Riyad Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of the Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES), becoming the first local bank to offer the new global digital payment service in the Kingdom.
The Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES) is a platform that supports the management, generation and provisioning of digital payment credentials into mobile devices to enable simpler and more secure digital payment experiences.
With shopping becoming an increasingly multi-channel process, MDES is making purchasing even faster, simpler and more secure. After adding their card details to the Riyad Bank wallet application on their smartphone, consumers no longer need to pull out their card at checkout: They simply tap on a contactless-enabled POS terminal and enter their password to complete the payment. MDES optimizes in-store checkout experience, making everyday payments hassle-free. This kind of simplicity is fundamental to the growth of electronic payments.
“The digital revolution we are currently witnessing, augmented by the increased growth in e-commerce and the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, means that any connected device has the potential to become a commerce device. As our global digital payment service goes live in Saudi with Riyad Bank, Mastercard cardholders as well as merchants in Saudi will enjoy the benefits of safety, security and convenience,” said Khalid Elgibali, division president for Middle East and North Africa, Mastercard.
MDES guarantees the highest possible standards of security and privacy. It offers the bank’s cardholders a variety of services and the ability to make transactions and manage their cards via a mobile banking application. The reliability and security of transactions offered by Riyad Bank, along with the global MDES, now ensure maximum security for payments made via smartphones and credit or prepaid cards issued by Riyad Bank, anywhere and anytime.
MDES enables retailers to offer a fast, simple shopping experience, thereby reducing queues and time at checkout.
Saudi consumers will now be able to use the service when shopping from many types of Android devices while the retailers using contactless POS terminals will be able to offer fast and secure payments to international customers.
Riyadh Al-Zahrani, executive vice president, Retail Banking, Riyad Bank, said: “Riyad Bank has always been at the forefront of innovation in the banking and payments space. The launch of MDES is another example of providing cutting-edge payments solutions to our customers. Now, they can pay using their mobile phones, and will not need to carry cash or plastic cards.”
Riyad Bank becomes first Saudi bank to introduce Mastercard Digital Enablement Service
Riyad Bank becomes first Saudi bank to introduce Mastercard Digital Enablement Service
ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy
Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has launched the second edition of its off-road initiative — an immersive driving experience designed to engage guests and showcase the real-world capabilities of Toyota’s SUV lineup in the Kingdom’s desert terrains. The activation takes place on weekends, starting initially in Riyadh and continuing through Jeddah, before concluding in Dammam on Jan. 24.
The multi-city activation is designed to engage guests through Toyota’s SUV lineup in fun and exciting ways, offering a hands-on opportunity to experience vehicle performance, control, and versatility. The lineup features a wide range of Toyota SUV models, including the Land Cruiser HEV Max, a hybrid vehicle built for performance. Beyond the off-road drives, the activation offers a welcoming weekend setting with supporting activities suitable for families and younger guests, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which welcomed more than 4,500 participants and attracted over 10,000 attendees, the second edition continues to focus on meaningful guest engagement through interactive and experiential driving activities while emphasizing safety, trust, and enjoyment. Through this approach, ALJ Motors champions Toyota’s off-road legacy while creating an experience that further connects guests with Toyota’s renowned SUV lineup.
Shahad Nassier, managing director of marketing communications at ALJ Motors, said: “Following the strong response to the inaugural season, the return of this off-road experience allows us to continue engaging our guests in an authentic and exciting way. In this second edition, we have further refined the driving routes and elevated the overall experience to better serve our guests and their families. By bringing Toyota’s SUV lineup into real desert environments, we provide an opportunity for guests to experience vehicle performance firsthand, while reinforcing the values of reliability and capability that have long defined Toyota’s presence in the Kingdom.”
The experiential initiative deepens guest relationships, supports informed vehicle choice, and reflects ALJ Motors’ ongoing role in delivering reliable and diversified mobility solutions across the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Guests interested in participating in the off-road experience can register for the upcoming activations in Jeddah on Jan. 9-10, followed by Dammam on Jan. 16-17 and 23-24, through ALJ Motors’ official social channels.
