PwC Middle East and sirar by stc certify first cohort of CISO500 leaders, redefining cyber leadership in Saudi Arabia

 PwC Middle East and sirar by stc have successfully concluded the first cohort of training for the CISO500 programme, an exclusive initiative designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity capabilities. This five-day intensive training marks a significant milestone in the programme’s mission to support the Kingdom’s efforts in enhancing cybersecurity leadership and developing executive-level cyber talent.

Launched at LEAP 2025, it reflects a shared commitment to advancing Vision 2030 through cyber leadership. The programme aims to develop 500 highly skilled Saudi CISOs over five years, strengthening the Kingdom’s cyber defences and advancing workforce nationalisation. Participants receive internationally recognised certification from PwC Middle East, along with advanced technical training and strategic leadership development, aligned with the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

The cohorts, consisting of 19 Saudi nationals selected from over 1,000 applicants, included cybersecurity professionals from some of the Kingdom’s most strategically significant organisations.

Participants, drawn from key sectors including tourism and hospitality, technology, defence, banking, entertainment and culture, infrastructure and energy, education, health, and real estate, felt that the programme was both highly valuable and closely aligned with their professional needs. Their involvement in these critical industries shows how the skills and knowledge gained will support a wide range of the Kingdom's initiatives and sectors, driving forward its long-term transformation agenda.

Over five days, participants engaged in immersive workshops and hands-on scenarios covering strategy, compliance, digital transformations, AI and emerging technology, cyber resilience, risk management, and strategic governance among others. The programme highlighted the CISO’s evolving role from a cybersecurity leader to a business enabler powering the national agenda.

Leveraging practical, real-world experience from senior leadership, who contributed over 100 hours of training and insights. In addition, Directors and Senior Managers provided 150 hours, while Managers and Senior Consultants added over 300 hours. This hands-on guidance ensured the content was not only highly relevant but also rooted in the real-world challenges faced by these professionals.

Samer Omar, Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Leader at PwC Middle East, commented: "Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue, it’s central to national progress. As Saudi Arabia transforms, the CISO500 programme is enabling a new generation of leaders to manage risk, drive resilience, and protect value. This is about building trusted leadership at the heart of the Kingdom’s digital future.”

The initiative supports cross-organisational knowledge exchange and positions cybersecurity professionals as key enablers of national and business resilience. The curriculum blends theory with application, empowering participants to protect infrastructure and drive innovation across sectors.

Yasser Alswailem, CEO of sirar by stc, added: "Through this initiative, we contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership in a secure digital future and support the goals of Vision 2030 in building national capabilities. Our collaboration with PwC Middle East reflects our commitment to advancing cybersecurity standards by empowering leaders and sharing knowledge in line with global best practices."

Each graduate will mentor future cohorts, creating a self-sustaining leadership network that enhances cyber maturity across the Kingdom. By directly addressing the national talent gap, where demand for cyber leaders continues to grow, the programme helps build the leadership capacity needed for a secure digital future. Saudi Arabia currently has an estimated 19,600 cybersecurity professionals, with women making up 32% of the workforce.

The programme reflects a shared commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen its cybersecurity landscape. By equipping local professionals with advanced skills and strategic capabilities, the programme contributes to building a more resilient, trusted, and future-ready digital ecosystem, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.