RIYADH, 2 December 2007 — The Saudi Intelligence Presidency has provided computer training to all of its administrative employees as part of a government strategy to prepare the organization to cope with rapidly evolving technology, Chief of Intelligence Prince Muqrin said yesterday.
“In response to the directives of our leaders to make government bodies more computer savvy, the presidency has begun implementing several programs to improve intelligence gathering techniques,” said Prince Muqrin during his keynote speech at the inauguration of a three-day international conference entitled “Information Technology & National Security.”
“Special attention has been given to the presidency’s employees. All administrative employees have been given training in computers,” he added.
Prince Muqrin mentioned that the presidency had established a “new vision” for the government agency.
“The purpose of which is for the presidency to perform in an efficient and professional manner that would enable it to provide precise intelligence information and cope with changing security requirements,” he said, adding that the presidency is responsible for maintaining security in the Kingdom.
The conference, which was inaugurated by Crown Prince Sultan on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, also witnessed the launch of the Saudi Intelligence Presidency’s official website.
Interior Minister Prince Naif, Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman, other senior officials, and a large number of foreign guests also attended the opening.
Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Bandar, assistant head of the Saudi Intelligence Presidency and general supervisor of the conference, said the aim of the conference was to network with IT and security specialists. “Researchers and specialists from different parts of the world will focus in their discussions on the essence of social, political, and economic security,” he said.
Prince Abdul Aziz added that the rapid development in information technology has made change an essence of world communities. “This has required that we cope with the advances in modern technology and employ this technology in the best manner to combat the dangers of terrorism,” he said, adding that “total security” to face future challenges was a heavy burden that the presidency has to face.
Crown Prince Sultan honored all former heads of the Saudi Intelligence since its establishment in 1957. He presented the King Abdul Aziz Sash of the Second Order to Maj. Gen. Saeed Kurdi, the first head of the Saudi Intelligence Presidency. Nizar Kurdi received the medal on behalf of his father.
The crown prince then presented another King Abdul Aziz Sash of the Second Order to Omar Shams, the second person to head the Saudi Intelligence. Fawzan Shams received the medal on behalf of his father.
The King Abdul Aziz Sash was given to Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who was the third head of the Saudi intelligence body. The King Faisal Sash was given to Prince Nawaf ibn Abdul Aziz, who was the fourth head of the Saudi intelligence body. Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Nawaf received the medal on behalf of his father. The King Abdul Aziz Sash was given to Prince Saud ibn Fahd, who was appointed adviser to King Abdullah and headed the presidency after Prince Nawaf.
The crown prince then honored the sponsoring companies, including the Saudi Research and Marketing Group, publishers of Arab News.
Local and international speakers and specialists from over 12 countries will be participating in the three-day conference.
