At LEAP 2025, Saudi fintech barq inks multiple deals to enhance digital wallet

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Updated 11 February 2025
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At LEAP 2025, Saudi fintech barq inks multiple deals to enhance digital wallet

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing service quality and improving customer experiences, Saudi fintech barq signed partnership agreements and MoUs with several technical entities. This initiative will incorporate additional developmental features into barq’s digital wallet.

The signing took place on the first and second days of LEAP 2025, the world’s most attended tech event, hosted by the Kingdom for the fourth consecutive year at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, from Feb. 9 to 12. barq is participating alongside more than 1,800 brands from major international and local companies in the technology and financial sectors.

An MoU has been signed between Saad Al-Muhana, chief business officer at barq, and Fawzan Al-Muhaidib, executive vice president at Takamol, also known as Musaned — an integrated platform serving the domestic labor recruitment sector.

This agreement will enhance payment solutions for domestic labor. 

Additionally, Al-Muhana signed an agreement with Ali Alali, chief digital growth officer at Bcare, to better align with customer expectations and introduce advanced services to the digital wallet.

Naif Almuqbel, customer experience director at barq, represented the company during the signing of a partnership agreement with Lean Technologies, represented by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, general manager in Saudi Arabia, Lean Technologies.

On Day 2, an MoU was signed with Tree Company to diversify the range of services and features offered to customers, enhancing their overall experience. Maram Alfarraj, chief digital officer at Tree, and Basel Al-Hossan, product factory assistant manager at barq, took part in the signing ceremony.

These agreements represent an extension of barq’s collaboration with major technology firms. The partnerships are crucial for enabling barq’s digital wallet and its services (cards, marketplace, gamification, and others) to meet the growing demand for innovative fintech solutions, thereby expanding and enhancing their offerings both within the Kingdom and globally.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.