SAB partners with IDEMIA to launch innovative card activation solution

Bandar Al-Gheshayan, chief wealth and personal banking officer at SAB
Short Url
Updated 26 May 2025
Follow

SAB partners with IDEMIA to launch innovative card activation solution

Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Kingdom to implement IDEMIA Secure Transactions’ “Tap to Activate” solution. This initiative is part of SAB’s commitment to enhancing customer transactions and providing a seamless and secure banking experience.

The “Tap to Activate” solution will integrate both physical and digital payment experiences, allowing their customers to efficiently activate new payment cards by simply tapping on their smartphone. 

The service’s robust authentication protocols allow for a secure, convenient, and hassle-free process that ensures that only the customer can activate their card, eliminating the need for ATMs or phone banking.

Bandar Al-Gheshayan, chief wealth and personal banking officer at SAB, said: “SAB is proud to launch the innovative ‘Tap to Activate’ solution in the Kingdom, reaffirming our commitment to secure and seamless banking experiences. 

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and our longstanding partnership with IDEMIA Secure Transactions, we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers. 

This initiative enhances convenience, supports the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation goals, and sets new standards in customer experience.”

Serigne Dia, vice president of payment services, Middle East and Africa, IDEMIA Secure Transactions, said: “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with SAB through the launch of the innovative ‘Tap to Activate’ solution. In today’s era of convenience, simplifying the user experience has never been more crucial. SAB’s keen understanding of evolving consumer needs and market trends exemplifies their customer-centric and forward-thinking approach. By moving beyond the physical card and entrusting IDEMIA Secure Transactions with a digital solution, SAB affirms the high-quality standards that we are trusted to deliver.”

SAB and IST share a longstanding partnership, having previously collaborated on eco-friendly rPVC payment cards for the bank’s customers and exclusive premium metal cards for its high-net-worth clients. This latest venture underscores their shared commitment to innovation and customer-centric financial solutions.

SAB remains at the forefront of driving innovation and advancing digital infrastructure, fully aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of building a robust and secure digital economy. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and introducing pioneering secure banking solutions, SAB continues to play a vital role in transforming the financial sector.


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

Updated 31 December 2025
Follow

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.