SABB supports UK-Saudi investment opportunities in renewable energy

Tony Cripps, CEO of Saudi British Bank.
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Updated 02 July 2022
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SABB supports UK-Saudi investment opportunities in renewable energy

The Saudi British Bank sponsored the UK-Saudi Renewable Energy Forum organized by the Saudi British Joint Business Council on June 28 in London.

The forum brought together a group of UK and Saudi ministers, senior government officials, businessmen and investors for a series of interactive talks and panels on investment opportunities in clean energy programs in the UK and Saudi Arabia.

The discussions focused on the vital role of green financing in assisting with the energy transition, opportunities for private sector participation in developing clean technologies, and promoting collective cooperation for a more sustainable future.

“We are honored to be a part of this incredibly important forum to explore the various opportunities for renewable energy collaboration between the two Kingdoms,” said SABB CEO Tony Cripps, during the forum’s discussion sessions. “We are proud of our role as a financial institution in the process of sustainable development led by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

“At SABB, we are deeply committed to sustainability, and it is central to our strategy. We will do everything we can to support green initiatives to create a more sustainable future and achieve leadership in environmental, social, and corporate governance, and we are taking significant steps to lead in the Kingdom and the region as a whole.

“We have recently launched the first green deposit product in the region with HSBC Group. We have also acted as lead arrangers for the Red Sea giga-project financing, the first green loan in the Kingdom.

“In addition to our contribution to the Green Saudi Initiative, SABB is fully prepared to support sustainable development and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” Cripps added.

The forum follows the hugely successful Sustainable Investment Forum in London in July 2021, demonstrating the UK and Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to investing in sustainable energy, combating climate change, and achieving zero-carbon emissions.

SABB is one of the leading banks in financial innovation, offering various products and services aimed at promoting digitization and innovation, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives.

The bank was established in 1978 as a Saudi joint stock company and is an associate company of the HSBC Group.

It offers integrated financial and banking services including retail banking, corporate banking, investment, private banking and treasury. SABB’s paid-up capital is SR20.5 billion ($5.46 billion).


Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

Updated 18 December 2025
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Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

In an era where digital platforms shape nearly every aspect of modern life, many Muslims across the world are turning to technology not for casual interactions, but for something far more meaningful: marriage. Among the platforms leading this shift is Muzz, the world’s largest Muslim marriage app, which has established itself as a trusted space for young professionals, families, and faith-minded individuals seeking genuine, value-aligned connections.

With a global community of more than 15 million members and over 600,000 marriages facilitated through the platform, Muzz has redefined how Muslims meet and communicate while honoring cultural expectations and Islamic principles. Its rapid growth reflects an increasing demand for tools that offer modern convenience without compromising traditional values.

Muzz’s origins trace back to 2011, when founder Shahzad Younas created a simple website from his London bedroom. What started as a small personal project soon evolved into a pioneering venture. In 2017, the platform became the first Muslim-focused startup to be accepted into Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley accelerator known for backing giants such as Airbnb and Dropbox. This milestone marked a turning point that propelled Muzz from a grassroots idea into a global technology brand.

Today, the company operates with more than 150 employees across several regions, serving diverse Muslim communities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its global footprint, the platform remains rooted in a clear mission: to offer Muslims a safe, respectful, and intentional way to pursue marriage.

In contrast to mainstream dating apps that cater largely to casual relationships, Muzz’s guiding philosophy is that “Muslims don’t date — they marry.” This principle shapes the platform’s user experience and distinguishes it from competitors. The app incorporates features designed specifically to reflect Islamic values, including privacy tools, optional chaperone modes, verified profiles, and a strong emphasis on safety and conduct. These elements resonate particularly strongly with users in the GCC, where cultural expectations around courtship remain firmly tied to modesty, family involvement, and serious intentions.

“We built Muzz to empower Muslims with a tool that fits their lives and their values,” said CEO Younas. “Our users want modern convenience, but they also seek sincerity and intention. Muzz brings both together.”

Beyond impressive numbers and global reach, the platform’s impact is evident in the personal stories shared by couples who found each other through it. Omar and Noura, a Saudi–Jordanian couple who married last year, credit Muzz for creating the opportunity that brought them together. Living in different countries, they never expected their paths to cross naturally. “Conversations on Muzz felt sincere from the start,” Omar said. “Within weeks, we realized this was something real.”

For individuals like Sara, a single mother from the Gulf region, the app provided a renewed chance at companionship after years of hesitation. Concerns about trust and privacy initially held her back, but the platform’s respectful environment helped her feel comfortable enough to explore the process. “Muzz felt intentional,” she said. “I met someone who understood my journey, someone I didn’t expect to find.”

Stories like these, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, highlight how thoughtfully designed technology can support tradition rather than undermine it. The platform’s growing adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects this balance, combining technological ease with the cultural sensitivity deeply valued in the region. According to a spokesperson for the company, this growth demonstrates a widespread desire for tools that honor authenticity and respect while offering users an accessible way to pursue marriage.

In addition to its role as a matchmaking platform, Muzz has emerged as a socially conscious brand committed to humanitarian initiatives. The company has raised more than $1.2 million in charitable contributions, supporting essential projects in Sudan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and other regions. Its donations have helped fund bakeries, mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and emergency relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community support and ethical responsibility.

As digital tools continue to influence how people work, communicate, and build relationships, Muzz’s success illustrates how technology can harmonize with religious and cultural values. By offering a platform grounded in sincerity, safety, and faith-centered design, Muzz is shaping a new chapter in Muslim matchmaking, one where innovation and tradition work hand in hand to help people build lasting connections.