Saudi Awwal Bank named ‘Best Bank for ESG’ for second year in a row

Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO at SAB
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Updated 30 May 2024
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Saudi Awwal Bank named ‘Best Bank for ESG’ for second year in a row

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, received Euromoney’s “Best Bank for ESG” award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes SAB’s approach to sustainability and reporting.

The recognition comes as part of SAB’s efforts to align with market best practices whilst being a key contributor toward shaping corporate sustainability discussions in the Kingdom.

Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO at SAB, said: “We are proud to have received this award. This is a recognition of our efforts to embed ESG principles across our operations and decision-making processes.”

He added: “It is a testament to our commitment to sustainable banking and our desire to create long-term value for our stakeholders.”

SAB’s continuous improvement and high-performance standards have been recognized with other awards such as the “Best Bank in Saudi Arabia” and “Best Trade Finance Provider in Saudi Arabia” awards by Global Finance. 

The bank was also honored with the Euromoney magazine’s “Best Bank for Private Banking in the Kingdom” award. These awards signify SAB’s exceptional services, highlighting its strength in catering to the Kingdom’s evolving business landscape with utmost efficiency and innovative solutions.

 


Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival

Updated 30 January 2026
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Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival

Regional retail chain Lulu Hypermarket officially launched the Australian Fest on Wednesday at its Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh. The grand inauguration was led by Senator Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism and special minister of state for Australia, as the chief guest. The event, which celebrated the rich culinary heritage and premium produce of Australia, was attended by a high-level delegation from the Australian government, alongside Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia, and senior LuLu officials.
The festivities commenced at the supermarket entrance, where Farrell performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony under a beautifully designed, Australian-themed ceremonial gate. This marked the formal opening of a week-long celebration dedicated to bringing the best of Australian flavors to the Saudi capital. Following the inauguration, the minister led a guided store walk-through, exploring premium product showcases and vibrant displays in the Meat Area. A dedicated thematic showcase of fresh fruits and vegetables from Australia was also highlighted, emphasizing the authenticity and freshness that the country’s agriculture is known for globally.
The tour reached a celebratory peak at the bakery section, where the chief guest was invited for a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the festival. During his official address, Farrell shared his insights on the significance of the event, stating that it is a pleasure to witness the Australian Fest in Riyadh. He said that the event is more than just a showcase of Australian products, but rather a testament to the growing partnership between Australia and Saudi Arabia, making these high-quality products easily accessible to shoppers in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Haris expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the team is deeply honored to welcome Farrell and the Australian government delegates. He said that the Australian Fest is a cornerstone of LuLu’s commitment to offering customers global diversity and the highest quality products. He further added that LuLu is proud to serve as the bridge connecting Saudi shoppers with the authentic excellence of Australian agriculture.
The Australian Fest is offering residents an exclusive opportunity to explore and purchase a wide variety of Australian-made products at special promotional prices.