SAMA grants sandbox permits to Saudi fintechs XSquare, NeotTek, and MoneyMoon

SAMA is keen to support sector development and promote financial inclusion and innovation. File

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Updated 01 October 2024

Mohammed Al-Kinani

September 03, 2024 11:50

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SAMA grants sandbox permits to Saudi fintechs XSquare, NeotTek, and MoneyMoon

Updated 01 October 2024

Mohammed Al-Kinani

September 03, 2024 11:50

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JEDDAH: Saudi fintech startups XSquare, NeotTek, and MoneyMoon have received permits from the Saudi Central Bank to test their solutions in its regulatory sandbox.

The first two companies are authorized to launch an open banking platform, while the third firm is permitted to launch a peer-to-peer lending platform.

The approval highlights the efforts of the central bank, also known as SAMA, to support sector development and underscores its commitment to promoting financial inclusion and innovation, the institution said in a statement.

With these additions, the total number of fintech companies currently operating under its regulatory sandbox increased to 19, adding that since its launch in 2018, the sandbox has permitted 50 fintechs to test and refine their offerings in a controlled environment, SAMA said in its release.

The Kingdom’s National Fintech Strategy, part of Vision 2030’s Financial Sector Development Program, targets the establishment of 525 firms in the industry, the creation of 18,000 jobs, and a $3.5 billion economic contribution by 2030.

The financial authority has also released the second update under the Open Banking Framework, which focuses on the Payment Initiation Service.

This initiative is part of SAMA’s efforts to further bolster the Saudi fintech ecosystem and is expected to improve consumer experience and transaction efficiency while creating new opportunities for the Kingdom’s fintech sector to offer a broader range of products and solutions, as per a separate statement.

SAMA’s Open Banking Framework provides a set of guidelines and technical standards grounded in international best practices to foster financial technology innovation services in the Kingdom.

The second release of the framework establishes standardized procedures for offering Payment Initiation Services in a reliable and secure manner. It also outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in delivering PIS.

Saudi Arabia’s financial technology startups have secured over $1.84 billion in venture capital investments since 2018, according to the latest official SAMA report.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, also known as Monsha’at, said that since the launch of the Fintech Saudi initiative, the sector has flourished and investments have been directed into 216 firms, which now employ over 6,500 people.

This significant capital influx underscores the rapid growth of the nation’s fintech sector, now the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region.

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Topics: 24Fintech startups fintech Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)

Red Sea Global secures $1.5bn for AMAALA infrastructure project

Updated 6 sec ago

MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

October 31, 2024 19:37

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Red Sea Global secures $1.5bn for AMAALA infrastructure project

Updated 6 sec ago

MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

October 31, 2024 19:37

JEDDAH: Red Sea Global has announced the financial closing of a multi-utility infrastructure development project for the AMAALA destination, totaling around $1.5 billion.

The initiative, led by a consortium including Electricite de France or the EDF Group and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., or Masdar, alongside their partners Korea East-West Power Co., or EWP, and SUEZ, is set to position AMAALA as a luxury wellness destination on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It is expected to welcome its first guests in 2025.

The financial close was achieved with the support of local and international financial institutions, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, and Riyad Bank, as well as Saudi National Bank and Alinma Bank, according to a statement from RSG, adding that the milestone highlights the consortium’s dedication to realizing AMAALA’s promise of unparalleled luxury, sustainability, and cultural enrichment.

Group CEO of RSG, John Pagano, said that they have demonstrated that large-scale tourism destinations can be powered using 100 percent renewable energy while providing luxury experiences for guests and strong financial returns for partners.

“This agreement with EDF, Masdar, EWP, and SUEZ means that we are on track to making AMAALA our second destination powered by sunlight, day and night.”

This achievement comes after the awarding of a 25-year multi-utility concession agreement with RSG in September 2023, which includes an option for extension. The deal encompasses the financing, engineering, and development, as well as construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual transfer of a multi-utilities infrastructure facility to support the AMAALA destination, RSG clarified.

The facility includes a fully optimized and decarbonized off-grid renewable energy system designed to generate electricity from a 250-megawatt solar photovoltaic park, 700MWh battery energy storage, and transmission and distribution lines. Additionally, it features a desalination plant with a capacity of 37 million liters of drinking water per day and wastewater treatment plants to secure the necessary base load.

The project is expected to prevent nearly 350,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually compared to typical infrastructures of this nature. It will also serve as a pioneering infrastructure initiative, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly luxury tourism.

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al-Ramahi highlighted the project’s innovative solutions, including solar power, energy storage, and desalination systems.

Beatrice Buffon, vice president, international division, and chairwoman and CEO of EDF Renewables, described the financial close as a significant achievement enabled by RSG’s support and the dedication of their team and partners.

She added that this initiative sets new standards for the EDF Group and should be replicable in other geographies. She also highlighted that the off-grid project will supply 65,000 people with carbon-free electricity and uninterrupted water access.

Commenting on the announcement, Kim Young-Moon, CEO of EWP said: “We are excited to announce the financial close of our renewable energy project in Saudi Arabia, a significant step in our commitment to a sustainable future.”

Young-Moon added that the project will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and create jobs, boosting local economic growth.

“As we aim to lead the global energy transition, this project is a key milestone, driving innovation in the renewable energy sector and advancing our ambitious goals,” the executive said.

Pierre Pauliac, chief operating officer and executive vice president at SUEZ, said: “We are delighted to contribute to this strategic project for the development of Saudi Arabia. SUEZ will be part of the construction of all the water utilities equipment. In addition, the group will operate during the 25 years the state-of-the-art desalination plant to secure AMALAA’s access to drinking water, as well as the water networks.”

AMAALA will go beyond sustainability to have a regenerative impact on the environment. By 2040, the project plans to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit for local ecosystems.

This will be accomplished by enhancing biologically diverse habitats such as mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation, promoting biodiversity while contributing to carbon sequestration, according to the statement.

Upon completion, the luxury destination will feature over 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, and 1,200 high-end residential villas, apartments, and estate homes. It will also host a vibrant community of more than 15,000 residents and workers, creating a dynamic and sustainable living environment.

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Topics: rsg

Saudi-US bilateral accords ‘not that connected’ to Israel normalization

Updated 31 min 28 sec ago

Nour El-Shaeri

October 31, 2024 18:59

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Saudi-US bilateral accords ‘not that connected’ to Israel normalization

Saudi FM rejects possibility of Kingdom recognizing Israel without establishment of Palestinian state
Region's security as a whole is at risk if we do not address the rights of Palestinians, says Saudi FM

Updated 31 min 28 sec ago

Nour El-Shaeri

October 31, 2024 18:59

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said on Thursday that some of the bilateral agreements the kingdom has been negotiating with Washington are “not that tied” to the normalization of Saudi relations with Israel and are “moving ahead.”

He noted that potential US-Saudi agreements on trade and artificial intelligence are “not tied to any third parties” and “can progress probably quite quickly.”

“Some of the more significant defense cooperation agreements are much more complicated. We would certainly welcome the opportunity to finalize them before the end of the Biden administration's term, but that’s reliant on factors outside of our control,” he said.

“The other work streams are not that connected, and some of them are progressing quite quickly, and we hope to see movement forward.”

Ruling out the possibility of Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state, Prince Faisal stated that this remains the only viable solution, regardless of Israel’s acceptance.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh, he emphasized that the creation of a Palestinian state is rooted in international law and UN resolutions.

“In reality, the establishment of a Palestinian state is not tied to whether or not Israel accepts it; it’s tied to the principles of international law,” he said. “The UN resolutions that led to the establishment of the state of Israel clearly envisioned a Palestinian state as well, so we need to make that happen.”

Prince Faisal asserted that normalization of Saudi-Israeli ties is “off the table” until there is a resolution regarding Palestinian statehood. He further highlighted the broader implications, stating, “The security of the region as a whole is at risk if we do not address the rights of the Palestinians.”

Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, he called for a cease-fire, emphasizing the dangers of an Israeli overreaction following the events of October 7th. “We have seen the reality that Israel’s reaction and its continuing military assault have led to a humanitarian catastrophe,” he remarked. He described the situation in northern Gaza as dire, with blockades and no safe zones for civilians, stating, “That can only be described as a form of genocide. It is certainly against humanitarian law, and that is feeding a continuing cycle of violence.”

On the prospects of an immediate cease-fire, Prince Faisal expressed caution, saying, “I hope it’s the case that we can see a cease-fire in the immediate hours, in the immediate short term. I’m not sure that that’s the case. I don’t have the details.”

He acknowledged US efforts to facilitate negotiations, adding, “We are not part of the direct negotiations, but we certainly support the efforts that the US has undertaken to find a pathway to a ceasefire. I hope it comes to fruition.”

He noted that previous attempts at cease-fire negotiations had failed due to new demands from Israel. “In most of those instances where the talks collapsed, it has been because new requirements or demands were added on the part of Israel,” he explained.

Prince Faisal also addressed Saudi Arabia’s position on Lebanon, emphasizing a hands-off approach. “We have never fully disengaged. But we believe it’s up to the Lebanese politicians to seek a direction that puts Lebanon on the right track,” he stated.

He added: “It’s not up to any outside influence, any outside countries, or any outside powers to tell the Lebanese what to do or to influence the political process in Lebanon. That is our opinion.”

Regarding relations with Iran, Prince Faisal indicated that recent discussions focused on regional de-escalation. “I hope that Iran, like us, is working toward regional de-escalation on all fronts, not just in Lebanon. That’s very much the focus of my conversations with my Iranian counterpart,” he said. While he could not be “confident of anything that is in the control of other parties,” he emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation.

“I have made it clear to our Iranian counterparts that it is important to avoid any further escalation. My sense is that they realize the risks of escalation and would prefer to avoid it. But, of course, they have their own strategic calculations.”

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‘Blue tech’ needs private sector boost, says RSG official

Updated 31 October 2024

Nadin Hassan

Nour El-Shaeri

October 31, 2024 18:07

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‘Blue tech’ needs private sector boost, says RSG official

Updated 31 October 2024

Nadin Hassan Nour El-Shaeri

October 31, 2024 18:07

RIYADH: Private sector firms need to lead the way and invest in so-called blue tech in order to protect the world’s oceans, according to a leading official at Red Sea Global.

Speaking to Arab News during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Raed Al-Basseet, environment and sustainability officer at the company, called on businesses to adopt innovative approaches that contribute to environmental preservation.

This includes blue tech — which refers to refers to any innovation made for the sea.

Al-Basseet also reaffirmed RSG’s commitment to sustainability — and how this reflects on the project’s return on investment.

He called on the private sector to take “the first steps” and invest in “cutting edge approaches to preserving the environment,” adding: “Enhancing the environment and … conservation is the right thing to do for the private sector, but also when we realize the first benefits out of that, and out of these initiatives, we will also have real return on investment as a developer, as a private sector, from that investment.”

Al-Basseet was keen to emphasis RSG’s focus on environmentalism, saying the company has “sustainability at its DNA.”

He added: “And that actually, from a practical sense, means that (in) all of our activities, master planning and development, design, construction, delivering on these projects, as well as operating these projects, sustainability is at the core of everything that we do.”

He emphasized that the long-term success of the projects relies on preserving natural assets, making sustainability integral to achieving favorable outcomes.

Highlighting key initiatives, Al-Basseet pointed out the company’s significant investment in blue tech, adding: “The investment in technology does require the support of a multitude of stakeholders. Private sector does have a role. Red Sea Global is very proud that they have in the

Al-Basseet also spoke about the company’s efforts in coral conservation, including supporting research that is happening now within the Red Sea.

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Topics: FII8

Saudi-US bilateral accords ‘not that connected’ to Israel normalization

Updated 31 October 2024

Nour El-Shaeri

October 31, 2024 17:32