The top operational technology (OT) cybersecurity company in Saudi Arabia, CQR, has raised $3 million in a funding round headed by Shorooq, one of the most active investment firms in the area. This strategic investment is a turning point for CQR as it advances its goal of strengthening the security of vital infrastructures, such as manufacturing, power plants, oil and gas, and smart cities, by utilizing its innovative product-centric approach.
By moving OT cybersecurity from conventional service-heavy models to scalable, AI-driven, product-based solutions, CQR, which stands for “Secure,” is establishing a new benchmark for the industry. CQR is revolutionizing the protection of mission-critical operations at a time when the IT-OT convergence is making industrial environments more vulnerable to cyber threats. This includes removing the risk of expensive downtime, guaranteeing regulatory compliance, and empowering enterprises to implement cybersecurity solutions at scale without the need for in-depth knowledge.
In contrast to traditional security companies that use resource-intensive, service-heavy methods, CQR is enabling industries with advanced, readily deployable cybersecurity solutions that incorporate automated response mechanisms, risk scoring, and threat detection driven by AI. National infrastructure and industrial giants have complex cybersecurity needs that CQR’s flagship product is made to meet.
“Cyber threats in OT environments are evolving rapidly, and traditional security models are no longer enough. At CQR, we are reengineering cybersecurity for industrial operations—building innovative, product-driven solutions that make OT security accessible, efficient, and highly scalable,” said Naser Aldossary, Founder & CEO of CQR. “This investment will accelerate our ability to scale, expand our AI capabilities, and ensure that industries dependent on OT systems remain resilient against emerging threats.”
Shorooq’s decision to lead this funding round is a testament to CQR’s market leadership, technological excellence, and strategic importance in the cybersecurity ecosystem. “Our investment in CQR aligns with our vision to support transformative technology companies that address critical industry challenges,” said Yousef Albabtain, Partner at Shorooq. “CQR’s product-driven cybersecurity approach is disrupting a traditionally service-heavy industry, making OT security more accessible, efficient, and scalable. We believe their solutions will become an industry standard, and we are excited to support their growth.”
Cybercriminal organizations and nation-state actors are actively targeting critical infrastructure at the time CQR operates. Catastrophic financial losses, operational shutdowns, and even national security threats can result from a single cyberattack on OT environments. With extensive industry knowledge, which stems from the leadership team’s tenure at Aramco, Dragos, and other top OT security companies, the company positions itself as the go-to cybersecurity partner for regulated sectors, governments, and large corporations. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places a high priority on cybersecurity sovereignty and industrial protection, is in line with CQR’s expansion plan.
“Every nation must cultivate its own cybersecurity expertise. OT Cybersecurity is not just an IT concern-it is a matter of national security,” said Pierre Noel, former CSO of Microsoft Asia and Worldwide CISO of Huawei. “CQR’s approach represents the future of OT security-intelligent, product-driven, and built to secure the backbone of modern industry.”
