SITE: Balancing Digital Security with AI Investment

The Public Investment Fund-owned SITE is getting ready to introduce the first digital security solution in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its dedication to competing globally in the cybersecurity market.

A key pillar in making sure that investments in digital security yield positive returns for the nation—whether through job creation, the promotion of innovation and development, or other advantages—is SITE and other domestic businesses.

In this post, we will go into further detail.

SITE is Launching the First Saudi Digital Security Product

The Saudi company SITE is preparing to launch the first Saudi product in digital security, emphasising that cybersecurity requires global collaboration and expertise. This initiative aims to foster genuine partnerships through innovation and knowledge transfer, rather than solely relying on foreign technologies.

“Rakeen” and “Metras,” two of these products, are designed to defend systems and devices against cyberattacks. In a market traditionally dominated by global corporations such as Norton and McAfee, this action signifies the beginning of independence.

According to Wael Fattouh, Executive Vice President of Advisory Services at SITE, the country’s cybersecurity industry is expanding quickly thanks to strategic initiatives from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the government, which is in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives.

Moreover, the cybersecurity market in the region is worth approximately 15 billion riyals, with Fattouh indicating that this is merely the initial phase. He expressed concerns about investment stability due to over-reliance on foreign companies and the lack of national sovereign entities.

Cybersecurity features numerous growing specialisations with profitable returns of 30% to 40%. To remain competitive, academic credentials should be enhanced with professional certifications. SITE is advancing this trend through training initiatives with the National Cybersecurity Authority.

The organisation has trained thousands of experts across various levels, from students to researchers in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum science. The Saudi government supports these efforts by providing programmes and resources to foster industry growth and equip interested individuals for future challenges.

Saudi Arabia aims to elevate its businesses to international prominence by adopting a strategy similar to Samsung’s rise from local in South Korea to global success. This approach focuses on protecting the domestic business sector and fostering reliance on local solutions.

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SITE Invests in AI to Strengthen Cybersecurity

Organisationally and operationally, Saudi Arabia is becoming more mature in its handling of cybersecurity issues. It has evolved into a crucial component of governance for both public and commercial organisations, pushing domestic businesses to create better solutions. While it is not possible to avoid every cyberattack, artificial intelligence can lower the risks and expenses by detecting them faster.

Significant changes have occurred in the Kingdom’s cybersecurity landscape since 2017. Understanding the nature of cyber threats and the possible losses from successful attacks has improved thanks to an integrated system, including the controls put in place by the National Cybersecurity Authority, and growing maturity among public and commercial organisations. SITE Saudi Arabia is now making investments to improve cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia through the application of artificial intelligence.

Despite impending dangers, the Saudi Arabian cybersecurity market has grown rapidly and now has a value of over 15 billion riyals. The complexity, techniques, and technology employed in cyberattacks are always changing, and these attacks are increasingly being automated through the use of artificial intelligence.

Consequently, SITE is making investments in artificial intelligence to improve cybersecurity capabilities, whether in managed services and direct-to-customer products or in assessment, monitoring, and response services.

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Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2025 got underway in Riyadh with the subject “Scaling Cohesive Advancement in Cyberspace.” To create a safe and dependable cyberspace that supports economic progress, societal prosperity, and the improvement of individual security and state stability, the forum aims to foster worldwide discussion.

The event covered common goals, including strengthening international integration in the face of swift change, enabling the cyber economy to attain all-encompassing prosperity, and maximising cooperative efforts to establish a cyberspace that enhances the potential of people and society.

Overcoming global inequities, creating a new idea for the cyber economy, encouraging social inclusion in cyberspace, and investigating special prospects in the cyberspace landscape were among the main topics of the forum’s fifth edition.

The forum confirmed that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of cybersecurity. The Kingdom launched various steps to increase cyber awareness worldwide and organised this conference, which brings together key international organisations and global experts.

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