The launch of the programme will help certify 500 CISOs by 2030, equipping them with critical leadership, technical, and business skills for a 360-degree development approach to address the Kingdom’s evolving cybersecurity needs
CISO500 helps Saudi CISOs navigate risks, drive innovation, and protect critical infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030 and digital transformation.
February 10, 2025; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In collaboration with sirar by stc, PwC Middle East have launched the CISO500 certification programme, an innovative initiative aimed at developing Saudi Arabia’s next generation of cybersecurity leaders. This partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on equipping executive-level cybersecurity professionals to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation and safeguard critical infrastructure.
The CISO500 programme is set to certify 500 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) by 2030, equipping them with the technical, leadership, and business skills needed to tackle cybersecurity, privacy, and resilience challenges while positioning them as strategic enablers of digital transformation. By merging global best practices with Saudi Arabia’s local regulations, the programme will address a critical gap in executive cybersecurity training, while empowering local talent to lead the protection of the Kingdom’s digital future.
As cybersecurity threats grow in complexity, the CISO500 programme provides next-generation insights into technologies, risk management, and regulatory frameworks. Designed to enhance cross-organizational communication, the programme positions cybersecurity as a trusted business partner. Additionally, participants will develop strategic leadership skills that can improve team retention, recruitment, and motivation. Strengthening financial acumen for better cybersecurity investment and cost management will also be key focus, alongside self-assessments to identify leadership strengths and areas for growth.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital growth, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, energy, and smart cities, cybersecurity has become a strategic priority to protect critical infrastructure and ensure resilience in support of Vision 2030.
Strengthening Saudi’s cybersecurity future
Speaking on the significance of the launch Yasser Alswailem, CEO of sirar by stc, said: “The CISO500 program is a key initiative in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity leadership amid rapid digital transformation. Developed in partnership between sirar by stc and PwC Middle East, it aims to cultivate top cybersecurity professionals to protect critical infrastructure, counter emerging threats, and drive innovation.
Through specialized program, mentorship and hands-on experience, participants will gain advanced skills to bolster Saudi Arabia’s cyber resilience. As part of Vision 2030, CISO500 plays a vital role in building a sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem, ensuring businesses are prepared for evolving cyber threats.”
Empowering cybersecurity leaders for the next decade
The CISO500 programme delivers a customized curriculum that integrates global cybersecurity standards with Saudi Arabia’s local regulations, including NCA guidelines and the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). Available in both English and Arabic, the programme enables CISOs to navigate risks, foster innovation, and enhance regulatory compliance, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity leadership goals.
Commenting on the programme, Samer Omar, PwC Middle East Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Leader, said: “The CISO’s role is evolving beyond traditional cybersecurity to driving innovation, managing risk, and building trust. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation, the PwC CISO500 programme will equip leaders with the necessary tools, expertise, and regulatory insights to manage emerging threats and thrive in a dynamic landscape.”
Shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity landscape
Beyond professional development, this programme will play a long-term role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity landscape over the next decade. By training a new generation of cybersecurity executives, CISO500 will help organizations across the Kingdom build resilient security frameworks, enhance digital trust, and position cybersecurity as a strategic enabler for economic growth. This initiative not only strengthens Saudi’s cybersecurity talent pipeline but also contributes to the country’s broader digital transformation goals by ensuring cybersecurity remains at the core of national innovation and infrastructure development.
Faisal Alsarraj Deputy Country Leader Saudi Arabia PwC at PwC Middle East added: “This programme is a powerful platform that connects alumni with global CISOs, fostering insight exchange, driving cybersecurity evolution, and celebrating national excellence with awards and recognition.”
As Saudi accelerates its digital transformation, critical sectors, finance, energy, healthcare, and smart cities, require cybersecurity leaders who can (anticipate, adapt, act.) along with ensuring Saudi’s cybersecurity landscape is always led from within.
PwC and sirar by stc further look to enhance collaboration and increase Digital Trust posture for our clients. PwC brings in global & business expertise and decades of consulting experience, sirar by stc brings in resilience capabilities, regulatory knowledge and local context of KSA. Together this collaboration will enable end-to-end (from strategy to design to execution to operations) experience for the market across cybersecurity, resilience and privacy areas.
For additional information, please visit [PwC Website Link]
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Established in the Middle East for over 40 years, PwC Middle East has 30 offices across 12 countries in the region with around 12,000 people. (www.pwc.com/me).
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About sirar by stc
sirar by stc is a leading cybersecurity provider that empowers organizations to take control of their cyber capabilities and digital environments. As experts in business security and privacy, sirar offer a comprehensive range of solutions that help organizations from the public and private sectors to operate online safely and efficiently. The tools provided by the company also help detect, monitor and prevent cyberattacks, and provide protection and security.
With the aim to meet the increasing demand in the Saudi cybersecurity market, sirar offers a wide range of solutions and services that aligns with the latest trends in the global cyberthreat landscape, this approach is attended to uphold the highest standards of cybersecurity and secure sensitive data, which actively contributes to the establishment of a safe and sustainable digital environment.
