Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia has solidified its leadership in cybersecurity by signing a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, officially designating Riyadh as the council's permanent home.

The agreement, finalized during the council’s inaugural regular session in Riyadh, also extends to its affiliated entities, including the general secretariat and executive office.

The Kingdom, represented by Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, chaired this landmark session. Attendees included senior cybersecurity officials from Arab League member states and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his opening address, Al-Mazyed emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening Arab collective security. He highlighted that the Kingdom’s initiative to propose the council’s establishment aligns with its principles of fostering regional cooperation and bolstering collective resilience against cybersecurity threats.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers was formed following a Saudi proposal and operates under the Arab League's umbrella. It serves as a collaborative platform for Arab ministers overseeing cybersecurity. The council's core responsibilities include formulating policies, crafting strategies, and prioritizing initiatives to enhance joint cybersecurity efforts across the region.

In addition to addressing cybersecurity issues spanning security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects, the council is tasked with approving and implementing plans that align with its endorsed strategies and policies.

As part of its inaugural session, the council appointed Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as its secretary-general for a five-year term, further solidifying its governance structure and future direction.