Global payments technology company, Visa (NYSE:V), held its first-ever Saudi Payment Forum in Riyadh this week, bringing together more than 50 of its clients and partners to hear from a lineup of industry experts. The theme of the daylong event was “Understanding the impact of changing macroeconomic factors” on the Kingdom’s digital payments ecosystem.
The keynote address was given by Nasser Saidi, former chief economist and head of external relations of Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), and minister of economy and trade and minister of industry of Lebanon between 1998 and 2000.
Delegates also heard from a number of Visa’s global experts, including Paul McCrea, vice president, products, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA); Mohammed Ismaeel, senior vice president, marketing, CEMEA; and Shahebaz Khan, head of Visa Performance Solutions, MENA.
Opening the forum, Ahmed Gaber, Visa’s general manager for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, said: “The Kingdom’s electronic payments sector is steadily beginning to realize its full potential, but with cash still the dominant way to pay, the opportunity for Saudi Arabia’s economy is immense.
To help our partners and clients better understand the likely trajectory of the sector, Visa is proud to bring together world-renowned industry experts in Riyadh to share their expertise and insights at the first Saudi Payment Forum. This event is another important step in Visa’s ongoing work to enable a cashless future in Saudi Arabia.”
Delegates at the Saudi Payment Forum also received updates on Visa’s 2017 strategy, as well as its latest product and service innovations.
Visa hosts first Saudi Payment Forum in Riyadh
Visa hosts first Saudi Payment Forum in Riyadh
LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.
