Riyadh, December 24, 2024 — In a significant step towards enhancing regional cybersecurity collaboration, Saudi Arabia has officially signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, designating Riyadh as the permanent headquarters for the council. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the council, which commenced on Monday in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This milestone represents a major advancement in Saudi Arabia’s vision to strengthen Arab cooperation in the digital realm, particularly in cybersecurity.
The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, established on Saudi Arabia’s proposal, brings together Arab ministers responsible for cybersecurity affairs from across the Arab world. The council operates under the umbrella of the Arab League, and its formation is a direct response to the growing need for a coordinated regional effort to tackle cyber threats and enhance digital security in an increasingly interconnected world. By hosting the council’s headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a central player in the Arab world’s cybersecurity strategy, further consolidating its role as a leader in both regional and global digital policy.
This agreement also extends to the council’s affiliated bodies, including the general secretariat and the executive office, which will all be based in Riyadh. The council’s core mission is to formulate policies, develop cybersecurity strategies, and set priorities that promote enhanced cooperation among Arab states in addressing the evolving digital challenges. As the digital landscape rapidly changes, the council will work to ensure a unified response to cybersecurity issues that impact the region, including those related to security, economic development, legislation, and the growing threat of cyberattacks.
The council will play a critical role in the Arab world’s cybersecurity agenda, focusing on approving joint cybersecurity plans and ensuring the effective implementation of endorsed policies and strategies. This includes a comprehensive approach to addressing various challenges in the digital sphere, ranging from technical issues to broader economic and legislative concerns. Through this collaborative effort, the council aims to build a resilient cyber defense infrastructure for Arab nations and ensure the region’s digital sovereignty in the face of emerging global cyber threats.
With Riyadh now firmly established as the council’s headquarters, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing cybersecurity not only within its borders but across the Arab world. The agreement also reflects the Kingdom’s long-term goal to foster regional unity in the fight against cybercrime and other digital risks, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of stability, development, and security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The establishment of the council and its headquarters in Riyadh marks the beginning of a new chapter in Arab cybersecurity cooperation, with the Kingdom at the forefront of shaping regional digital policies and practices.