Digitizing payments key to economic transformation

Visa’s General Manager for Saudi Arabia Ali Bailoun
Updated 07 October 2019
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Digitizing payments key to economic transformation

The last few years have seen Saudi Arabia making significant strides in its agenda of moving to a digital economy. While much of the attention has centered on the rapid shift to digital payments by consumers in the Kingdom, underpinned by the launch of digital wallets such as mada Pay and Apple Pay, there is an exciting opportunity in digitizing payments in the corporate and public sectors as well.
In fact, Dr. Ahmed Abdulkarim Al-Kholifey, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), has previously highlighted the focus of the Financial Sector Development Program on increasing non-cash transactions as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and SAMA is leading the charge to digitalize payments with initiatives.
A Visa-commissioned survey, Cashless Cities, previously found that in Riyadh alone, the government could save nearly SR10.1 billion ($2.7 billion) from cost savings in administrative efficiencies and increased economic growth due to a reduced reliance on cash. The same survey estimated that businesses in Riyadh could achieve up to SR13.9 billion in savings through digital payments.

FASTFACT

Saudi Arabia is one of 62 markets globally Visa has selected to launch B2B Connect.

Overall, the study results show the potential benefits that cities, governments, businesses, and consumers may have if they transition to an achievable level of “cashlessness.”
Visa continues to work closely both with public bodies such as mada, the national payment scheme, and the Ministry of Finance, with which Visa signed an MoU in April this year to support their efforts to digitize government-2-business flows, as well as banks and fintech partners. Not only is our technology helping to power digital wallets such as mada Pay and Apple Pay, most recently, we launched Visa B2B Connect, a platform designed to give financial institutions a secure, fast and predictable way to process cross-border business-to-business (B2B) payments.
By adding transparency and simplifying cross-border B2B payments using distributed ledger technology, Visa B2B Connect aims to remove friction and time from the process and accelerate the flow of commercial payments around the world. Saudi Arabia is one of 62 markets globally Visa has selected to launch B2B Connect. And Visa remains upbeat about its potential to further strengthen the opportunities for the economic growth of the Kingdom.

The writer is Visa’s general manager for Saudi Arabia.


Red Sea Global to bring Oracle hotel tech to KSA

Updated 44 sec ago
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Red Sea Global to bring Oracle hotel tech to KSA

Red Sea Global, the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, has teamed up with global tech giant Oracle to introduce its hospitality technology solutions, including the Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform, in the Kingdom for the first time.
RSG’s premier luxury resorts — Thuwal Private Retreat, Shebara and Desert Rock — are set to become the first resorts in the Kingdom to leverage Oracle’s cutting-edge cloud hospitality technology solutions. This follows the company’s decision to invest in bringing these solutions to Saudi Arabia via its Oracle Cloud in Jeddah.
“The Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform truly is best-in-class, but until now, it was not accessible to the industry in Saudi Arabia. Oracle was eager to be part of the exciting transformation happening in the Kingdom, especially within the hospitality industry. With their expertise and support, we now have the technology in place to deliver exceptional guest experiences, responding to the needs of our discerning visitors before they themselves know what they want,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global.
Previously hosted outside of Saudi Arabia, the Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform was inaccessible to customers due to data residency rules. By investing in bringing these solutions to the Kingdom, for the first time the entire Saudi hospitality industry can benefit from its technological services.
Alex Alt, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Hospitality, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting hospitality market stories in the world today, and by pioneering a regenerative approach to tourism, Red Sea Global is at the heart of that transformation. Now, Oracle will be a part of shaping the future of the sector in the region as well, which is why we are investing heavily in bringing our solutions to the Kingdom. Through OPERA Cloud, RSG now has a scalable hospitality platform that empowers its guest services staff to provide faster, hassle-free, personalized experiences.”
The Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform unites data and functionality under a common user interface and experience. With it, customers can get a comprehensive view of their hotel business, including distribution, sales, service interactions, loyalty programs, and more to help make faster decisions that can benefit staff and guests. The all-in-one platform helps hotels remove silos and friction across various functional areas both on as well as above property. Single image rates and inventory, as well as reservations, groups, and profiles, combined with a unified end user experience, makes information accessible to all key stakeholders at all customer touch points.
Last year, The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests, and the Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023 — international flights also began last month. Three of the destination’s hotels are now open, with two additional resorts on track to open later this year.
Thuwal Private Retreat will also open this year, while AMAALA remains on track to welcome first guests to Triple Bay in 2025.


Saudi Awwal Bank opens new branch in SAB Tower

Updated 33 sec ago
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Saudi Awwal Bank opens new branch in SAB Tower

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, inaugurated its newest integrated branch in the SAB Tower. The inauguration was held in the presence of Lubna Olayan, chairman of the board of directors, and members of the board and the executive management.
This new integrated branch signifies SAB’s strategy in enhancing customer experience in the Kingdom and reiterates its commitment to providing distinguished banking services for its retail customers, and small and medium enterprises, in addition to investment services.
Bandar Al-Gheshayan, chief wealth and personal banking officer at SAB, said: “We are pleased to open our new branch, which comes in line with our commitment to serving our customers with unparalleled dedication and excellence.”
He added: “This is part of our vision to become the bank of choice that offers innovative financial solutions, and our ongoing efforts to continue building strong and sustainable relationships with our customers and partners.”
The bank continues to enhance its efforts toward developing retail and corporate banking services, aiming to provide a comprehensive range of financial and banking solutions that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Last year, SAB inaugurated its new headquarters — the SAB Tower, which has been awarded the SmartScore Platinum and LEED Gold certifications.
SAB is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years, during which time it has been an active partner supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth and social development.
SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury.
The bank’s paid-up capital is SR20.5 billion, after the legal merger with Alawwal Bank on March 14, 2021, when it was legally known as the Saudi British Bank. SAB operates under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank, and is a partner of the HSBC Group.


Cognite Data Fusion Now Available on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia

Updated 15 May 2024
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Cognite Data Fusion Now Available on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Cognite, a leader in industrial software, announced that its flagship Industrial DataOps product, Cognite Data Fusion, designed to enable customers to seamlessly migrate their data, is now available on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia.

Collaborating with Google Cloud, Cognite is using artificial intelligence and data analytics to help industrial companies like energy, manufacturing, and logistics industries while providing them with valuable insights, increase efficiency, and drive digital transformation.

Francois Laborie, Executive Vice President, Cognite, said in a press release : "This is a significant milestone in our partnership, and as well as our commitment to the Kingdom. The power of data and AI, from Cognite and Google Cloud, enables industry transformation via solutions that deliver business value to our customers."

Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Google Cloud said: By leveraging Google Cloud's scalable and secure infrastructure, Cognite Data Fusion will enable customers to harness the power of their data to make smarter business decisions and accelerate their digital transformation journey."

Cognite Data Fusion is brought to the market by CNTXT, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Cognite. Abdullah Jarwan, CEO of CNTXT said "Cognite Data Fusion is poised to revolutionize how the Kingdom’s industries harness insights from their data. Cognite Data Fusion offers world-leading gen AI capabilities tailored for industrial sectors."

 


Saudi Icon stands out at Future Hospitality Summit

Updated 14 May 2024
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Saudi Icon stands out at Future Hospitality Summit

Saudi Icon showcased its comprehensive ecosystem at the prestigious Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, in a testament to its pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation. This marked a significant milestone for the company as it continues to redefine the landscape of the hospitality industry.

Established in 2014 as a beacon of excellence in construction and design, Saudi Icon’s presence at FHS underscored its unwavering dedication to providing end-to-end solutions for hospitality ventures. With a diverse range of services in its repertoire, the company has emerged as a one-stop destination, revolutionizing the traditional approach to project execution.

At its core, Saudi Icon is more than just a construction company; it embodies a complete ecosystem designed to streamline the development process from conception to completion. With a robust infrastructure comprising reliable subcontractors and suppliers, Saudi Icon ensures vertical growth while maintaining unparalleled quality standards.

Central to this ecosystem are subsidiary entities specializing in key areas such as steelworks, landscape architecture, aluminum and glass fabrication, wood and millwork, facility management, MEP, and furniture manufacturing. This holistic approach allows Saudi Icon to orchestrate projects seamlessly, minimizing complexities and maximizing efficiency.

Furthermore, Saudi Icon’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional construction services to encompass interior and architectural design, project management, industries, engineering design, furniture, fixture, and equipment procurement, as well as fit-out services. This integrated approach not only streamlines operations but also fosters creativity and collaboration across disciplines.

What sets Saudi Icon apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering added value to the hospitality industry. By leveraging its comprehensive ecosystem, Saudi Icon offers unparalleled agility, flexibility, and scalability to meet the evolving needs of clients. Whether it is designing immersive guest experiences, optimizing operational efficiency, or ensuring sustainable development, Saudi Icon’s ecosystem serves as a catalyst for innovation and excellence.

In essence, Saudi Icon’s participation at FHS signifies a new era of possibility for the hospitality sector. As the industry navigates unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Saudi Icon stands ready to lead the charge toward a future defined by creativity, collaboration, and transformative design. With its integrated ecosystem as its cornerstone, Saudi Icon is poised to shape the hospitality landscape for generations to come.


Jeddah maritime conference urges smart, sustainable growth

Updated 14 May 2024
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Jeddah maritime conference urges smart, sustainable growth

The recently concluded International Port and Marine Development Conference in Jeddah has set a new course for the maritime industry, emphasizing smart and sustainable port infrastructure as the cornerstone for global maritime progress.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a regional maritime hub was showcased throughout the conference, reflecting its ambitious goals to enhance maritime infrastructure and bolster trade relations with key partners. Notably, the country’s significant rise in global rankings, advancing eight places in annual container throughput, underscores its dedication to advancing maritime capabilities on the international stage.

One of the conference’s focal points was the logistics park at Jeddah Port, slated for completion later this year. This project represents more than mere expansion; it embodies a comprehensive approach to port development, incorporating infrastructure upgrades to meet evolving industry needs.

In an era of digital transformation, the conference underscored the imperative for ports and terminals to adopt a digital mindset to stay competitive. With a shift toward digitization, automation, and decarbonization, operators must embrace technological trends to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

The conference, held from May 6-7 at Jeddah Hilton, brought together more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, international experts and stakeholders from over 15 countries, to strategize for sustainable industry growth. Discussions focused on green and eco-friendly solutions, with an emphasis on port development, construction, operation, and maritime logistics.

Key topics covered included port infrastructure modernization strategies, container terminal automation challenges and opportunities, innovations in port and marine development, and financing models for port development projects. These discussions provided valuable insights into addressing challenges such as time in port, congestion, delays, and carbon emissions.

“As the maritime industry charts a course toward a smarter, more sustainable future, the International Port and Marine Development Conference serves as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and progress, propelling global maritime endeavors to new heights,” a press statement said.