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Securing the Future: Artificial Intelligence,Quantum Computing, and the Crisis-Ready Cyber Defense
Overview
Overview
Amid Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity has emerged as a cornerstone of national progress. The Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda emphasizes the importance of a secure digital infrastructure to support its economic diversification and technological advancements. The Saudi government has launched several initiatives, such as the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the establishment of cybersecurity centers of excellence, to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the protection of sensitive data. These efforts underscore the crucial role of cybersecurity in enabling a resilient and trustworthy digital ecosystem, essential for driving innovation and maintaining public confidence in the digital services that are integral to the nation’s future.
Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, while offering immense opportunities, also introduces significant cyberthreats that must be addressed. As the nation advances technologically, 59% of Saudi CISOs are preparing to increase their security budgets this year, with a particular focus on user identity management, reflecting its critical importance in safeguarding digital assets. Regulatory imperatives are the primary drivers of these security investments, underscoring the government’s commitment to a secure digital future. Despite these proactive measures, 53% of CISOs express concerns about their organization’s ability to detect and respond to insider threats in a timely manner. This highlights a crucial gap in current cybersecurity strategies, necessitating more robust and comprehensive approaches. To stay ahead of AI-driven threats, it is imperative for Saudi organizations to overhaul their cybersecurity strategies, integrating AI-driven technologies for enhanced threat detection, response, and prevention. By doing so, they can fortify their defenses, protect critical infrastructure, and support the nation’s ambitious digital transformation goals.
The Saudi Arabia edition of the IDC CISO Roundtable 2025 will bring together a distinguished group of cybersecurity experts, influential analysts, industry thought leaders, international speakers, and leading solution providers. This premier event will delve into the critical role of cybersecurity in securing enterprises across the region. Attendees will gain crucial insights into the latest cybersecurity trends, challenges, and innovations, learning how to adapt to an increasingly complex threat landscape by implementing advanced security measures.
Why Attend
- Networking with Local Experts & Peers: Connect with cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders within Saudi Arabia, fostering valuable local partnerships and knowledge exchange.
- Expert Guidance on Future-Proof Security Strategies: Gain actionable insights and strategic advice from leading cybersecurity experts on how to adapt and future-proof your organization’s defenses against evolving threats, including those related to AI and quantum computing.
- Understanding Regulatory Compliance: Learn about the latest cybersecurity regulations, frameworks, and compliance requirements specific to Saudi Arabia
- Access to Local Solution Providers: Discover and evaluate cybersecurity solutions and services offered by local and international vendors tailored to the needs of organizations operating in Saudi Arabia.
- Focus on Vision 2030 and Digital Transformation: Understand how cybersecurity plays a critical role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 and its rapid digital transformation initiatives, which present unique security considerations.
Agenda
Wednesday – October 15, 2025
IDC CISO Roundtable 2025
One day event
Registration, Tea/Coffee & Networking
Welcome Address
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Empowering CISOs: Trends in Cybersecurity
This session will cover the latest cybersecurity trends, , including network, cloud, and AI-security investments. It will highlight the growing emphasis on compliance, talent localization, and automation, with providers showcasing AI-powered SOCs and specialized solutions for regulated sectors. The consensus is clear: CISOs are now strategic architects, shaping secure, resilient, and compliant digital futures for the Kingdom.
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Protecting Critical Infrastructure from the Rise of AI-Borne Threats
AI is revolutionizing industries, but it’s also empowering threat actors with sophisticated tools to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. This session explores the dangers of AI-borne threats and how they’re capable of evading traditional defenses. Join OPSWAT experts as they delve into real-world scenarios highlighting the dangers of AI-driven attacks and the unique challenges they pose to IT and OT environments. Discover emerging strategies, technologies, and best practices for fortifying your defenses, ensuring your organization remains resilient against these unprecedented threats in the age of AI. Don’t just adapt—stay one step ahead.
James Neilson
Senior Vice President, International, OPSWAT
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Agentic AI in Identity Security
Khaled Abu Samra
Solutions Engineer, BeyondTrust
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
AI Resilience in Action: From AI-Driven Threats to AI-Driven Defense
Mohammad Flaifel
Regional Sales Director, Group-IB
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Security and Resilience Frameworks
Address the specific challenges of protecting critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, healthcare, and transportation, from sophisticated cyber threats and attacks.
Mohamed Abo-ElEzz
Senior Solutions Principle, Dell Technologies
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Tea/Coffee & Networking
Reimagining Security for the Modern Enterprise
Security strategy has evolved dramatically — shaped by the pre-pandemic era, the pandemic, and now the acceleration of AI and quantum. Today, organizations must move beyond static controls to adopt a more adaptive and business-aligned approach. This session will focus on three core pillars of a modern security strategy — agility, resilience, and optimization — and how each helps security leaders anticipate change, respond faster, and realize measurable value. The discussion will conclude with key takeaways on the benefits and outcomes of this evolved model.
Niraj Mathur
Managing Director, Protiviti Middle East Member Firm
CISO Panel Discussion: Navigating Regulatory Compliance with Confidence
This discussion will focus on how CISOs can effectively manage the complexities of regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing environment. Panelists will share insights on interpreting new regulations, implementing compliance controls, and fostering a culture of accountability. The session will also address the role of automation and continuous monitoring in maintaining compliance, and how to prepare for audits and regulatory reviews with confidence.
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Abdul Qadir Yousuf
VP Operational Risk and Security, Tiqmo
Eng. Mohamed Ujaimi
CISO, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
Abdullah Alharthi
CISO, University of Bisha
Muhammad Anum Saleem
Legal Director, AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International)
Workshop: Back to the Future – Time Travelling CISO
Step into the shoes of a time-traveling CISO as we simulate the challenge of managing cybersecurity budgets in 2010 vs. 2025. This interactive session explores how evolving threat landscapes, regulatory pressures, and business priorities have reshaped security decision-making. Participants will experience the stark contrast between the reactive, perimeter-focused spending of 2010 and today’s complex mix of cloud security, AI-driven threats, zero trust, and compliance mandates.
Through real-world scenarios, the session highlights how modern CISOs must juggle risk, regulation, and resilience—balancing innovation with fiscal discipline in an era where every dollar must defend digital trust.
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Mega Raffle Announcement
Dinner & Networking
Speakers
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META)
IDC
Read Bio
Shilpi Handa
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 8:00 pm | Location:
Workshop: Back to the Future – Time Travelling CISO
Step into the shoes of a time-traveling CISO as we simulate the challenge of managing cybersecurity budgets in 2010 vs. 2025. This interactive session explores how evolving threat landscapes, regulatory pressures, and business priorities have reshaped security decision-making. Participants will experience the stark contrast between the reactive, perimeter-focused spending of 2010 and today’s complex mix of cloud security, AI-driven threats, zero trust, and compliance mandates.
Through real-world scenarios, the session highlights how modern CISOs must juggle risk, regulation, and resilience—balancing innovation with fiscal discipline in an era where every dollar must defend digital trust.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:30 pm | Location:
CISO Panel Discussion: Navigating Regulatory Compliance with Confidence
This discussion will focus on how CISOs can effectively manage the complexities of regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing environment. Panelists will share insights on interpreting new regulations, implementing compliance controls, and fostering a culture of accountability. The session will also address the role of automation and continuous monitoring in maintaining compliance, and how to prepare for audits and regulatory reviews with confidence.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 5:50 pm | Location:
Empowering CISOs: Trends in Cybersecurity
This session will cover the latest cybersecurity trends, , including network, cloud, and AI-security investments. It will highlight the growing emphasis on compliance, talent localization, and automation, with providers showcasing AI-powered SOCs and specialized solutions for regulated sectors. The consensus is clear: CISOs are now strategic architects, shaping secure, resilient, and compliant digital futures for the Kingdom.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 5:45 pm | Location:
Welcome Address
Partners
Opswat
For the past 20 years, OPSWAT has been a global leader in cybersecurity, specializing in IT, operational technology, and critical infrastructure protection. Through continuous innovation, OPSWAT has developed a comprehensive end-to-end solutions platform that provides public and private sector organizations with the critical tools needed to safeguard complex networks, ensure compliance, and secure files. OPSWAT’s solutions are designed to safeguard critical infrastructure, protect valuable digital assets, and preserve the continuity of operations across diverse industries.
BeyondTrust
Venue
Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh District, 3478 North Ring Road Exit 4 Al Ghadeer, Riyadh
A premium five-star property in Al Ghadeer, offering upscale accommodations, dining, and wellness facilities. Ideally situated near King Abdullah Financial District with convenient access to King Khalid International Airport.
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