Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s Education Ministry and the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) signed an agreement on Tuesday to launch joint training and research programs in the field of cybersecurity.

The deal aims to boost the quality of programs offered in this field in the Kingdom.

The two sides also agreed to increase collaboration to raise awareness about cybersecurity.

Education Minister Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh said the Kingdom’s leadership is making efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, which is a key goal of Vision 2030.

He said the education sector aims to produce a highly educated generation by raising the quality of education along modern lines.

The minister stressed the importance of cybersecurity amid the growing reliance on IT.

He said the ongoing digital transformation warrants the need to train people in the public and private sectors to ensure their online security.

NCA Gov. Dr. Khaled Al-Sabti underscored the importance of investing in cybersecurity initiatives. He said the agreement with the Education Ministry is of huge importance for the realization of Vision 2030 goals.

The Ministry of Education and the NCA have launched several joint initiatives in the past such as the “Cyber Scholarship Initiative” and the “Saudi Framework for Higher Education in Cybersecurity.”

The ministry and the authority also organized several training programs for Saudi graduates.