Mastercard has officially launched its first Cyber Resilience Center in the Middle East, located in Riyadh, as part of a partnership with Riyad Bank. This initiative aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity infrastructure by bringing together key players from the financial sector to collaborate on building a secure commerce and payment ecosystem in the Kingdom.

The Cyber Resilience Center represents Mastercard’s first effort in the region, adding to its global network of such centers that already exist in Europe and the United States. As the first partner, Riyad Bank will work closely with Mastercard on various initiatives, including training programs, risk evaluations, and the implementation of global cybersecurity standards.

This center is a significant step toward strengthening the Kingdom’s cybersecurity framework, fostering greater collaboration to safeguard its rapidly growing digital economy. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, the center will provide organizations with essential tools, expertise, and strategies to detect, prevent, and respond to risks in real-time. It will also play a crucial role in developing local cybersecurity talent and promoting a culture of ongoing learning.

At the core of the Cyber Resilience Center are three main pillars:

* Education & Training: The center will support the growth of local cybersecurity talent by collaborating with financial institutions to introduce certifications in Arabic and organize knowledge-sharing sessions.

* Standards & Best Practices: It aims to build trust in the digital ecosystem by establishing measurable cybersecurity benchmarks, allowing institutions to monitor their progress through clearly defined improvement targets.

* Risk Assessments & Readiness: The center will enhance preparedness through cyber defense exercises, scenario planning, and threat-casting workshops to better anticipate and mitigate emerging risks.

Mastercard’s initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to secure digital transformation and fostering a robust environment for technology-led innovation. Over the past six years, Mastercard has invested $10.7 billion in cybersecurity innovation to address evolving threats and enhance customer protection. According to the 2025 Digital Trust Insights Survey, 55% of organizations in the Middle East plan to prioritize digital and technology risk mitigation in the coming year, slightly above the global average of 53%.

Mr. Ibrahim A Al-Sulobi, Senior Vice President and Head of Cyber & Information Security Department at Riyad Bank, emphasized the importance of safeguarding customer trust in a rapidly changing cyber landscape. He stated that the partnership with Mastercard through the Cyber Resilience Center showcases their proactive approach to cybersecurity, allowing them to strengthen defense frameworks and adopt global best practices.

Adam Jones, Executive Vice President and Division President at Mastercard, highlighted the growing complexity of cyber threats and the increased need for trust in an ultra-connected world. He noted that the launch of this center signifies Mastercard’s commitment to addressing emerging risks and supporting partners in creating a secure environment for businesses and institutions in Saudi Arabia.

The Cyber Resilience Center is poised to position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in digital security, ensuring its financial sector serves as a reliable foundation for innovation and sustainable economic growth. Mastercard plans to further advance its cybersecurity capabilities through ongoing innovation and strategic acquisitions, including last year’s purchase of Recorded Future, the world’s largest threat intelligence company, aimed at bolstering security within the digital payment ecosystem.