Latest news with #ZaidM.Belbagi
Arab News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Region must urgently invest in cybersecurity capabilities
Five years since the Pegasus spyware attacks astonished states across the Middle East and North Africa, cybercrime continues to pose a threat to the region. Just last month, Morocco's national social security agency faced a data breach and Iran averted a 'major and sophisticated cyberattack' on critical national infrastructure. Amid the geopolitical volatility in the region today, such attacks further threaten internal stability. Significantly, almost 17 percent of all global hacktivist incidents occur in the Middle East and Africa. In 2024, 27.5 percent of the incidents of hacktivism and security breaches in the region were linked to state-backed espionage. In early April, the Moroccan social security agency announced the theft of sensitive data from its platform, including details of the income, benefits and pensions of employees in the Moroccan private sector. Salaries of high-profile figures in business and politics were also accessed. This information was then leaked on Telegram. Later in the month, the Iranian authorities announced the thwarting of a major cyberattack. Iran previously faced similar attacks on its national fuel system in 2021 and a steel mill in 2022. In an era defined by artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies, such cyberattacks highlight the dark side of the technological revolution. As the region goes online and relies on digital databases, information security will continue to be a challenge. This region is particularly vulnerable to such sabotage given the long-standing political rivalries that perpetuate regional instability. State and nonstate actors alike are increasingly using cyberwarfare in response to these tensions. Thus, cybersecurity is a strategic imperative for the region as it grapples with increasing sophistication in attacks. These not only lead to data breaches but can also disrupt power and energy supplies or transport and communication systems. If this trend continues, the consequent erosion of public trust will create an additional challenge for states in the region. In an era defined by AI and advanced digital technologies, cyberattacks highlight the dark side of the technological revolution. Zaid M. Belbagi While cyberwarfare has been hailed as the future of defense, it is also the future of national security threats. The evolution of hacking capabilities and spyware has made it easier than ever to access sensitive information remotely, with minimum costs and the possibility to deny responsibility. At a time when the region is turning toward fintech, AI and digitization, addressing this challenge is critical. These cybercrime incidents come in a context where the region's digital transformation has outpaced its cyber defense capabilities. Outdated systems and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals remain prevalent, making the region vulnerable to this new form of warfare. Moving forward, the region must invest in cyber education and training locally, while also attracting global talent. Indeed, investing in this field will generate new employment opportunities in the region. To counter these threats, Middle East and North African states must prioritize robust cybersecurity frameworks, agencies and regulations. According to the Global Cybersecurity Index, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan and Oman rank top among the Arab countries strategically advancing in cybersecurity. Morocco's National Cybersecurity Strategy, Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority and the UAE's Cybersecurity Council are some promising examples. Regional cooperation is also critical for mitigating this risk. Independent efforts will significantly benefit from consolidation at the regional level to encourage dialogue and share best practices. As the challenge of cyber threats to the security of energy, food and digital infrastructure is shared across the region, the solution must also be designed collectively. The 2023-27 Arab Cybersecurity Strategy offers hope for regional cooperation in this field.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Why KSA should incentivize local cocoa production
The tale of the cocoa bean is more than 5,000 years old and its history connects the Americas with Europe, Africa and the Arab world. Having been introduced to the Middle East by Europeans about 450 years ago, the popularity of chocolate and its entrenchment in the local culture have grown consistently. The Ottoman Empire played a key role in spreading cocoa-based drinks and confections across its vast territories, including the Levant and North Africa. Today, the modern consumer in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East is fueling the demand for local and innovative adaptations of chocolate, including dates, nuts and regional spices. The success of Waw Chocolate, a Saudi brand producing chocolate bars that incorporate the Kingdom's diverse regional flavors, highlights this demand. Saudi Arabia is the region's biggest market for chocolates and, in 2024, the Kingdom imported a whopping 123 million kg of chocolate. This reflects the significant growth in consumer demand for a product that is popular not only for everyday consumption but also for premium gifting. Strong local demand for chocolate indicates there is significant growth potential for a domestic Saudi chocolate industry. There is a particular spike in demand during the festive periods of Ramadan and Eid, as well as during busy tourist periods. However, at present, the Kingdom relies entirely on imports, as it does not produce cocoa locally. Typically, the UAE, the UK, Jordan, Egypt and Turkiye have been the leading suppliers of chocolate to the Kingdom, with the price of imported premium chocolates going up to $80 per kg. Although international chocolate brands will continue to see growing demand in Saudi Arabia, there is scope for the government to incentivize local cocoa production to reduce the current dependence on imports. Much has been written about Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic diversification, as the Kingdom is investing heavily in the move toward a post-oil economy. Local chocolate manufacturing and cocoa bean harvesting have the potential to boost this transformation, not least by mitigating the challenge of global supply chain disruption and increasing local employment opportunities. Most importantly, it will boost the spirit of entrepreneurship within the Kingdom. Strong local demand for chocolate indicates there is significant growth potential for a domestic Saudi chocolate industry Zaid M. Belbagi The recent growth of dairy-free and sugar-free chocolate options highlights another benefit of investing in the local chocolate industry — it can cater to an increasingly health-conscious consumer base. Saudi Arabia has typically witnessed high rates of weight-related medical conditions. The obesity rate among adults in the Kingdom has reached more than 20 percent and nearly 40 percent of adults are overweight. Today, as the young consumer base is adopting healthy dietary and lifestyle options, we can anticipate a growth in the demand for healthier chocolate products. In recent years, the global cocoa industry has faced significant challenges due to climate change. Droughts, excessive rains and insect infestations have impacted the survival of cocoa trees, which in turn reduces the supply of cocoa beans and disrupts the global supply chain. Deforestation is also linked to commercial projects, as well as illegal gold mining in parts of Africa such as Ghana. This has significantly reduced cocoa production, which has typically been concentrated in West Africa. Additionally, this decline is pushing cocoa farmers into extreme poverty, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and government oversight to secure supply. This decline is not only indicative of the state of chocolate production but also the broader volatility of global supply chains and the risks of overreliance on food imports. Amid this crisis, the Kingdom may find an opportunity to incentivize local cocoa production in its southern regions, where tropical weather conditions make the cultivation of cocoa possible. Jazan is a suitable location due to its warm, humid climate, seasonal rainfall and regular temperatures between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius, which are ideal for the cocoa bean. The viability of its nutrient-rich soil and access to groundwater has been proven by the production of coffee and mangoes in the area. Investing in the Saudi cocoa and chocolate industry is in line with government plans to increase food security in the Kingdom Zaid M. Belbagi Of course, this will not be without its challenges. Growing cocoa requires shade farming, significant initial investment and the right training in a country where it is not a part of native agriculture. However, the long-term benefits are significant. In fact, the Kingdom took initial steps toward this goal in 2020, when 200 experimental cocoa shrubs were planted in Jazan. The Mountain Areas Development and Reconstruction Authority in Jazan observed that research and experiments on cocoa production in the area commenced, although local farmers expressed concerns over the viability and profitability of a nonindigenous crop. Investing in the Saudi cocoa and chocolate industry is in line with government plans to increase food security in the Kingdom. Under Vision 2030, the government has committed $10 billion to strengthen global food supply chains and boost domestic agricultural production. This includes the reduction of groundwater extraction, the use of desalinated water for irrigation and deploying advanced techniques for farming. The Agricultural Development Fund has allocated $533.33 million to bolster agricultural projects and strengthen food security across the nation. Investment in new frontiers of agriculture will in turn boost local employment and entrepreneurship, confirming the Kingdom's position as a hub of innovation in the region. Today, Saudi Arabia is daily news — from a growing local non-oil economy to its navigation of geopolitical volatility in the Middle East. Young Saudi entrepreneurs are keener than ever before to work toward elevating the Kingdom's global positioning. At such a time, the Kingdom can incentivize the local cocoa and chocolate industry to harness its growth potential. As the celebrated chef Alain Ducasse once said, 'everywhere in the world there are tensions — economic, political, religious. So we need chocolate.'
Arab News
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UK's strategic balancing act as it seeks new partners
In response to the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza that was agreed at the extraordinary summit in Cairo this month, the UK joined its European allies in backing the initiative, which aims to rebuild the Strip in phases without displacing its Palestinian population. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK welcomed the plan, emphasizing the need for Gaza to be governed temporarily by a committee of independent experts, with international peacekeepers ensuring security. Their message was clear: Hamas 'must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore' and the Palestinian Authority should take on a central role in governance, backed by a reform agenda. The UK's support for this initiative aligns with its long-standing humanitarian commitments. London has provided more than £819 million ($1 billion) in bilateral aid to the West Bank and Gaza since 2009 and its contributions to UNRWA bring the total to £1.7 billion. By backing the Arab approach to the reconstruction of Gaza, the UK risks straining its relationship with a key ally Zaid M. Belbagi As London deepens its commitment to the Arab reconstruction plan, another urgent call is echoing from within: the need for the country to take a decisive lead on Palestinian rights. The Britain Palestine Project — a UK-based charity — has urged the government to step up, advocating for a more prominent role in addressing the conflict. With recent public opinion polls revealing widespread support for a foreign policy driven by humanitarian principles and international law, the group is pushing for the government to reflect these values in its approach to Palestine. However, the political implications of this position are far-reaching. Washington, under President Donald Trump, has firmly opposed the Arab reconstruction plan, favoring an alternative vision that seeks to reshape Gaza's political and demographic landscape. By backing the Arab approach, the UK risks straining its relationship with a key ally. One of the UK's most critical areas of cooperation with Washington lies in intelligence sharing, particularly through the Five Eyes alliance. Any deterioration in relations could jeopardize the collaboration between the two countries' intelligence agencies, as well as the UK's reliance on US technology for its nuclear deterrent, which depends on Trident missiles supplied by Washington. Furthermore, the UK is also wary of Trump's economic policies, given his recent, controversial tendency to impose tariffs on allies. Any new trade or policy measures could hit British exports at a time when London is trying to reinforce its post-Brexit trading position. Tensions between the UK and Israel also flared last week after a diplomatic incident. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel posted a secretly recorded video on Instagram, showing her confronting Emily Thornberry, the chair of the UK Foreign Affairs Committee, over the two-state solution. Thornberry condemned the unauthorized release of the footage and called on the British government to intervene, stating the video was shared without her consent. The incident has cast a shadow over UK-Israel relations, raising concerns over diplomatic trust and protocol. Following this diplomatic controversy and in light of the UK's support of the Arab reconstruction plan, London is looking to expand its strategic alliances with new partners. One such important avenue is the Gulf Cooperation Council. The ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Gulf states are seen as a major economic opportunity, with the potential to boost bilateral trade by 16 percent. According to the UK government, a deal with the GCC would lead to substantial economic benefits for the UK, both in the short and long term. In fact, an ambitious trade deal could contribute an additional £1.6 billion to £3.1 billion to the UK's gross domestic product by 2035. Moreover, it could enhance trade between the UK and GCC countries by £8.6 billion to £15.8 billion by the same year. London is looking to strengthen its credibility in the Middle East and reinforce its strategic alignment with Gulf partners Zaid M. Belbagi In December, the Department for Business and Trade confirmed the UK's commitment to its free trade agreement negotiations program, with a target to deliver results by July. Negotiations with the GCC resumed in September and, since then, both virtual and in-person discussions have taken place, demonstrating the shared commitment to establishing a strong trade partnership. In line with this progress, the visits of UK Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds to Saudi Arabia and Qatar following the GCC trade ministers meeting addressed crucial issues regarding investment, digital trade and goods market access, indicating the mutual ambition to push the partnership forward. As negotiations continue to gain momentum, significant progress has been made, paving the way for a stronger, more robust relationship between the UK and the GCC. Beyond trade, the ties between the two are also deeply rooted in security and defense, with the UK maintaining long-standing partnerships in the region. These include supplying arms and sustaining military bases. By endorsing the Arab reconstruction plan, London is looking to strengthen its credibility in the Middle East and reinforce its strategic alignment with key Gulf partners. However, this move must be carefully managed to avoid alienating the US, particularly under a Trump administration that has shown little patience for those diverging from its preferred policies. Looking ahead, the UK's approach will require a delicate balancing act. While it cannot afford to break ties with Washington, it also sees value in diversifying its global partnerships. By navigating these challenges strategically, London hopes to secure its economic and security interests in a world that is becoming increasingly multipolar.
