CISO500 Leaders Certified by PwC & sirar
PwC Middle East and sirar by stc have celebrated a significant achievement with the successful certification of the first cohort of CISO500 leaders. This pivotal five-day intensive training program marks a major step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity capabilities and developing top-tier executive cyber talent, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital security landscape.
The CISO500 Programme: Forging Future Cyber Sentinels
Launched at LEAP 2025, the CISO500 programme reflects a profound commitment by PwC Middle East and sirar by stc to advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through robust cyber leadership. The ambitious initiative aims to develop 500 highly skilled Saudi CISOs, the future CISO500 leaders, over a period of five years. This strategic development will significantly strengthen the Kingdom’s cyber defences and critically support workforce nationalisation efforts. Participants in the programme receive internationally recognised certification from PwC Middle East. They also benefit from advanced technical training and strategic leadership development, all meticulously aligned with the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Inaugural Cohort: The First Wave of CISO500 Leaders
The first group of 19 Saudi nationals, rigorously selected from an impressive pool of over 1,000 applicants, proudly represent the inaugural wave of CISO500 leaders. These dedicated professionals hail from some of the Kingdom’s most strategically significant organisations. Their representation spans key sectors including tourism and hospitality, technology, defence, banking, entertainment and culture. Also included are infrastructure and energy, education, health, and real estate. Participants universally found the programme highly valuable and directly relevant to their evolving professional needs. Their active involvement ensures the skills and knowledge gained will bolster a wide array of national initiatives and drive forward the Kingdom’s long-term transformation agenda.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Modern Cybersecurity Challenges
Over five intensive days, these aspiring cyber leaders engaged in immersive workshops and practical, hands-on scenarios. The curriculum covered critical areas essential for modern cybersecurity executives. These included strategic planning, compliance frameworks, navigating digital transformations, and understanding the impact of AI and emerging technologies. Further modules focused on building robust cyber resilience, implementing effective risk management, and mastering strategic governance. A key emphasis of the training was the CISO’s evolving role. This highlighted the transition from a purely technical cybersecurity expert to a vital business enabler crucial for powering the national agenda. This comprehensive training is vital for shaping effective leadership.
Expert Guidance and Building the CISO500 Leaders Network
The programme’s impact was significantly amplified by the practical, real-world experience shared by senior leadership from both organisations. They contributed over 100 hours of invaluable training and insights. Additionally, Directors and Senior Managers provided 150 hours of guidance, while Managers and Senior Consultants added over 300 hours. This extensive hands-on approach ensured the content was not only highly relevant but also deeply rooted in the real-world challenges these professionals face daily. 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.” Yasser Alswailem, CEO of sirar by stc, added, “Through this initiative, we contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership in a secure digital future.” This collaborative expert input is fundamental to nurturing the burgeoning network of CISO500 leaders. For more insights into national cyber strategies, you can consult resources like the official KSA National Cybersecurity Authority website.
Mentorship: Growing Saudi Arabia’s Future Cyber Expertise
A unique and forward-thinking aspect of the CISO500 programme is its profound commitment to long-term knowledge transfer and sustainability. Each graduate from this distinguished first cohort of CISO500 leaders will take on the role of mentoring future participants. This innovative approach creates a resilient, self-sustaining leadership network. It is designed to consistently enhance cyber maturity across the entire Kingdom. By directly addressing the national talent gap, where the demand for skilled cyber leaders continues to grow rapidly, the programme helps build the essential leadership capacity required for a secure and prosperous digital future. Saudi Arabia currently has an estimated 19,600 cybersecurity professionals, with women impressively making up 32% of this vital workforce. Discover more about our commitment to national talent development.
Conclusion
The successful certification of the first cohort of CISO500 leaders by PwC Middle East and sirar by stc is a landmark achievement. It underscores a shared dedication to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to fortify its cybersecurity landscape, fully in line with the transformative goals of Vision 2030. By equipping local professionals with advanced skills and strategic capabilities, the CISO500 programme is instrumental in building a more resilient, trusted, and future-ready digital ecosystem for the Kingdom.
Explore how such pioneering initiatives are shaping the next generation of cyber leadership in Saudi Arabia.
