage units.

He stressed the ministry’s efforts to secure essential foodstuffs and storage to ensure availability during emergencies while maintaining price stability and shielding the market from fluctuations caused by global economic crises. 

The ministry also strategically stockpiles key items such as rice, wheat, and sugar, as well as lentils, powdered milk, cooking oil, and tea.

Topics: Oman oman economy food security

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UAE’s AD Ports Group doubles credit facility to $2.13bn

Updated 22 December 2024
Nour El-Shaeri
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UAE’s AD Ports Group doubles credit facility to $2.13bn

Updated 22 December 2024
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ports Group has successfully refinanced and more than doubled its revolving credit facility from $1 billion to $2.13 billion. The move extends the facility’s maturity from 2026 to 2028, with an option for further extension until 2030.

This expansion is aimed at optimizing financing costs by improving interest margins and securing long-term liquidity. The facility, which is denominated in both Emirati dirhams and US dollars, has garnered significant interest from a diverse group of local, regional, European, Asian, and international banks. As a result, the facility was oversubscribed by more than 2.5 times.

The bank syndicate backing AD Ports Group has expanded from nine to 18 financial institutions, reflecting growing confidence in the company’s financial health and strategic direction.

“The overwhelming interest in our new RCF and the resulting oversubscription underscore the confidence that the banking community has in AD Ports Group’s robust financial health and strategic direction,” said Martin Aarup, chief financial officer of AD Ports Group.

“This refinancing initiative will optimize our financing costs, strengthen liquidity, and provide enhanced flexibility to support the company’s growth plans in the short and medium term. Additionally, the extended maturity of the facility will enable better financial planning.”

AD Ports Group holds strong investment-grade ratings of “AA-” with a stable outlook from Fitch, and A1 with a stable outlook from Moody’s.

In mid-December, AD Ports Group appointed Egypt’s Hassan Allam Construction, a subsidiary of Hassan Allam Holding, to develop the infrastructure for the Noatum Ports-Safaga Terminal in Egypt.

This terminal, located on the Red Sea coast, will be the first internationally operated port facility in Upper Egypt. Spanning approximately 810,000 sq. meters, the terminal will handle an annual capacity of 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of container cargo, 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, and 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk.

The Safaga Terminal is a key part of AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to invest in major infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and strengthen its international market position.

In the same month, AD Ports Group also inaugurated the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a new $843 million (3.1 billion dirham) container terminal. The launch ceremony was led by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The terminal is operated by a joint venture between CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals, which holds a 70 percent stake, and AD Ports Group, with a 30 percent share.

During the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was also signed to enhance maritime training in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The CMA CGM Group will support cadet placements and training through the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

Topics: UAE Abu Dhabi port credit

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