11 Dec Black Hat 2025 says Vision 2030 driving rapid cybersecurity growth

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving a rapid growth in cybersecurity across the Middle East and North Africa, as the Kingdom’s large-scale digital projects become some of the most advanced in the world.

At the Black Hat MEA conference in Riyadh, Pete Harteveld, CEO of cybersecurity firm Exabeam, said that success in Saudi Arabia requires more than technology.

He went on to explain that companies need to build trust, work closely with local partners and understand the country’s unique needs.

“The Innovation Center is a focal point for regional engagement, for prospects, customers, partners and even university students. It’s about education, collaboration and innovation in a space tailored to the local market,” said Harteveld.

Saudi Arabia is adopting new technologies faster than traditional training cycles can keep up, making the development of local cyber skills a priority. Exabeam has focused on AI-driven tools that can integrate with existing security systems, rather than replacing them, offering a cost-effective and practical approach for organisations.

The company reported 21 per cent growth in Saudi Arabia from 2024 to 2025 and expects similar growth in 2026.

Harteveld said that most of Exabeam’s regional business comes through local partners, highlighting the importance of community engagement across sales, support and training.

Exabeam has recently opened a Customer Innovation Center in Riyadh to support its initiatives. This centre showcases AI-based cybersecurity solutions for IT, operational technology, and connected devices.

Additionally, it serves as a hub for education and collaboration among customers, partners, and university students.

Across the region, security teams are increasingly using AI to manage hybrid cloud and on-premise environments, improving efficiency and response times.

Experts say Saudi Arabia’s approach offers a model for other countries in MENA, showing how investment in technology, local partnerships and skills development can protect a rapidly digitalising economy.

This could be something Africa can use as a blueprint.