Top 5 SOC as a Service Providers in Saudi Arabia and The Middle East

Cyber threats are evolving at a pace that outmatches most traditional security operations. For organizations in the Middle East and GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia and in sectors like finance, energy, and government sectors, the stakes are higher than ever. Compliance mandates are becoming stricter, attack surfaces are expanding, and cyber incidents can trigger severe reputational and financial damage.

This is why SOC as a Service (SOCaaS) has become the go-to model for businesses seeking outsourced SOC services that deliver 24/7 protection without the burden of building in-house teams. But with multiple SOC as a Service providers in the region, how do you know which one truly aligns with your needs?

In this blog, we’ll:

• Explain what SOC as a Service is and why it’s essential for businesses.
• Break down the top 5 SOC as a Service providers in KSA and the Middle East.
• Share 5 Tips for choosing the right provider for your business.
• Highlight how COGNNA sets the benchmark with Agentic AI and regional threat intelligence.

What is SOC as a Service and Why Is It Essential?

SOC as a Service is an outsourced model that delivers continuous security monitoring, detection, and response through a dedicated security operations center (SOC). Instead of investing in costly infrastructure and scarce talent, organizations can access 24/7 SOC services through flexible subscription models.

Why It Matters in Saudi Arabia and The Middle East:

• Compliance-Driven Environments: Frameworks like SAMA and NCA demand continuous monitoring and incident reporting.
• Talent Shortage: Regional markets face a lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
• Evolving Threats: Sophisticated attacks targeting energy, fintech, and government sectors require proactive defense.
  

The Role of Agentic AI in SOC

Traditional SOCs depend heavily on human analysts, leading to alert fatigue and slower response times. Agentic AI changes the game by:

• Automating detection and triage of threats.
• Reducing false positives.
• Enabling faster, more precise incident response.
• Learning from regional threat intelligence to adapt in real-time.

This AI-driven approach empowers businesses to stay ahead of adversaries while reducing costs and operational complexity.

Top 5 SOC as a Service Providers in Saudi Arabia and The Middle East

Below we compare five of the leading SOC as a Service platforms that operate regionally. Each provider has its strengths, but one stands apart when it comes to combining compliance, AI-led defense, and local expertise.

1. COGNNA – Redefining SOC as a Service in the GCC

Key Features:

• Agentic AI-led detection and response.
• Compliance alignment with local & global frameworks (SAMA, NCA).
• Real-time visibility and tailored threats playbooks.
• Scalable SOC as a Service pricing for SMEs and enterprises.

• A unified platform for asset management, threat detection, investigation, response and remediation, and compliance-aligned reporting.
• AI-led automation that reduces false positives.
• Strong local expertise and compliance integration.
• 24/7 SOC services and support availability.
• Integrated threat intelligence from global and regional sources, validated by COGNNA’s own proprietary research.
• Seamless integration with your existing security tools (e.g., EDR, SIEM, firewalls) for enhanced visibility and response.

Other Services:

• Smart Managed SOC (MSOC) that leverages Human-AI synergy
• Smart MDR
• Compromise Assessment
• Managed Threat Hunting

Do they have a tech platform or dashboard? 

Yes, COGNNA Nexus platform is an agentic AI SOC platform for asset management, threat detection, investigation, response and remediation, and compliance-aligned reporting.

Who is it for?

‍Organizations of all sizes, from GCC-based SMEs needing affordable compliance-aligned SOC as a Service, to large enterprises and multinationals seeking Agentic AI-led, globally scalable threat defense.

2. Sirar by STC

Key Features:

• SOC as a Service integrated with STC’s telecom infrastructure.
• 24/7 monitoring, detection, and incident response.
• Leverages STC’s telecom backbone for strong network visibility.
• Trusted brand across Saudi and the GCC.
• Comprehensive managed security bundled with telecom services.

Other Services:

• Managed SOC
• MDR
• Incident Response
• Threat Intelligence & SIEM Operations
• Vulnerability Management / Detection & Response (VMDR)
• Network Security Services
• Cyber resilience program

Do they have a tech platform or dashboard?

Yes, Sirar client portals and dashboards support MDR, VMDR, and Web Security, enabling threat monitoring, vulnerability tracking, reporting, and policy management.

Who is it for?

Enterprises and telecom-heavy sectors seeking integrated security and connectivity solutions.

3. Cyberani by Aramco

Key Features:

• SOCaaS built on Aramco’s cybersecurity expertise.
• Specialized OT/ICS security for industrial and critical infrastructure.
• Threat intelligence powered by energy-sector insights.
• Advanced incident response for complex industrial environments.
• Strong backing from Aramco’s global cybersecurity resources.

Other Services:

• Managed SecOps
• GRC services
• OT security
• Offensive Cybersecurity
• DFIR
• Integration Services

Do they have a tech platform or dashboard?

Yes. Cyberani provides specialized SOC platforms with dashboards tailored for IT and OT environments, offering visibility into industrial assets, threat detection, and compliance reporting.

Who is it for?

Energy, oil & gas, and heavy industry sectors requiring OT/ICS SOC coverage and advanced incident response.

4. Haboob Technologies

Key Features:

• Cloud-native SOC as a Service solutions.
• AI- and automation-driven detection and monitoring.
• Flexible deployment for SMEs and enterprises.
• Agile, innovative approach compared to traditional SOC providers.
• Scalable solutions adaptable to different industries.

Other Services:

• Managed SOC
• Vulnerability assessment & Penetration Testing
• Digital Forensics & Incident Response
• Cybersecurity Engineering
• Consultancy Services
• Technology Solutions through third-party integrations

Do they have a tech platform or dashboard?‍

Yes, Haboob provides a modern cloud-native SOC platform with dashboards for real-time monitoring and analytics.

Who is it for?

Private enterprises and SMEs looking for agile, AI-driven SOCaaS solutions.

5. Resilience Co.

Key Features:

• SOC as a Service with a focus on cyber resilience.
• 24/7 monitoring combined with proactive defense.
• Emphasis on recovery planning and business continuity.
• Regional expertise tailored to GCC businesses.
• Strong focus on resilience, not just detection.

Other Services:

• GRC services
• Assurance Services
• ICS/OT Cybersecurity
• IAM services
• Privacy & Data Protection
• MDR
• Business Continuity & Recovery Planning

Do they have a tech platform or dashboard?

Partially. Resilience Co. offers monitoring and incident response dashboards, with a strong focus on continuity reporting and recovery visibility rather than full AI-driven SOC platforms.

Who is it for?

Businesses prioritizing business continuity and resilience alongside SOCaaS.

How to Choose the Right SOC as a Service Provider for Your Saudi Business

Not all SOC as a Service platforms are created equal. When evaluating your options, here are key factors to consider:

1. Compliance Alignment
   Does the provider help you stay aligned with local frameworks such as SAMA, NCA, or other GCC-specific standards?
   
2. Technology Stack
   Is the SOC leveraging AI, threat intelligence, and automation, or just traditional monitoring?
   
3. Scalability & Pricing
   Does the provider offer transparent SOC as a Service pricing that fits your growth plans?
   
4. Local Expertise
   Do they understand regional threats, compliance, and sector-specific risks?
   
5. Response & Remediation
   Beyond detection, can they contain and mitigate threats in real-time?
   

Why COGNNA Leads the Way

While other providers bring strong capabilities, COGNNA was built to solve the exact problems Saudi and Middle Eastern organizations face:

• Compliance complexity.
• Rapidly evolving regional threat landscape.
• Shortage of cybersecurity talent.
• Cost vs. Value dilemma.
  

By combining Agentic AI, 24/7 SOC services, and deep local expertise, COGNNA enables businesses to go beyond just monitoring, towards a proactive, resilient, and compliant defense strategy.

Final Thoughts

The Middle East’s cyber threat landscape demands more than generic global solutions. With COGNNA at the forefront, businesses now have access to SOC as a Service tailored to their unique challenges.

If you’re evaluating SOC as a Service providers and want a partner who understands both compliance and cyber defense, COGNNA is the platform designed for you.