Riyad Bank introduces first AI center in Saudi banking industry

The center will allow the bank and its business sectors to harness the latest AI innovations. File
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Updated 24 July 2024
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Riyad Bank introduces first AI center in Saudi banking industry

  • The center will offer a cutting-edge environment for AI-driven research, innovation, and analysis
  • The move aligns with the Financial Sector Development Program

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s digital banking has achieved a significant advancement after a leading bank introduced artificial intelligence technology, significantly enhancing its operational efficiency and customer experience.

Riyad Bank announced on July 23 the launch of the first-of-its-kind specialized center for artificial intelligence technologies and services in the Saudi banking sector, known as the Center of Intelligence.

It will allow the bank and its business sectors to harness the latest AI innovations and derive significant value from advanced, proactive analytical insights, while advancing the bank’s vision with the highest standards of quality and innovation, according to a statement from the financial institution.




The center will utilize machine learning techniques and solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the bank’s investments and operations. (Riyad Bank)

The move aligns with the broader national goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the Financial Sector Development Program, which works together with the Saudi Central Bank to provide banking services that are more accessible.

The program is committed to contributing to the stability and growth of the banking system to make it even more convenient by investing in technology and offering a wide range of financial products and services.

The center will offer a cutting-edge environment for AI-driven research, innovation, and analysis. It will also utilize machine learning techniques and solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the bank’s investments and operations. 

Nadir Al-Koraya, CEO of Riyad Bank, expressed his pride in this qualitative addition achieved by launching the center to localize AI solutions in the Saudi business sectors in alignment with the country’s plans and strategic objectives.




The center will allow the bank and its business sectors to harness the latest AI innovations and derive significant value from advanced. (Riyad Bank)

“The center is the result of our continuous efforts to optimize the investment of capabilities in order to maximize the value achieved for our customers, shareholders and the bank’s employees,” he said, adding that it will accelerate the bank’s digital transformation and innovation, driving greater productivity across its operations.

In April, the bank – one of Saudi Arabia’s largest financial institutions – approved the assessment and preparation of an initial public offering of its investment banking unit, Riyad Capital. 

According to a Tadawul statement issued at the time, the board of directors were considering listing the subsidiary on the main market of the Saudi Exchange.

It said the two bodies would coordinate to finalize the assessment and the relevant measures, including determining the offering size as well as other related details. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main market closes the week in red at 10,526 

Updated 25 December 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main market closes the week in red at 10,526 

RIYADH: Saudi equities ended Thursday’s session modestly lower, with the Tadawul All Share Index slipping 14.63 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 10,526.09.    

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also declined 3.66 points, or 0.26 percent, to 1,389.66. In contrast, the parallel market outperformed, as Nomu jumped 237.72 points, or 1.02 percent, to close at 23,430.93.  

Market breadth on the main market remained tilted to the downside, with 156 stocks ending lower against 99 gainers.    

Trading activity eased further, with volumes reaching 80.46 million shares and total traded value amounting to SR1.66 billion ($442 million).    

On the movers’ board, Saudi Industrial Export Co. led the gainers, rising 6.6 percent to SR2.10, followed by Consolidated Grunenfelder Saady Holding Co., which advanced 6.43 percent to SR9.60.    

Raoom Trading Co. climbed 4.36 percent to SR61.05, while Astra Industrial Group gained 4.35 percent to close at SR139. Riyadh Cables Group Co. added 3.77 percent to end the session at SR135.00.    

On the downside, Methanol Chemicals Co. topped the losers’ list, falling 5.96 percent to SR7.41.  

Flynas Co. retreated 5.43 percent to SR61.00, while Leejam Sports Co. dropped 5 percent to close at SR100.80.    

Alramz Real Estate Co. slipped 4.64 percent to SR55.50, and Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. declined 4.55 percent to SR84.00.  

On the announcement front, ACWA Power said it has completed the financial close for the Ras Mohaisen First Water Desalination Co., a reverse osmosis desalination project with a capacity of up to 300,000 cubic meters per day, alongside associated potable water storage facilities totaling 600,000 cubic meters in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province.    

The project was financed through a consortium of local and international banks, with total funding of SR2.07 billion and a tenor of up to 29.5 years, while ACWA Power holds an effective 45 percent equity stake.  

Shares of ACWA Power ended the session at SR185.90, up SR0.2, or 0.11 percent.     

Meanwhile, Consolidated Grunenfelder Saady Holding Co. announced the sign-off of a customized solutions project with Saudi Aramco Nabors Drilling Co., valued at SR166.0 million excluding VAT.    

The 24-month contract covers the sale and maintenance of field camp facilities, with the financial impact expected to begin from the first quarter of 2026.