Saudi authority carries out cybersecurity drill in Switzerland
Saudi authority carries out cybersecurity drill in Switzerland/node/2387651/saudi-arabia
Saudi authority carries out cybersecurity drill in Switzerland
The authority stated that this exercise comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support global cooperation in cybersecurity. (National Cybersecurity Authority)
Saudi authority carries out cybersecurity drill in Switzerland
Updated 08 October 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority held a drill to raise the level of readiness and enable the exchange of information in the field of cybersecurity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The CyberDrill, which took place at the International Telecommunication Union headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland as part of the ITU Learning Labs initiative for staff experiential training, was attended by the secretary-general, senior directors, and staff of the ITU, the UN’s specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
The drill introduced a realistic simulation of cyberattacks to enable participants to better understand their impact on a conference and determine an appropriate course of action to ensure business continuity.
A specialized platform was built, hosted and operated in cooperation with the Saudi Information Technology Co., through which the drills and scenarios were developed to simulate the latest methods used in cyberattacks.
The platform also provided strategies for how to combat threats.
The training built on the success of a previous CyberDrill carried out in May on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society 2023, with the participation of over 40 countries and organizations from around the world.
The authority stated that this exercise comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support global cooperation in cybersecurity.
Next generation REEV hybrid cars debut at Riyadh’s EV Auto Show
With the introduction of these next-generation REEV vehicles, the Kingdom continues to move closer to its Vision 2030 goals of promoting cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced transportation solutions tailored to local needs
Updated 29 October 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Saudi automotive market is welcoming a new generation of hybrid vehicles equipped with advanced Range-Extended Electric Vehicle technology.
Although this technology has previously been introduced in the Kingdom, the latest models showcased at the EV Auto Show Riyadh 2025 feature significant upgrades in efficiency, performance, and driving range.
Among the standout participants was Rox Motors, a fast-growing Chinese automaker that unveiled its latest hybrid model — the Adamas — featuring an evolved version of REEV technology.
Ahmed Al-Obaidi, CEO of Rox KSA, explained that the system combines the practicality of traditional fuel with the efficiency of electric power.
“Our REEV technology allows gasoline to generate electricity directly,” Al-Obaidi said. “Part of the fuel powers a generator that charges the battery, while another portion goes into the extender, which increases the electric output and provides power to the car.
“This hybrid approach is a fast way to combine electric and gas technology — ideal for the Saudi market.”
Al-Obaidi added that while REEV technology is not entirely new to Saudi Arabia, Rox’s version introduces smarter energy conversion systems and faster charging efficiency, giving drivers better performance in both city and long-distance driving conditions.
The company expects its hybrid vehicles to find strong demand locally, especially as Saudi consumers transition toward sustainable mobility solutions.
Another highlight of the show came from Icaur, a sub-brand under Chery Group, which revealed its new V27 model — also built on the latest REEV platform. George Xi, Icaur’s country director in Saudi Arabia, said the car offers an impressive 800 km of driving range and reduces fuel consumption by nearly half compared with conventional engines.
“Pure battery EVs are not always ideal for high-temperature environments,” Xi explained. “Our REEV technology provides a better solution for the Saudi market — longer range, lower oil use, and reliable performance even in extreme weather.”
Muhammad Daniyal Khan, head of brand and marketing for Saudi Arabia at Icaur, elaborated that the V27 operates using two motors — one that converts gasoline into electricity to charge the battery and another that drives the car using that stored energy. The result is a smooth, quiet, and powerful driving experience with minimal reliance on external charging infrastructure.
Icaur also announced that the V27 will officially launch in February 2026, with online pre-orders opening by the end of November. Customers will be able to reserve their cars directly through the company’s website, with deliveries scheduled following the official release.
The participation of Rox Motors and Icaur at this year’s EV Auto Show reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global shift toward hybrid and electric mobility.
With the introduction of these next-generation REEV vehicles, the Kingdom continues to move closer to its Vision 2030 goals of promoting cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced transportation solutions tailored to local needs.
Saudi crown prince, FIFA president review sports cooperation
2 sides discuss how to develop opportunities in Kingdom
Gianni Infantino spoke earlier at ninth Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh
Updated 29 October 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reviewed areas of sports cooperation with Gianni Infantino, the president of the International Federation of Association Football, known as FIFA, in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The two sides discussed how to develop sports opportunities in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, Public Investment Fund Gov. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Royal Court Adviser Abdulaziz Tarabzouni, and Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal attended the meeting.
Infantino spoke earlier on Tuesday at the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference.
“Every panelist shared the sentiment that football is a magic instrument that immediately makes you smile and brings people and communities closer,” he wrote on his Instagram page.
Saudi Arabia is the host country of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
After a separate meeting on Monday with Prince Abdulaziz, Al-Misehal, and Adwa Al-Arifi, the assistant minister at the Ministry of Sport, Infantino wrote on Instagram that the parties discussed how “sport can grow in the Kingdom and create new ways for people here to be united through their love of football.”
Finland seeks stronger role in Saudi Vision 2030 transformation, Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto tells Arab News
Finland’s minister of economic affairs says giga-projects and Expo 2030 offer vast untapped potential for Finnish innovation and technology
On the fringes of FII, Sakari Puisto says Kingdom’s transformation aligns closely with Finnish expertise in sustainability and circular economy
Updated 29 October 2025
LAMA AL-HAMAWI
RIYADH: Finland sees untapped potential in commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia, according to the European country’s Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the 9th Future Investment Initiative, the minister referenced numerous giga-projects and Expo 2030 as areas of interest.
Puisto highlighted that Finnish firms have consistently been present in the Kingdom for many years, explaining that most recently Kone — a company specializing in elevators — won the bid for the Jeddah Tower.
“We have had good business relations with Finnish companies being in Saudi Arabia for a long time,” Puisto told Arab News, adding that “there is a lot of untapped commercial potential.”
Puisto made his first visit to the Kingdom to speak on a ministerial panel during FII9, and he also planned to hold multiple sideline meetings to strengthen Saudi-Finnish cooperation, meeting with the ministers of commerce, industry, energy, sports, economy and planning.
Discussing bilateral ties and historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Finland, Puisto described how the two countries have had long-standing diplomatic relations, adding that there is room to increase cooperation, especially under Vision 2030 projects.
“We see a lot of potential here with Vision 2030 by his Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and that is all of the projects associated with that for instance, Neom, Expo 2030,” Puisto detailed.
As a part of his visit, the minister visited the Expo 2030 offices, commenting: “It was a very, very welcoming, open experience. We were there this morning and met with the leadership, and they showed the master plan.”
He added: “First of all, it’s very impressive, like the districts how they planned it. And they are not only planning for the expo itself, but also transforming it afterward into a global village.”
Sakari Puisto with Arab News’ Lama Al-Hamawi. (AN Photo)
The event will provide many “possibilities for tech solutions, for instance, how to manage the private network, the waste management, or like showcasing for the future technologies, recycling, environmentally friendly technologies,” the minister said.
“They were very open for the discussions, and I think we impressed them with our company portfolio,” he added.
Reflecting on his perception of the Kingdom, Puisto said: “I remember in the previous session, my first session in the parliament, I realized that there’s a lot of things going on in Saudi Arabia and lots of modernization. Saudi Arabia is having a huge urban development.”
Promoting Finnish businesses where he sees areas of potential collaboration is one of his commitments, and he said Saudi Arabia is “certainly one of the top, top picks” in this regard.
The minister also highlighted the various tech solutions offered by Finnish companies, setting out how they could help Saudi Arabia.
“Today, I met with the Expo leadership, and they said that Expo 2030 foresight is essential, because it’s five years from now, essentially. So, much of the technology of today will be outdated by then. So, they need to look forward,” he said, adding: “I think we have a good sort of business opportunities there.”
During a reception held in the embassy in honor of the minister’s visit, Ambassador of Finland to Saudi Arabia Anu-Eerika Viljanen delivered the opening remarks highlighting the areas of commercial cooperation between the two countries.
“Our strengths complement one another so nicely. Finland’s expertise in sectors such as innovation, technology, and circular economy meets Saudi Arabia’s bold and forward-looking Vision 2030,” Viljanen told Arab News.
“It is a vision that aligns closely also with Finland’s aspirations, and I am proud to say that Finland and Finnish companies eagerly continue to partner with you and contribute to the success of your country,” the ambassador added.
President Ahmad Al-Sharaa discusses Syria’s economic recovery with Saudi ministers
Al-Sharaa to speak at ninth Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh
He held meetings with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif
Updated 28 October 2025
Arab News
LONDON: President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan explored ways to enhance and develop cooperation across various fields during a meeting in Riyadh.
Al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to participate in the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference, which runs until Thursday and gathers world leaders and ministers.
The two parties also discussed opportunities for economic cooperation in the energy, industry, infrastructure, and technology sectors, as Syria aspires to achieve economic stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, and Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, the Saudi minister of state and member of the Council of Ministers, attended the meeting.
In a separate meeting, Al-Sharaa discussed various aspects of security collaboration, economic cooperation, and regional and international development with Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.
He also met Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, along with Al-Shaibani and the Syrian Minister of Economy Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar, to discuss investment, development, and reconstruction partnerships with Saudi Arabia, as well as efforts to support Syria’s economic recovery.
Al-Sharaa is to speak at the FII9 conference and meet representatives from international investment firms to discuss cooperation and regional economic growth.
The official visit includes discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Launched in 2017, the FII — often referred to as “Davos in the Desert” — has become a key platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.
This year’s event, which runs until Oct. 30, brings together global policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders to discuss trends shaping the world economy and explore partnerships across emerging industries.
Experts gather to raise awareness of the role of museums in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Culture, represented by the commission, is currently preparing to open the Black Gold Museum
Updated 29 October 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Museums Commission recently held a virtual meeting titled “Black Gold Museum: Connecting Art, Heritage, History, and Sustainable Development,” featuring several experts.
The meeting was part of a series of cultural discussions to raise public awareness of the role of museums in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The meeting featured Majid Al-Moneef, chairman of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics; Jack Persekian, director of the Black Gold Museum; and artist Ahmed Mater. The session was moderated by Atiyah Al-Rajhi.
Discussions covered the establishment of the Black Gold Museum and its role in showcasing the evolution of the oil industry and its impact on societies and the environment.
The Ministry of Culture, represented by the commission, is currently preparing to open the Black Gold Museum. It will be the first such facility dedicated to presenting how the industry has affected the lives of people.
Speakers noted that petroleum has played a key role in human progress and the development of modern civilization. They emphasized the museum’s role in documenting this history.
The Black Gold Museum will offer an experience that explores the Second Industrial Revolution through art.
Visitors will explore the stages of oil discovery, its connection to human life, and role in improving living standards, the SPA reported.
Participants also discussed the museum’s role in promoting cultural and environmental awareness about oil, and highlighted plans for education and research projects.
They stressed the importance of collaboration among cultural and research institutions and the private sector, including the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center.
The initiative “aligns with the commission’s strategy to enhance the role of regional museums as community institutions,” the SPA reported.
The aim is to connect “the past with the present and fostering cultural interaction to strengthen national identity and build a vibrant cultural future for the Kingdom.”
