Riyadh – Against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced digital transformation, the IDC Security Roadshow 2025 returned to Riyadh this week with resounding success. Hosted on July 23 under the theme “Securing the Future: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Crisis-Ready Cyberdefense,” the event welcomed over 150 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers from across the Kingdom.
The gathering spotlighted the Kingdom’s evolving cyber landscape amidst its Vision 2030 aspirations, offering critical insights on securing next-gen infrastructure through AI, quantum-resilient strategies, and zero trust principles.
“Saudi Arabia is embracing a future powered by innovation, and cybersecurity is at the core of enabling that vision,” said Shilpi Handa, IDC’s associate research director for security and trust in the Middle East and Africa. “The conversations at this year’s roadshow reaffirm the urgent need for resilient, AI-driven, and agile cyber strategies across sectors. With national investments growing and CISOs seeking greater threat visibility and automation, IDC is proud to facilitate platforms where transformation meets trusted defense.”
The event’s agenda featured thought-provoking keynotes and interactive sessions covering a wide range of cybersecurity themes — from AI-driven threat detection, zero trust frameworks, and software supply chain security to breach and attack simulation, human risk management in cybersecurity, and remote access risk mitigation.
The day concluded with two high-impact end-user panel discussions. The first, “AI Security Playbook: Actionable Insights for CISOs,” provided essential guidance on managing emerging threats, modernizing incident response, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. The second, “Outcome-Based Security: Balancing Compliance and Budgets,” explored the need to prioritize cybersecurity investments, demonstrate ROI to stakeholders, and ensure that financial limitations do not compromise security postures.
“We are very grateful for the participation of the respected security leaders who shared their expert insights throughout the event,” said Handa. “As the cybersecurity landscape becomes more volatile, the IDC Security Roadshow continues to serve as a vital convergence point for regional leaders to explore best practices, learn from real-world applications, and forge strategic partnerships for a secure digital future.”
The following regional security leaders spoke at this year’s roadshow in Riyadh:
• Majid Bin Sawad, Cybersecurity Director, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON)
• Alaa Khalid, Director of Cybersecurity Operations and Governance, Risk, and Compliance, Saudi Arabian Mining Company (MAADEN)
• Nasser AlGhamdi, General Manager, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)
• Salem Alammari, Cybersecurity Director, Ardara
• Abdulaziz Alruwieshed, Director of Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Audit
• Abdulkarim Alsowaygh, Cybersecurity Director
• Bader Alasoos, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity, Mobily
For more information about this event, please contact Sheila Manek at smanek@idc.com or on +971 4 446 3154. Alternatively, you can visit the event’s website by clicking here.
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For the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa region, IDC retains a coordinated network of offices in Riyadh, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Cairo, and Istanbul, with a regional center in Dubai. Our coverage couples local insights with international perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of markets in these dynamic regions. Our market intelligence services are unparalleled in depth, consistency, scope, and accuracy. IDC MEA currently fields over 130 analysts, consultants, and conference associates across the region. To learn more about IDC MEA, please visit www.idc.com/mea. You can follow IDC MEA on Twitter at @IDCMEA.