JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has launched a major cybersecurity exercise ahead of the 1446H Hajj season, aimed at boosting the digital readiness of over 300 participating government entities involved in the pilgrimage.
The two-day drill, held in Jeddah, brings together more than 800 cybersecurity professionals to simulate a wide range of cyberattacks in a controlled, real-world environment. The goal: to test and enhance incident response capabilities — from detection and analysis, to containment, recovery, and post-incident reporting.
The exercise is part of a broader NCA-led program to fortify the Kingdom’s cyber defenses during Hajj, ensuring pilgrims benefit from a seamless, secure, and high-tech experience. The simulation platform was developed and hosted locally in partnership with SITE (Saudi Information Technology Company), the technical arm of the Authority.
Activities include technical and operational challenges that reflect real cybersecurity threats to digital systems supporting Hajj services — from transportation and health, to crowd management and infrastructure. The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding critical systems and delivering world-class services to pilgrims.
The NCA, the Kingdom’s central cybersecurity authority, plays a strategic role in protecting national infrastructure and digital assets. Its mandate includes securing sensitive sectors, advancing cybersecurity capabilities, and leading educational and training efforts to build a skilled national workforce.
