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Global Cybersecurity Forum launches major initiatives to strengthen online resilience and child protection

Global Cybersecurity Forum launches major initiatives to strengthen online resilience and child protection
Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority Majed Al-Mazyed. AN
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Updated 02 October 2024

Global Cybersecurity Forum launches major initiatives to strengthen online resilience and child protection

Global Cybersecurity Forum launches major initiatives to strengthen online resilience and child protection

RIYADH: A center for bolstering economic resilience against online threats and a new child protection initiative were among the announcements at the opening of the Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh.

In his opening speech at the two-day event, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority Majed Al-Mazyed emphasized the event’s focus on advancing collective action and the roadmap set by previous editions of the forum. 

He highlighted the GCF’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure digital world, saying: “The GCF activities and partnerships embody this year’s theme: advancing collective action in cyberspace, building on the road map established in previous editions, and setting the direction for the UN.” 

The Center for Cyber Economics is a global initiative by the GCF created in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. 

This center aims to empower decision-makers across public and private sectors with insights into how to tackle cyber threats, and it will also develop models to quantify the economic impacts of cyber activities, foster an ecosystem for knowledge sharing, and ensure that cybersecurity remains central to economic growth, particularly in promoting inclusivity in the digital economy.

Al-Mazyed also underlined the forum’s role in launching new projects that address vital issues in cyberspace, from economic resilience to child safety.

This includes the Child Protection in Cyberspace initiative, which focuses on safeguarding children in the digital world.

The forum aims to introduce a “child safe” label for tech products, educational content for parents, and a centralized reporting platform to combat cybercrimes against children.

A significant collaboration with UNICEF will see the launch of a global program spanning over 30 countries, contributing to safer cyberspace for youth. This initiative will also develop the CPC Index, a comprehensive measure of child protection in cyberspace, in partnership with Digital Intelligence Quotient. 

Further strengthening global cybersecurity efforts, the forum unveiled the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative. 

This effort aims to broaden the talent pool in the sector by encouraging young girls to pursue STEM education while also addressing gender stereotypes in the cybersecurity profession. 

The WEC initiative will support progressive recruitment policies and mentorship programs, empowering women to take on leadership roles in the industry.

These developments reflect ֱ’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the cybersecurity space, in line with its Vision 2030 goals. 

The Kingdom has invested heavily in technology and online safety, recognizing the vital role a secure digital infrastructure plays in economic diversification. 

As Al-Mazyed highlighted during the opening ceremony, the forum is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and ensuring a unified, secure global cyberspace.


Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand

Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand
Updated 21 August 2025

Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand

Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand

TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended gains on Thursday, bolstered by signs of strong demand in the US, with uncertainty over efforts to end the war in Ukraine also lending support.

Brent crude futures hit a two-week high in early trade and were up 41 cents, or 0.61 percent, to $67.25 a barrel at 9:37 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 45 cents, or 0.72 percent, to $63.16 a barrel.

Both contracts climbed over 1 percent in the prior session.

US crude inventories fell by 6 million barrels last week to 420.7 million barrels, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, against expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.8 million-barrel draw.

Gasoline stocks dropped by 2.7 million barrels, versus expectations for a 915,000-barrel draw, the EIA said, indicating steady driving demand during the summer travel season. That was also seen in a jump in the four-week average for jet fuel consumption to its highest since 2019.

“Crude oil prices rebounded as signs of strong demand in the US boosted sentiment,” Daniel Hynes, senior commodity strategist at ANZ, said in a note on Thursday.

Hynes cautioned, though, that some “bearish sentiment remains evident as traders continue to monitor negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Traders and analysts expect oil prices to fall once a peace deal is reached, but any continued lack of concrete progress in negotiations could underpin the market.

As US and European military planners began exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia said on Wednesday that attempts to resolve security issues without Moscow’s participation were a “road to nowhere.”

The drawn-out efforts to secure peace in Ukraine mean Western sanctions on Russian oil supply remain in place, and that the possibility of tougher sanctions and more tariffs on Russian oil buyers still hangs over the market.

Russia, meanwhile, remains adamant it will keep providing crude to willing buyers, with Russian diplomats in India saying the country expects to continue supplying oil to India despite warnings from the United States.

US President Donald Trump has announced an additional tariff of 25 percent on Indian goods from August 27 because of their Russian crude purchases. The EU has also sanctioned Indian private refiner Nayara Energy, which is backed by Russian oil company Rosneft.

Indian refiners initially backed off buying Russian oil but company officials at state-run Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum have bought Russian crude for September and October delivery, resuming purchases after discounts widened. 


ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
Updated 20 August 2025

ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
  • Shoura Island will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts
  • Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is progressing rapidly

RIYADH: ֱ’s Red Sea Global is considering a range of alternative financing options in the near future, including an initial public offering or converting assets into real estate investment trusts, according to its chief executive officer.

Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, John Pagano said no final decisions have been made, but emphasized the company’s focus on leveraging current momentum, with resorts now operational and more hotel openings expected this year.

Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, EDITION, and Raffles.

Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is also progressing rapidly, with core infrastructure complete and its first hotels nearing launch, Pagano said.

Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company’s third destination.

Red Sea Global has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, he said.

Amaala is set to open by year-end and will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie. The destination aims to deliver experiences centered on healing, exploration, and renewal.


Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector
Updated 20 August 2025

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

RIYADH: ֱ’s imports of Japanese matcha skyrocketed by nearly 900 percent in 2023 to 81,000 kilograms at a value at SR9 million ($2.40 million), up from just 9,000 kilograms in 2022, highlighting the rapid expansion of the drink’s market presence across the Kingdom.

The momentum continued into 2024, with imports totaling 46,000 kilograms worth SR7 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand and the growing role of matcha in the Kingdom’s cafe sector, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cafes are capitalizing on the trend, with Jon & Vinny’s in Riyadh reporting weekend sales of 350 matcha cups per branch, making up 22 percent of beverage revenues, according to Al-Eqtisadiah.

The cafe uses a premium Japanese blend priced at SR1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, Pro 92 Cafe said matcha lattes alone contribute 10.5 percent of total sales, consuming over 150 kilograms of matcha monthly across branches.

The broader green tea category — which includes matcha — accounted for SR74 million in Saudi imports in 2024, totaling 2.3 million kilograms. In comparison, 2023 saw 2.5 million kilograms imported at a value of SR79 million, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cups of matcha are sold at prices ranging from SR16 to SR29, depending on the outlet. This price variation has spurred a growing home-preparation market, with local Instagram-based businesses selling matcha kits priced between SR110 and SR180.

Driven by health-conscious consumers and youth interest in Japanese culture, matcha is carving out a permanent share in the Kingdom’s beverage landscape.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
Updated 20 August 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
  • MSCI Tadawul Index fell 0.02%, to close at 1,406.62
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 0.52% to end at 26,629.95

RIYADH: ֱ’s Tadawul All Share Index edged down on Wednesday, slipping 3.64 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 10,878.07. 

The benchmark’s total trading turnover stood at SR4.21 billion ($1.12 billion), with 95 stocks advancing and 148 declined. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index also dipped, falling 0.24 points, or 0.02 percent, to 1,406.62. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 139.91 points, or 0.52 percent, to close at 26,629.95, as 35 stocks advanced and 55 retreated. 

Thimar Development Holding Co. was the session’s top performer, rising 4.47 percent to SR41.10. 

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. climbed 3.4 percent to SR45.64, and Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu gained 2.41 percent to SR40.80. 

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund recorded the steepest drop, falling 4.50 percent to SR8.06. Retal Urban Development Co. declined 3.95 percent to SR13.14, while Zamil Industrial Investment Co. slipped 2.94 percent to SR37.66. 

In corporate announcements, Sama Healthy Water Factory Co. reported a 27.19 percent decline in first-half 2025 net profit to SR3.51 million, compared with SR4.82 million a year earlier. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company attributed the fall mainly to unrealized foreign exchange losses, though it said core operational profit rose 23 percent on the back of higher sales and improved margins following the integration of a new raw material production line. 

Its share price fell 1.29 percent to SR2.29.  

View United Real Estate Development Co. posted a 132.11 percent increase in net profit for the first half of the year, reaching SR9.97 million versus SR4.30 million in the same period last year. 

The company cited a 104.77 percent jump in revenue, driven by stronger performance across most business segments, alongside the positive impact of off-plan and land sales, according to a Tadawul statement. 

Its shares, however, slipped 0.95 percent to SR6.24. 

Al Rashid Industrial Co. registered a 22.88 percent rise in first-half net profit to SR21.47 million, compared with SR17.47 million in the previous year. 

The company said the increase reflected stronger top-line performance and a 21.78 percent jump in gross operating profit, highlighting improved efficiency. 

Its stock advanced 9.18 percent to SR53.50. 


PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
Updated 20 August 2025

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
  • Program aims to create pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet PIF’s investment needs
  • It will offer tailored training at competitive costs

JEDDAH: ֱ’s Public Investment Fund launched a strategic program designed to build skills, address labor market needs, and support economic diversification to boost national talent. 

The “azm” workforce development program was unveiled at a signing ceremony attended by Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, alongside partners from the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., Colleges of Excellence, Human Resources Development Fund, and Roshn Group. 

The launch underscores PIF’s role in advancing Vision 2030, ֱ’s plan to transition to a knowledge-based economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. 

In a post on its official X account, PIF said it launched “the ‘azm’ program to empower national talents and equip them with the expertise and skills required by the labor market, thereby contributing to building a stronger and more diverse national economy, through a signing ceremony that included the program’s partners.” 

According to the sovereign wealth fund, azm aims to create a pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet the needs of PIF’s investments, portfolio companies, and ecosystem partners. It focuses on employer-driven skill development, with 80 percent of training based on hands-on, real-world applications. 

Under the program, PIF signed memoranda of understanding with TVTC and the Colleges of Excellence to manage and deliver training. The agreements cover curriculum development, contracting with local and international providers, overseeing registration and evaluation, and operating training facilities. 

“Future cooperation between Colleges of Excellence and the fund includes launching an academic entity under the azm program to serve as a specialized training body in developing technical and professional skills for Saudi youth,” the Colleges of Excellence posted on its X account.

The fund said azm will offer tailored training at competitive costs, apply rigorous learner selection, and provide financial incentives to cover tuition. Employers partnering with the program will gain access to a job-ready Saudi workforce trained to their specifications. 

PIF said azm leverages its existing experience in delivering training across portfolio companies and taps into a broad network of local and international providers. It also benefits from strong ties with accreditation bodies and access to government funding mechanisms for workforce development.