Waleed Al-Mufaraj: Distinguished Saudi Cybersecurity Executive Protecting Giga-Projects and Critical Infrastructure

Waleed Al-Mufaraj is an accomplished information security leader with deep experience protecting critical organizations across finance, media, and Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious giga-projects. His career reflects a powerful blend of technical expertise, risk management, and strategic leadership, with a clear focus on building secure, resilient digital environments that withstand evolving cyber threats.

Leading IT Security at Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s Premier Giga-Project

As Senior Director – IT Security at Qiddiya, Waleed safeguards one of Saudi Arabia’s most transformative developments by strengthening cybersecurity technology, managing organizational risk, and supporting the secure delivery of large-scale digital initiatives. Previously serving as Director Information Security for over three years, he has built comprehensive security frameworks that protect Qiddiya’s infrastructure, data, and operational systems.

His leadership ensures that Qiddiya’s digital transformation aligns with best practices in information security governance, enabling the giga-project to deliver entertainment, sports, and cultural experiences while maintaining the highest standards of cyber resilience and data protection.

Information Security Leadership Across Regulated Industries

Waleed’s previous leadership roles demonstrate his ability to lead information security governance across highly regulated and fast-moving environments:

Director Information Security at Emkan Finance: Protected financial institutions through robust risk management frameworks, ensuring compliance with banking regulations and securing customer data across digital finance platforms.

Information Security Director at Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA): safeguarded media and broadcast infrastructure, protecting content delivery systems, audience data, and national communication networks while ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting services.

Manager Information Security Governance at Al Rajhi Bank: Led governance frameworks for one of Saudi Arabia’s largest financial institutions, establishing risk management protocols, security policies, and compliance mechanisms that protected millions of customer transactions daily.

Technical Foundation Supporting Security Leadership

Waleed’s early technical experience provided a strong foundation that continues to support his security leadership today:

• Network Engineer at Apral International (2002-2004): Built core networking expertise through infrastructure deployment and system configuration.
• STC Network Support (2006-2007): Gained hands-on experience with telecommunications networks and troubleshooting at Saudi Telecom Company.
• IT System Analyst at Riyadh Development Company (2007-2008): Developed analytical skills in system architecture and information technology operations.

Advanced Education and Elite Cybersecurity Certifications

Waleed holds a Master of Information Systems from Curtin University and a BSc in Internetworking and Security from Murdoch University, providing academic depth in information technology and cybersecurity fundamentals.

His elite certifications demonstrate specialized expertise:

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) from ISACA
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council
• SABSA Foundation and SABSA Practitioner from The SABSA Institute
• FOR589: Cybercrime Intelligence from SANS Institute
• FOR572: Advanced Network Forensics and Analysis from SANS EMEA
• CCNA and CCNA Security from Cisco

These credentials position him as a subject-matter expert in cybercrime intelligence, network forensics, security architecture, and ethical hacking.

Core Competencies Powering Organizational Resilience

Waleed excels across critical information security domains:

• Information Security Management and Strategic Governance
• Cybersecurity Architecture and Threat Defense
• Information Security Policy Development and Compliance
• Project Management for Security Initiatives
• Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning
• Network Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation
• Security Architecture Using SABSA Frameworks

His top skills reflect his ability to lead security programs from technical implementation through executive governance.

The Saudi Leaders proudly recognize Waleed Al-Mufaraj as a distinguished Saudi cybersecurity executive advancing digital trust, governance, and organizational resilience across Saudi Arabia’s most critical sectors, from giga-projects like Qiddiya to leading financial institutions and national media organizations.