Why Saudi Capital City Leads Global Cybersecurity Rankings in 2025

Saudi capital city Riyadh has emerged as the world's leading cybersecurity hub in 2025, marking a remarkable transformation from its traditional oil-based economy to a digital powerhouse. This achievement reflects years of strategic investment, visionary leadership, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks implemented across the Kingdom. Notably, Riyadh's rise to prominence follows its tier 1 classification in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index and top ranking in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook for digital security measures. Behind this success lies a deliberate national strategy championed by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Vision 2030. Furthermore, the establishment of robust institutions like the National Cybersecurity Authority has created an ecosystem where digital innovation thrives alongside stringent security protocols. This article examines how Riyadh achieved its cybersecurity leadership position, the frameworks supporting this success, and what other nations can learn from Saudi Arabia's approach to digital security in an increasingly connected world.

Visionary Leadership Behind Riyadh’s Cybersecurity Success

The strategic vision that propelled Riyadh to cybersecurity excellence began at the highest levels of Saudi leadership. The transformation of the saudi capital city into a global digital security powerhouse represents the culmination of deliberate policy decisions and unwavering commitment from the Kingdom's top leadership.

The role of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's reign, Saudi Arabia embraced digital transformation as a cornerstone of national development. However, it was Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who spearheaded the cybersecurity revolution, recognizing early that digital protection would be as vital to national security as traditional defense measures. In 2017, the Crown Prince established the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) through Royal Decree, elevating cybersecurity to unprecedented prominence in government priorities. This decisive action positioned the saudi capital city as the command center for digital security operations throughout the Kingdom. The Crown Prince personally oversaw several key initiatives, including the establishment of specialized cybersecurity units within government agencies and the development of rapid response capabilities to counter emerging threats. Additionally, he championed significant budget allocations for cybersecurity infrastructure, recognizing that investment in this domain would yield substantial returns for national security and economic development. Perhaps most significantly, the leadership adopted a holistic approach to cybersecurity governance. Rather than treating digital security as merely a technical issue, they integrated it into broader national policy frameworks. This whole-of-government strategy ensured that cybersecurity considerations influenced decisions across sectors, from healthcare to finance to critical infrastructure protection.

Cybersecurity as a national priority under Vision 2030

The ambitious Vision 2030 blueprint, first unveiled in 2016, explicitly identified cybersecurity as a pillar of Saudi Arabia's future prosperity. Consequently, the saudi capital city became the focal point for implementing this vision through concrete policies and investments. Vision 2030 recognizes digital security as both a necessity and an opportunity. On one hand, protecting digital assets and information systems is essential for the Kingdom's national security and economic stability. On the other hand, developing cybersecurity expertise creates high-value jobs and potentially lucrative export opportunities in cybersecurity products and services. The leadership ensured that cybersecurity featured prominently in several Vision 2030 programs. For instance, the National Transformation Program allocated substantial resources to building digital resilience across government agencies. Meanwhile, the Quality of Life Program incorporated cybersecurity measures to protect citizens' privacy and digital rights. To accelerate implementation, the government created specialized entities like the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), which focuses on developing local talent and fostering innovation in digital security. These institutions, headquartered in the saudi capital city, work in concert to execute the leadership's vision. The leadership also recognized that cybersecurity excellence requires international cooperation. Therefore, they directed diplomatic efforts toward establishing partnerships with global leaders in digital security, including signing bilateral agreements with countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore for information sharing and joint training. Through these coordinated efforts, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman transformed cybersecurity from a technical concern into a national priority that permeates all aspects of Saudi Arabia's development strategy. Their visionary leadership laid the foundation for Riyadh's current status as the world's leading cybersecurity hub.

The Role of the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)

At the heart of the saudi capital city's cybersecurity transformation stands the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), established in 2017 through a Royal Decree that directly links it to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This strategic positioning underscores the Kingdom's commitment to elevating cybersecurity as a fundamental national priority.

Mandate and responsibilities of the NCA

The NCA serves as "the national authority in charge of cybersecurity in the Kingdom, and the national reference in all its affairs". Its primary mission revolves around strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect vital state interests, national security, critical infrastructures, and government services. In essence, the NCA's mandate encompasses extensive responsibilities that shape the Kingdom's entire cybersecurity landscape. These include:

Drafting and implementing the national cybersecurity strategy

Establishing comprehensive cybersecurity policies, frameworks, standards, and directives

Identifying and classifying critical infrastructure and priority sectors

Managing cybersecurity risks and response frameworks

Operating national cybersecurity operation centers for surveillance and analysis

Regulating information sharing between various agencies and sectors

Supporting cybersecurity crime investigations

Building national capacities through education and training programs

Additionally, the NCA oversees encryption policies, licenses cybersecurity activities, represents Saudi Arabia in international forums, and stimulates growth in the cybersecurity sector. This comprehensive approach ensures that all digital assets within the saudi capital city and beyond receive appropriate protection against emerging threats.

Partnership with Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE)

Central to the NCA's operational effectiveness is its strategic partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), which functions as the authority's technical arm. This collaboration has proven instrumental in implementing numerous high-impact initiatives. During 2022, the NCA and SITE jointly launched the Cybersecurity Accelerator program, designed to foster local innovation. This initiative provides financial support exceeding 6.5 million riyals to participating startups, alongside 500+ hours of expert guidance in areas such as finance, marketing, product development, and investment. The partnership extends to major international events as well. SITE served as a strategic partner when the NCA organized the first session of the Global Cybersecurity Forum, establishing the saudi capital city as a hub for global cybersecurity discourse. More recently, both organizations collaborated on the 'Cybersecurity Research and Innovation Pioneers Grants Initiative,' part of the broader National Program for Research, Development, and Innovation in Cybersecurity. This program focuses on eight priority areas, including NextGen Cyber Defense, AI x Cyber, and Quantum Security.

Building a secure and resilient digital infrastructure

The NCA recognizes that "an integrated and secure national digital infrastructure is one of the most important drivers of growth and prosperity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia". Accordingly, the authority has developed robust frameworks to protect this critical foundation. Among these frameworks, the Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC) stand out as particularly significant. Introduced in 2018, the ECC establishes minimum cybersecurity requirements for national organizations. All government entities must implement these controls as mandated by Royal Decree 57231, creating a uniform security baseline across the saudi capital city's digital ecosystem. For specialized environments, the NCA has developed targeted controls such as the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Controls (OTCC), which address the unique challenges of Industrial Control Systems. These measures reflect the NCA's nuanced understanding of various technological domains. Beyond regulatory frameworks, the NCA provides practical security services through national cybersecurity operation centers. These facilities offer real-time monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities that safeguard the Kingdom's digital assets. This proactive approach has positioned the saudi capital city as a model for cybersecurity excellence on the global stage.

Strategic Frameworks and Regulations Driving Progress

Underpinning the saudi capital city's cybersecurity dominance are robust regulatory frameworks and standards that establish clear guidelines for digital security across all sectors. These comprehensive structures serve as the backbone of Saudi Arabia's thriving cybersecurity ecosystem.

Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC)

The National Cybersecurity Authority developed the Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC) in 2018 to establish minimum cybersecurity requirements for organizations throughout the Kingdom. This framework consists of 5 main cybersecurity domains, 29 subdomains, and 114 specific controls linked to national and international regulatory requirements. Initially applicable to government organizations and entities owning Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), the ECC framework has since become a cornerstone of the saudi capital city's cybersecurity architecture. As confirmed by Royal Decree 57231, "all government organizations must improve their cybersecurity level to protect their networks, systems and data, and comply with NCA's policies, framework, standards, controls and guidelines". The ECC framework aligns perfectly with Vision 2030's digital transformation goals, balancing security requirements with innovation needs. In 2024, an updated version (ECC-2) was released to address emerging threats, expand its scope, and enhance alignment with international standards.

SAMA Cybersecurity Framework

Alongside the ECC, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority established its own Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) specifically for the financial sector. This framework requires all banks and financial institutions to reach a minimum maturity level 3 across all requirements. The CSF implementation follows a structured approach requiring financial institutions to:

Conduct in-depth assessments of their current cybersecurity status

Develop comprehensive roadmaps for meeting requirements

Secure board approval and support

Submit quarterly progress reports to SAMA

Subsequently, SAMA raised the bar by requiring banks to achieve maturity level 4 for critical components like Cyber Security Event Management and Vulnerability Management by 2022.

Policies, standards, and compliance mechanisms

The Saudi capital city's cybersecurity framework incorporates three fundamental pillars: governance, people, and technology. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive protection across organizational structures. The compliance landscape includes several key mechanisms:

Regular self-assessments and periodic independent audits

Cybersecurity risk management methodologies and processes

Vulnerability management requirements for identifying and remediating weaknesses

Comprehensive policies covering identity management, data protection, and asset management

Through these structured frameworks, Saudi Arabia has created a consistent, measurable approach to cybersecurity excellence, enabling the saudi capital city to achieve its current global leadership position in digital security.

Global Recognition and Role-Modeling Status

The remarkable investments in cybersecurity have earned the saudi capital city international acclaim, positioning it as a global leader in digital defense excellence. Beyond regional dominance, Riyadh now stands as a worldwide role model for cyber resilience and strategic digital protection.

IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook ranking

The saudi capital city secured and maintained the top position in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook's cybersecurity indicator for 2025. This prestigious recognition comes from the International Institute for Management Development, a Swiss-based organization that publishes an annual report benchmarking the performance of 63 countries based on 340 criteria measuring different facets of competitiveness. Riyadh's consistent performance underscores its commitment to excellence in the digital security domain. This achievement reflects a sustained pattern of improvement rather than a one-time success. Indeed, the saudi capital city has demonstrated year-over-year progress across various international indicators, establishing a clear trajectory of cybersecurity advancement that other nations now seek to emulate.

Tier 1 classification in ITU Global Cybersecurity Index

Equally impressive, Saudi Arabia secured the highest ranking in the United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, with the International Telecommunication Union classifying it as Tier 1 – "Role-modeling" among more than 190 member states. This elite designation represents the pinnacle of cybersecurity excellence on the global stage. Remarkably, the Kingdom achieved a perfect overall GCI score of 100/100, securing the maximum 20 out of 20 points across all five pillars: legal measures, organizational measures, cooperation measures, capacity development measures, and technical measures. This flawless performance is unprecedented and firmly establishes the saudi capital city as the gold standard for cybersecurity frameworks.

Saudi Arabia as a global benchmark in cybersecurity

The saudi capital city's cybersecurity model has become a blueprint for nations worldwide. At its core, this model balances centralized governance with operational flexibility through "centralization of cyber governance at the national level, including assessment, response, and national capacity building, and the decentralization of operations entrusted to national entities". In fact, the saudi capital city now serves as the focal point for international cybersecurity collaboration, with the NCA acting as the national reference point for all digital security matters. This position enables Riyadh to influence global standards and best practices while fostering international partnerships. Moreover, the successful implementation of this model has yielded tangible results beyond rankings, including "enhancing national cybersecurity and technical sovereignty and enhancing information sharing in international cooperation". These outcomes demonstrate that the saudi capital city's approach delivers real-world security benefits applicable across diverse national contexts.

Innovation, Localization, and International Cooperation

Beyond establishing regulatory frameworks, the saudi capital city builds its cybersecurity leadership through strategic talent development and innovation initiatives. This multi-faceted approach ensures sustainable digital security excellence through both domestic capacity building and international engagement.

Fostering local talent and technology

Talent development stands as a cornerstone of the saudi capital city's cybersecurity strategy. In December 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched the Cybersecurity Skills Council in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Authority. This council addresses skills gaps between market demands and educational offerings while developing reference frameworks for the national workforce. Presently, Saudi Arabia boasts approximately 19,600 cybersecurity professionals, with women comprising a remarkable 32% of this workforce. Additionally, the CyberIC Program aims to empower more than 13,000 beneficiaries through specialized training and education.

Encouraging cybersecurity innovation and investment

The saudi capital city actively stimulates cybersecurity innovation through targeted programs. With this aim, the National Program for Research, Development, and Innovation funds researchers, experts, and students developing cutting-edge solutions. The program focuses on eight priority areas, including AI x Cyber, Quantum Security, and NextGen Cyber Defense. Simultaneously, the Cybersecurity Accelerator empowers promising national companies and startups, providing both guidance and financial resources.

Strengthening global partnerships and information sharing

Essentially, the saudi capital city recognizes that cyber threats transcend borders. Apart from domestic initiatives, Saudi Arabia actively fosters international collaborations through knowledge-sharing platforms and strategic partnerships. These efforts position the Kingdom as both a beneficiary and contributor to global cybersecurity excellence.

Conclusion

Riyadh's ascent to global cybersecurity leadership represents a remarkable achievement that extends far beyond mere rankings or recognition. Through strategic vision, institutional excellence, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks, the saudi capital city has transformed itself into a digital fortress while simultaneously fostering innovation. This balanced approach demonstrates how security measures can enhance rather than hinder technological progress. The success story begins with leadership commitment at the highest levels. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recognized cybersecurity as both a national security imperative and an economic opportunity within Vision 2030. Their foresight established the necessary foundations for excellence through institutions like the National Cybersecurity Authority. Regulatory frameworks stand as another crucial component of this achievement. The Essential Cybersecurity Controls and SAMA frameworks created standardized security baselines across sectors, ensuring consistent protection throughout the Kingdom's digital ecosystem. These structures proved that clear guidelines actually enable rather than restrict digital growth. Saudi Arabia also understood that technology without talent remains ineffective. Consequently, programs like the Cybersecurity Skills Council and CyberIC initiative developed human capabilities alongside technical infrastructure. The impressive 32% female representation in the cybersecurity workforce further demonstrates the inclusive nature of this development. Global leadership requires international engagement as well. The saudi capital city actively pursued cross-border partnerships, recognizing that cyber threats ignore national boundaries. This collaborative mindset positioned Riyadh as both a contributor to and beneficiary of worldwide cybersecurity knowledge. Other nations certainly have much to learn from this comprehensive approach. Riyadh demonstrates that cybersecurity excellence demands coordination across government, industry, and educational sectors. Additionally, its balanced model of centralized governance with operational flexibility offers a blueprint adaptable to various national contexts. Riyadh's cybersecurity journey showcases a powerful truth: digital security serves as an enabler rather than an obstacle to innovation and progress. This philosophy underpins the saudi capital city's remarkable transformation from traditional economy to digital powerhouse, establishing a model others will undoubtedly study for years to come.