UN conference in Riyadh charts path for global action on land and drought management

UN conference in Riyadh charts path for global action on land and drought management
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Updated 16 December 2024
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UN conference in Riyadh charts path for global action on land and drought management

UN conference in Riyadh charts path for global action on land and drought management

After two weeks of intense negotiations on how to tackle land degradation, desertification and drought, the largest and most inclusive UN land conference wrapped up in Riyadh.

The nearly 200 countries convening at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification committed to prioritizing land restoration and drought resilience in national policies and international cooperation as an essential strategy to address the increasing challenges posed by desertification, land degradation and drought and their devastating global impacts on our communities, economies, climate, and ecosystems toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations also made significant progress in the negotiations of a future global drought regime, which they intend to complete at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026.

More than $12 billion were pledged to tackle desertification, land degradation and drought around the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries.

Among the main agreements reached at COP16 were the creation of a Caucus for Indigenous Peoples and a Caucus for Local Communities to ensure that their unique perspectives and challenges are adequately represented, a continuation of the convention’s Science-Policy Interface to strengthen science-based decision-making, and the mobilization of private sector engagement under the Business4Land initiative. 

COP16 was the largest and most inclusive UNCCD COP to date: it included not only a blue zone but also a green zone. It attracted more than 20,000 participants, around 3,500 of them from civil society, and featured more than 600 events as part of the first Action Agenda to involve non-state actors in the work of the convention, the Riyadh Action Agenda. 

Parties adopted the Riyadh Political Declaration, showcasing a commitment to enhanced efforts to conserve land and reduce its degradation, build capacities to combat drought, and contribute to the well-being of communities around the world.

In a statement, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed said: “Our work does not end with the closing of COP16. We must continue to tackle the climate crisis — it is a call to action for all of us to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and resilience. Youth and indigenous peoples must be at the heart of these conversations. Their wisdom, their voices, and their creativity are indispensable as we craft a sustainable future with renewed hope for generations to come.”

In his closing remarks, COP16 President and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley said the meeting marked a turning point in raising international awareness of the pressing need to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience. 

“This crucial UN conference has succeeded in increasing broad awareness, raising global ambition, and prioritizing action. As the COP16 Presidency, we will continue to enhance our collaboration with a range of key stakeholders, from the private sector to rural farmers and indigenous peoples, all to deliver lasting change. UNCCD COP16 will be remembered as a turning point for our relation with land.”

Addressing COP16 closing plenary, Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: “As we have discussed and witnessed, the solutions are within our grasp. The actions we took today will shape not only the future of our planet but also the lives, livelihoods, and opportunities of those who depend on it.” 

He further emphasized a significant shift in the global approach to land and drought issues, highlighting the interconnected challenges with broader global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, migration, and global stability.

Financial needs and pledges

New pledges for large-scale land restoration and drought preparedness were announced, such as the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, which attracted $12.15 billion to support 80 of the world’s most vulnerable countries in building their resilience to drought, including a $10 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group.

The Great Green Wall, an African-led initiative to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, also mobilized 11 million euros ($11.5 million) from the Italian government for landscape restoration in the Sahel and 3.6 million euros from the Austrian government to strengthen the coordination and implementation of the initiative across 22 African countries. The drive is part of the GGW Accelerator, a UNCCD-supported effort to achieve a greener, more prosperous Sahel. 

Additionally, the US and several partner countries and organizations announced total investments of nearly $70 million to advance the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. The initiative looks to build resilient food systems grounded in diverse, nutritious and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils.

The first-ever UNCCD COP in the Middle East and North Africa provided an opportunity to shine a light on the specific challenges facing the region and bring to the fore innovative solutions to land degradation and drought. 

Saudi Arabia announced five new projects to ramp up climate and environmental efforts as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. The COP16 Presidency also announced the launch of an international sand and dust storm monitoring initiative - the International Drought Resilience Observatory - the first global AI-driven platform to help countries assess and enhance their capacity to cope with harsher droughts. This innovative tool is an initiative of the International Drought Resilience Alliance, of which Saudi Arabia recently became a member.

Greater voice for indigenous peoples and other non-state actors

In a landmark decision, parties requested the creation of a Caucus for Indigenous Peoples and a Caucus for Local Communities. The objective is to ensure that their unique perspectives and priorities are adequately represented in the work of the convention. The declaration underscored the role of indigenous peoples in sustainable resource management and called for greater involvement in global land and drought governance. 

COP16 also saw the biggest youth participation to date, giving youth a more prominent role in land and drought negotiations and action, and providing technical and financial support for youth-led initiatives. 

Recognizing the private sector’s vital role, currently contributing just 6 percent to land restoration and drought resilience, the parties tasked the UNCCD Secretariat and Global Mechanism with mobilizing private sector engagement under the Business4Land initiative. This decision highlights the importance of private sector advocacy, ESG strategies, and sustainable finance in tackling challenges. It comes after the Business4Land Forum, which saw over 400 private sector participants — the largest ever at a UNCCD COP — from industries like finance, fashion, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals.

From Riyadh to Mongolia

For the first time, the UNCCD parties made a decision encouraging the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands — vast ecosystems used for grazing — ahead of COP17, to be hosted by Mongolia in 2026 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. These ecosystems cover half of the Earth’s terrestrial surface and are the dominant land use in the world’s drylands, but have long been overlooked and are disappearing faster than rainforests. 

The degradation of rangelands threatens one-sixth of global food supplies, potentially depleting one-third of the Earth’s carbon reserves. Some 2 billion people who live in pastoral areas are among the world’s most vulnerable in the face of desertification, land degradation and drought. 


Adeera joins Global Hotel Alliance, connecting travelers to Saudi hospitality

Adeera joins Global  Hotel Alliance, connecting travelers to Saudi hospitality
Updated 15 March 2025
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Adeera joins Global Hotel Alliance, connecting travelers to Saudi hospitality

Adeera joins Global  Hotel Alliance, connecting travelers to Saudi hospitality

The Hotel Management Company, Adeera, a PIF company which is set to be Saudi Arabia’s national hospitality champion, has joined Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

Through participation in the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, Adeera will connect with a global network of international travelers, offering exclusive experiences and benefits under its brand portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This partnership represents a significant step in Adeera’s mission to showcase the warmth and generosity of Saudi hospitality while expanding its international presence in the luxury travel market.

GHA brings together a unique collection of 45 brands with more than 850 hotels across 100 countries serving 30 million members with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand rewards program. As part of GHA DISCOVERY, Adeera will offer future guests VIP recognition, exclusive member rates, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rewards and immersive local experiences.

They will also enjoy exclusive member privileges and bespoke offers curated by Adeera hotels, opening a privileged gateway to the Kingdom and connecting them to an elite global travel community.

Stefan Leser, CEO of Adeera, said: “At Adeera, our vision is to transform the way travelers experience hospitality by immersing them in the rich culture, traditions and warmth of Saudi Arabia.

“Through our membership in GHA, we will be opening the doors to travelers who seek authentic, curated experiences that create enriching moments and leave a lasting imprint on their journeys.

“Our efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as we actively shape the future of the hospitality sector, its local talents and showcase the Kingdom’s beauty and generosity to the world.”

Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, added: “Welcoming Adeera to our global network is an exciting step in strengthening GHA’s footprint in the Middle East. With its transformative ambition and deep cultural roots, Adeera represents the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to working together to connect our global travelers with the exceptional service and experiences that Adeera will offer.”

As Adeera embarks upon its rapid expansion across Saudi Arabia, this collaboration will accelerate the reach and reputation of Adeera with a large audience of regional and international travelers who will be excited to discover the rich cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia.


Alfanar Global Development unveils $1.4 billion investment to build 4 data centers in KSA

Alfanar Global Development unveils $1.4 billion investment to build 4 data centers in KSA
Updated 15 March 2025
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Alfanar Global Development unveils $1.4 billion investment to build 4 data centers in KSA

Alfanar Global Development unveils $1.4 billion investment to build 4 data centers in KSA

Alfanar Global Development, has announced a landmark $1.4 billion investment to develop four world-class data centers. The announcement was made during LEAP 2025 in the presence of Abdullah Al Swaha, minister of communications and information technology.

Four data centers will be developed in four locations across Riyadh and Dammam, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global digital hub whilst accelerating progress towards Vision 2030’s digital transformation objectives.

These facilities aim to support cloud computing, AI-driven solutions, and data security, catering to both government and enterprise needs across a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and AI-driven enterprises, by offering high-performance digital solutions on an international scale.

With this move, Alfanar Global Development continues to strengthen the data economy sector, enabling Saudi Arabia to consume and export data services. As the data center industry continues to expand rapidly, these data centers aim to offer scalable, resilient infrastructure, driving innovation in AI and digital transformation.

Prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, they will also contribute to the Kingdom’s green energy and environmental goals, supporting a more connected and future-ready Saudi Arabia.

Amer Al Ajmi, executive vice president of Alfanar Projects, said: “Alfanar Global Development is leaping into the future with this project, and we are proud of our continuous contribution to Vision 2030 in a transformative way.”

“By creating a secure and scalable digital infrastructure, we are not only advancing the Kingdom’s digital economy but also attracting global businesses, putting Saudi Arabia on the map as a leader in data storage and technology-driven innovation.”

With the most advanced security protocols, scalable cloud computing solutions, and AI-driven processing capabilities, these data centers are designed to attract multinational corporations seeking secure, efficient, and high-performance data storage solutions.


Saudi Arabia moves into top 4 among world’s emerging markets

Saudi Arabia moves into top 4 among world’s emerging markets
Updated 14 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia moves into top 4 among world’s emerging markets

Saudi Arabia moves into top 4 among world’s emerging markets
  • KSA jumps two spots in closely watched logistics industry ranking

Saudi Arabia’s massive logistics investment, sweeping digitization of trade, and sharp focus on quality-of-life improvements has pushed the country higher in the annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index.

For 16 years, the index has been a benchmark of competitiveness for the world’s 50 leading emerging markets countries, ranking them by factors important to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors. 

In the 2025 index, Saudi Arabia improves its performance relative to other countries in all four Index categories: international and domestic logistics opportunities, business climate, and digital readiness.

The Kingdom ranks with China, India and United Arab Emirates at the top of the 2025 rankings. It finishes among the top five in all four Index categories.

“Saudi Arabia’s desire to establish itself as a major global trade hub and innovation center are rapidly becoming a reality.

“The ambitious aims laid out in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy have been matched by focused, effective policies and actions that are yielding change and progress across the economy, business and society,” says Agility vice chairman Tarek Sultan.    

The 2025 index singles out Saudi Arabia for efforts to strengthen supply chain networks, improve port connectivity, manage inflation, reduce corruption, improve digital skills, and develop a high-value manufacturing sector.

In addition to the rankings, the index features a survey of 567 logistics industry professionals.

More than 62 percent of those surveyed say they’ve overhauled their supply chains to safeguard against inflation, looming trade tariffs, the possibility of a global economic downturn and other major risks.

The survey shows the logistics industry entering 2025 looking to protect itself from rising costs and a potential trade war ignited by expected US tariff hikes and a flood of exports from China.

“There is wariness and uncertainty among shippers, carriers, forwarders and others when it comes to the geopolitical factors that drive up costs, affect trade volumes, and alter supply chains,” Sultan said.

“Companies doing business internationally continue to shift production as they re-evaluate investment plans and search for durable paths to growth. Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Mexico and a handful of others are emerging as super-connectors for global trade.”

The 2025 Index features an in-depth analysis of Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors. Individually and as a group, the six GCC countries are positioning themselves as global trade centers, investing heavily in infrastructure, AI, energy transition, and workforce development.

Despite increasing risk to global supply chains, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have become “beacons of stability” and resilience, the Index concludes.

Stability at the top of the 50-country rankings was accompanied by volatility and movement further down in the Index. China, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, Thailand and Vietnam rank 1 through 10. Colombia (No. 21) leaped up the rankings; as Nigeria (43), Bangladesh (39) and Ukraine (40) tumbled.  

The six Gulf countries all are among the top 11 for business conditions: UAE again tops the rankings for best business climate; Saudi Arabia is third and Qatar fifth. The countries most digitally ready are China, UAE, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In international logistics opportunities, China, India, Mexico, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia rank highest. In domestic logistics, the leaders are China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

2025 Index Highlights

SURVEY

  • Recession -- Nearly 55 percent of respondents see a global recession as likely or certain.
  • Protectionism -- Almost 82 percent say tariffs and other trade protectionism are having a significant impact on their supply chains.
  • Emerging markets – 72 percent say risks in emerging markets have increased over the past year.
  •  China – 54 percent intend to move production or sourcing out of China in the next five years with US-China trade friction, labor costs and increasing domestic regulation being the biggest factors.
  • Africa – Despite seeing heightened risks in emerging markets, 35 percent plan to boost investment in Africa in 2025 vs only 8 percent planning to cut back there.
  • Net-Zero – Nearly 65 percent say their companies are on track to meet net-zero goals.

COUNTRY RANKINGS

  • In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings are: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (4); Qatar (8); Turkey (11); Oman (14); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Kuwait (18); Egypt (24);  Morocco (26); Iran (32); Tunisia (36); Algeria (38); Lebanon (42); Libya (46).
  • Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (20); Kenya (22); Ghana (31); Tanzania (37); Uganda (41); Nigeria (43); Ethiopia (45); Angola (47); Mozambique (48).
  • Rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (5); Indonesia (6); Thailand (9); Vietnam (10); Philippines (23); Kazakhstan (25); Sri Lanka (27); Cambodia (30); Pakistan (33);  Bangladesh (39); Myanmar (49).
  • Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (7); Chile (11); Brazil (13); Uruguay (19); Colombia (21); Peru (28); Argentina (29); Ecuador (34); Paraguay (35); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (50).
  • In Europe: Ukraine (40).

Transport Intelligence, a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.

John Manners-Bell, chief executive of Ti, said: “Despite global economic headwinds and disruption to shipping lanes over the last year, the Gulf economies have proved exceptionally resilient. Diversification and their focus on investment in transport, the green energy transition, and other major infrastructure projects has laid the foundations for future growth. The improving security situation across the region will only act to accelerate their development as a bridge between emerging superpowers and the West.”


Samitivej International Children’s Hospital expands, advancing pediatric healthcare amid rising medical tourism from the Gulf

Samitivej International Children’s Hospital expands, advancing pediatric healthcare amid rising medical tourism from the Gulf
Updated 13 March 2025
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Samitivej International Children’s Hospital expands, advancing pediatric healthcare amid rising medical tourism from the Gulf

Samitivej International Children’s Hospital expands, advancing pediatric healthcare amid rising medical tourism from the Gulf

Samitivej Hospital, a leader in pediatric care, unveils its newly expanded standalone Samitivej International Children’s Hospital at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok. 

Backed by a 2 billion THB ($58.9 million) investment, the expansion strengthens Samitivej’s commitment to becoming Asia-Pacific’s Leading Pediatric Referral Hub, providing specialized care, innovative treatments, and seamless medical coordination.

The expansion comes as Thailand strengthens its position as a global healthcare destination, attracting patients from across Asia and the Middle East. According to Statista, Thailand’s medical tourism industry was valued at 29 billion THB in 2023 (around $820 million), with an estimated 3.07 million international patients seeking specialized care. 

Families from the GCC — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar — continue to choose Thailand for comprehensive health check-ups, cardiology, oncology, and neonatal care, drawn by its internationally accredited hospitals and advanced medical expertise.

Samitivej International Children’s Hospital redefines pediatric excellence, offering cutting-edge treatments for complex and rare conditions, including:

  • Open-Heart Surgery to Minimally Invasive Catheterization – Complete heart care from birth, ensuring advanced treatment and faster recovery.
  • Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant to CAR-T Cell Therapy – Advanced treatments for blood disorders and cancer.
  • Comprehensive Pediatric and Newborn Surgery – Expertise in performing procedures from head to toe, led by specialized doctors.
  • Epilepsy Treatment with Medication to Vagus Nerve Stimulation Implants – Solutions for drug-resistant epilepsy.

The new eight-floor hospital features 111 beds, including 12 for critically ill children and 8 neonatal intensive care beds. It integrates Smart Hospital technology for efficiency and patient-centered care. Its key features include:

  • Hybrid Operating Room: Precision-driven newborn and pediatric surgical procedures using biplane imaging technology.
  • World-Class Pediatric Specialties: Multidisciplinary teams treating complex and rare conditions.
  • Advanced Neonatal & Pediatric Intensive Care: Specialized care for premature infants under 500 grams.
  • Cutting-Edge Rehabilitation Center: Robotic-assisted gait training, Hybrid Assistive Limb therapy, and Redcord NEURAC systems.
  • Comprehensive International Patient Services: Pre-arrival teleconsultations, aeromedical transport, multilingual care teams, follow-up appointments, and medical evacuation and repatriation.

As part of its commitment to delivering world-class pediatric healthcare, Samitivej collaborates with Doernbecher Children's Hospital (OHSU, USA) to enhance care for critically ill children, newborns, and trauma patients. A partnership with Takatsuki General Hospital (Japan) ensures specialized neonatal and allergy treatments, providing access to the latest pediatric advancements.

Samitivej leads in digital healthcare, integrating technology to enhance efficiency and patient care. Innovations include:

  • Well Kidz App: Manages medical records, appointments, and remote consultations.
  • Smart ER & Smart Ambulance Services: Real-time monitoring ensures rapid emergency response.
  • Smart OPD & Smart IPD: AI-powered cost estimation, queue tracking, and seamless patient-medical team communication.
  • D-Discharge System: Streamlined hospital discharge for greater convenience.

Samitivej delivers outstanding results:

  • 7,000+ critical pediatric cases treated annually
  • 1,000+ newborn and pediatric surgeries performed, including minimally invasive procedures
  • 92 percent one-year survival rate for bone marrow transplants, surpassing global benchmarks
  • 400+ newborns with heart conditions successfully treated through surgical correction
  • Specialized care provided for premature infants with birth weights below 500 grams
  • 98 percent trust rating from families

Dr. Surangkana Techapaitoon, deputy CEO of Samitivej and BNH Hospitals and Director of Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, said: “We want to see a healthier future for every child by integrating innovation, world-class expertise, and compassionate care. This facility strengthens our role as a leading pediatric referral hub, expanding access to specialized treatment and ensuring children everywhere receive the best care from infancy through adolescence.”

For more details, please visit: https://smtvj.com/3F5dPKC


Group-IB unveils high-tech crime trends report 2025 for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa

Group-IB unveils high-tech crime trends report 2025 for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa
Updated 13 March 2025
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Group-IB unveils high-tech crime trends report 2025 for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa

Group-IB unveils high-tech crime trends report 2025 for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa

State-sponsored cyber threats, including Advanced Persistent Attacks and Hacktivism surged in the Middle East in 2024, with GCC countries emerging as primary targets, according to a report released by Group-IB, a leading creator of cybersecurity technologies to investigate, prevent, and fight digital crime.

Group-IB’s High-Tech Crime Trends Report 2025 provides a comprehensive analysis on the interconnectivity of cybercrime, and the evolving cyber threat landscape in the Middle East and Africa region. 

It offers valuable intelligence on advanced persistent threats, hacktivism, and emerging cyber threats, empowering businesses, cybersecurity professionals, and law enforcement in the Middle East with insights to enhance their cybersecurity strategies.

The report said that though APTs in the region saw a 4.27 percent increase compared to a 58 percent surge globally, 27.5 percent of these threats from state-backed espionage groups were actively targeted at GCC countries.

Ashraf Koheil, regional sales director MEA at Group-IB, said: “Our report captures the dynamic and complex nature of cyber threats faced by the Middle East today. It shows that cybercrime is not a collection of isolated incidents, but an evolving ecosystem where one attack fuels the next. From sophisticated state-sponsored attacks to rapidly evolving hacktivism and phishing campaigns, the insights presented in this report are essential for organizations seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.”

While GCC countries were the most targeted due to their strategic economic and political importance, other significant targets included Egypt (13.2 percent) and Turkey (9.9 percent), reflecting their geopolitical roles, while countries like Jordan (7.7 percent), Iraq (6.6 percent), as well as Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Ethiopia also face growing cyber threats.

In 2024, the MEA ranked third globally in hacktivist attacks, accounting for 16.54 percent of incidents, trailing behind Europe (35.98 percent) and Asia-Pacific (39.19 percent).

The primary industries affected included government and military sectors (22.1 percent), financial services (10.9 percent), education (8 percent), and media and entertainment (5.2 percent), with attacks aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure and essential services. This uptick is driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, where cyberattacks are used for ideological expression or political retaliation.

The report also shed light on other pressing cybersecurity challenges including the persistent threat of phishing and data breaches across the GCC and the wider MEA region.  

As the region continues its rapid digital transformation, it has become a prime target for increasingly sophisticated scams targeting the energy, oil and gas industry (24.9 percent), financial services (20.2 percent) highlighting the economic motives behind cybercrime.

Phishing attacks also remain a major threat, with internet services (32.8 percent), telecommunications (20.7 percent), and financial services (18.8 percent) being the top targeted sectors in the META region.

“We must embrace a collective defense strategy that unites financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and law enforcement agencies. By sharing intelligence, coordinating proactive security measures, and executing joint actions, we can disrupt fraudulent activities before they cause harm. This collaborative approach not only enhances our ability to detect and prevent fraud but also strengthens the resilience of our critical infrastructure, protects our national security,” added Ashraf Koheil.

The report highlighted that ransomware attacks remained relatively the lowest globally in the MEA region, with only 184 incidents. 

It also highlights ongoing concerns regarding Initial Access Brokers (IABs) and the broader vulnerabilities they exploit. In 2024, IAB activity was significant in the region, with GCC countries (23.2 percent) and Turkey (20.5 percent) emerging as the most targeted jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the figures for compromised hosts — which represent credentials and sensitive data from compromised devices, often sold on the dark web — were highest in Egypt (88,951), followed by Turkey (79,789) and Algeria (49,173) exposing significant cybersecurity gaps.

Stolen credentials and sensitive corporate data sold on the dark web enabled ransomware, state-sponsored attacks, and cybercrimes. Over 6.5 billion leaked data entries included email addresses, with nearly 2.5 billion being unique. Additionally, 3.3 billion leaked entries contained phone numbers, with approximately 631 million unique numbers.

A staggering 460 million passwords were exposed globally in 2024, with 162 million of them being unique. This continues to fuel cybercriminal activities within the dark web economy, amplifying the risk to organizations and individuals alike.

Dmitry Volkov, CEO of Group-IB, said: “Group-IB played an intensified role in its global fight against cybercrime and contributed to eight major law enforcement operations across 60+ countries, leading to 1,221 cybercriminal arrests and the dismantling of over 207,000 malicious infrastructures. These efforts disrupted large-scale cybercriminal networks, highlighting the critical role of collaboration between private cybersecurity firms and international law enforcement.”

The report said threat actors employed advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures, including social engineering, ransomware, and credential theft. New techniques such as the Extended Attributes Attack, Facial-Recognition Trojan (GoldPickaxe.iOS), and ClickFix infection chain showcase the evolving sophistication of cyber threats in the region.

For further insight into these findings, see the full High-Tech Crime Trends 2025 report here.