About Me and My Journey
Arwa Alhamad is a prominent figure in the field of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia, playing a key role in raising awareness and developing security programs to protect digital systems and critical infrastructure across various sectors. With over 15 years of experience, she has successfully established and managed cybersecurity departments in industries such as fintech, telecommunications, entertainment, and financial markets, making her a symbol of excellence in this vital domain.
Arwa is also an active member of advisory boards at leading universities, including King Abdulaziz University, King Khalid University, and Prince Sultan University. Through these roles, she contributes to shaping academic curricula and refining technical skills for students, preparing a national workforce capable of tackling future cybersecurity challenges.
Arwa holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from RMIT University in Australia, as well as an Executive MBA from INSEAD. She is also a graduate of the Misk 2030 Leaders Program, which aims to develop national leaders supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond technical expertise to leadership and strategic impact.
Beyond her professional roles, Arwa is deeply engaged in the nonprofit sector. She is an influential member of initiatives such as the Middle East Women in Cybersecurity (WiCSME) association and Project 1932 for mentorship and guidance. Through these initiatives, she actively promotes cybersecurity awareness and supports female talent, focusing on building a safer and more resilient digital society.
Arwa has also contributed to significant reports in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), providing strategic insights on digital challenges and innovative solutions to enhance global cybersecurity. These contributions reinforce her status as a thought leader shaping the future of cybersecurity on both local and international levels.
Her distinguished career has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the 2020 Executive Woman in Cybersecurity Award from WiCSME, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the field. Additionally, she was named one of the Rising Talents of 2023 by the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, in acknowledgment of her role in empowering women and driving advancements in the tech industry.
A strong advocate for women’s empowerment in the technology sector, particularly in cybersecurity, Arwa is dedicated to supporting female professionals and creating opportunities for women to develop their skills and actively contribute to addressing digital challenges. She believes that empowering women enhances diversity and innovation—an essential component of achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes women’s inclusion in key industries.
Throughout her career, Arwa has participated in major global and regional events, including GITEX Dubai 2024, where she emphasized the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen cybersecurity. She also had a notable presence at Black Hat, one of the world's leading cybersecurity conferences, where she discussed evolving threats and cutting-edge solutions aligned with rapid digital transformation.
Holding esteemed professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, and PMP, alongside her academic credentials, Arwa combines academic excellence with hands-on expertise, making her a role model in the cybersecurity sector.
As digital transformation accelerates in Saudi Arabia, Arwa Alhamad firmly believes that cybersecurity is the cornerstone of ensuring a secure digital future. Driven by her passion and expertise, she strives to contribute to building a digitally resilient society that aligns with Vision 2030, balancing technological advancement with national security interests.
A little about me
Experience
Education
Certifications
2024 Influencer International Security Jouranl
DT50 Tech Leaders to Watch in 2024, Saudi Arabia Digital Transformation Summit.
Rising Talents for 2023, Women’s forum for the Economy and Society
CISO Of the Year (Finalist), IDC Excellence Awards 2022, IDC CIO Summit
CYSEC Leader of the Year, CYSEC Saudi Awards 2022, CYSEC Global
Women Cybersecurity Executive Award, WiCSME2020 Awards, Women in Cybersecurity Middle East
CISO100 Information Security Executive Award, MESA2019 Awards, Middle East Security Awards
Honors and Rewards