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Riyadh to host UN's first cybersecurity office
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Technology

Riyadh to host UN's first cybersecurity office

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Riyadh has been selected to host the first cybersecurity office of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), highlighting Saudi Arabia's global leadership in the sector.
  • The new office will focus on capacity building, policy development, and joint research to advance global cybersecurity, aligning with Saudi Arabia's initiative to build cyber capacities.
  • Saudi Arabia's leading position in cybersecurity is further evidenced by its top global ranking in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 and designation as a "Role Model" by the ITU.

Riyadh will host the inaugural cybersecurity office for the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a move that underscores Saudi Arabia's prominent role in global cybersecurity efforts. This selection acknowledges the Kingdom's successful national, regional, and international cybersecurity strategies.

the selection reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to promoting international cooperation and joint action in cybersecurity.

— Musaed Al AibanMinister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the NCA Board of Directors, commenting on the significance of Riyadh hosting the UNITAR office.

The UNITAR office in Riyadh is set to drive initiatives in capacity building, policy formulation, and collaborative research and development. Its work will aim to enhance the skills of various beneficiaries and specialists, contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity worldwide. These objectives directly support Saudi Arabia's Global Initiative for Building Cyber Capacities, which involves partnerships with the UN and its agencies.

the decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s leading position in the strategic sector and the achievements of its cybersecurity model since the establishment of the NCA as the country’s competent authority and national reference body for cybersecurity.

— Musaed Al AibanHighlighting Saudi Arabia's achievements in cybersecurity.

Musaed Al Aiban, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), credited the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Kingdom's commitment to international cooperation in cybersecurity. He stated that the decision reflects Saudi Arabia's strategic standing and the achievements of its cybersecurity model since the NCA's establishment.

Saudi Arabia has established a strong track record in supporting strategic cybersecurity initiatives, further cementing its standing as a preferred destination for international organizations and institutions.

— Musaed Al AibanEmphasizing Saudi Arabia's role in international cybersecurity.

Majed Al Mazyed, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, pointed to Saudi Arabia's consistent high performance in global cybersecurity benchmarks. The Kingdom maintained its top global ranking in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 and was recognized as a "Role Model" by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024. These accolades reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a preferred hub for international cybersecurity organizations.

the UN’s decision further reflects Saudi Arabia’s internationally recognized leadership in cybersecurity, as evidenced by a range of global benchmarks.

— Majed Al MazyedGovernor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, commenting on the UN's choice.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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