SAB named ‘best bank in Saudi Arabia’ for sixth year in row

Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO of Saudi Awwal Bank.
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Updated 12 May 2025
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SAB named ‘best bank in Saudi Arabia’ for sixth year in row

Saudi Awwal Bank has been recognized as the “Best Bank in Saudi Arabia for 2025” by Global Finance magazine, for the sixth consecutive year. This prestigious accolade highlights SAB’s leadership in the Saudi banking sector and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to delivering innovative financial services that meet the evolving needs of its customers while supporting the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

This recognition is a testament to the confidence the financial sector places in SAB. Over the past years, the bank has solidified its position as a high-performing financial institution through continuous growth in assets and profitability, expanding its customer base, and adopting cutting-edge financial technologies that enhance the customer experience.

SAB was selected for this award by a panel of international financial experts, who based their decision on a comprehensive set of criteria, including financial performance, business growth, service quality, digital transformation initiatives, risk management practices, and sustainability strategies.

Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO of SAB, said: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, commitment, and hard work of all our employees in delivering the best banking experience for our customers. It also underscores our ability to adapt to the rapid transformations taking place in the financial sector and reflects our success in implementing a strategy focused on customer-centricity and sustainable innovation.”

He added: “We remain committed to continuously enhancing and evolving our financial services to create a holistic banking experience that empowers our customers to achieve their goals, while also strengthening our contribution to the growth of the Saudi economy.”

SAB continues to reinforce its position as a leading financial institution through its adoption of the latest banking technologies. Guided by a strategy aligned with national economic priorities and social responsibility, the bank plays a vital role in driving development and empowering the financial sector in the Kingdom.


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.