A growing focus on cybersecurity, expected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 18.33% by 2029, is complemented by Saudi Arabia’s flagship smart city projects, including Neom, which integrates AI, IoT, and renewable energy technologies. Cisco is actively supporting these initiatives through cutting-edge solutions that connect, protect, and optimize digital infrastructure across sectors.

Cisco AI Defense offers comprehensive security across all stages of AI development and deployment, providing unmatched network visibility and control. Its Hypershield architecture powers AI-scale data centers and cloud systems, ensuring a secure foundation for innovation, smart cities, and AI-driven enterprises throughout Saudi Arabia.

Collaborations with leading organizations, such as stc, have strengthened cybersecurity by increasing coverage by up to 95% and reducing incident response times from eight hours to one hour. Cisco’s platform-based solutions, including Security Cloud and Extended Detection and Response, empower businesses to adopt AI responsibly and safely, enhancing resilience against evolving cyber threats.

AI integration is creating transformative opportunities in healthcare, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and predictive care, while allowing professionals to focus on high-value human-centric tasks. In education, AI enhances learning experiences while preserving essential teaching elements, and in urban development, AI supports IoT-powered smart cities that deliver connected and sustainable living.

Cisco is committed to fostering homegrown talent through initiatives like the Cisco Networking Academy, which has trained over 479,000 learners in cybersecurity and digital technologies, including 36% women participants. The company is also partnering with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to establish the Cisco AI Institute, preparing the next generation of AI leaders and innovators.

Through these initiatives, Cisco is helping Saudi Arabia advance its vision for a secure, AI-enabled future. By combining human expertise with AI capabilities, the Kingdom is building resilient digital ecosystems, empowering enterprises, and promoting innovation that drives economic growth and technological leadership.