American Express Saudi Arabia participates in Seamless 2024

Fahad Mubarak Al-Guthami, CEO of American Express Saudi Arabia
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Updated 23 October 2024
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American Express Saudi Arabia participates in Seamless 2024

American Express Saudi Arabia is the exclusive sponsor of the VIP lounge at Seamless Saudi Arabia 2024, running from Oct. 22 to 24.

The lounge, called AMEX Premium Lounge, is expected to welcome more than 500 visitors and will enable networking opportunities for those with VIP access.

Fahad Mubarak Al-Guthami, CEO of American Express Saudi Arabia, delivered a keynote on innovation and partnerships on Oct. 22, highlighting how partnerships have helped to support the growth of American Express merchant acceptance in the Saudi market.

Mark Turner, chief commercial officer of American Express Saudi Arabia, will also speak during a panel discussion on payment orchestration on Oct. 23 at 5:20 p.m.

Expressing his thoughts on the participation in Seamless 2024, Al-Guthami said: “We are proud to be a sponsor and speakers at the third edition of Seamless Saudi Arabia, which provides a unique platform to gather the financial community. This leading event is key to identifying emerging trends and facilitating dialogue among industry leaders.”

American Express Saudi Arabia is a joint venture company, equally owned by Amex (Middle East) B.S.C. and the Saudi Investment Bank. The company owns and operates the American Express card and merchant business in the Kingdom.

While American Express products have been accessible to customers, merchants, and corporations in Saudi Arabia for more than three decades, the establishment of American Express Saudi Arabia in 1999 marked a significant milestone in the brand’s development within
the Kingdom.

Combining the resources and expertise of American Express with the Saudi Investment Bank has contributed to developing and expanding the services offered to American Express cardmembers and merchants in the Kingdom.


New Mastercard center to combat growing cyberthreats

Updated 25 May 2025
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New Mastercard center to combat growing cyberthreats

Mastercard has launched its Cyber Resilience Center, an initiative that brings together key players from the financial sector to foster collaboration and support shared goals in building a secure commerce and payment ecosystem in the Kingdom. This is Mastercard’s first initiative in the Middle East, extending the company’s global network of cyber resilience centers, which includes locations in Europe and the US.

Riyad Bank has joined as the first partner and will collaborate with Mastercard on training programs, risk evaluations, and the adoption of global cybersecurity standards.

The center marks a pivotal milestone in reinforcing the Kingdom’s cybersecurity infrastructure, enabling stronger collaboration to protect its fast-evolving digital economy.

With cyberthreats becoming more sophisticated and persistent, the center will provide a platform to equip organizations with the tools, expertise, and strategies needed to detect, prevent, and respond to risks in real time. It will also serve as a catalyst for expanding local cybersecurity talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

At the heart of the initiative are three core pillars:

•Education and training: supporting the development of local cybersecurity talent by working with financial institutions to introduce certifications in Arabic and host knowledge-sharing sessions.

• Standards and best practices: building trust in the digital ecosystem by setting measurable cybersecurity benchmarks and enabling institutions to track progress through clearly defined improvement targets.

•Risk assessments and readiness: enhancing preparedness through cyber defense exercises, scenario planning, and threat-casting workshops to anticipate and mitigate evolving risks.

Mastercard’s Cyber Resilience Center aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the Kingdom’s commitment to secure digital transformation, improved public services, and a robust environment for technology-led innovation. Mastercard has invested $10.7 billion in cybersecurity innovation over the last six years, assessing evolving threats, protecting customers and enhancing trust across the digital ecosystem. According to the 2025 Digital Trust Insights Survey, 55 percent of Middle East organizations plan to prioritize digital and technology risk mitigation over the next year, compared to 53 percent globally.

“At Riyad Bank, safeguarding customer trust is central to everything we do. In a rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape, our collaboration with Mastercard through the Cyber Resilience Center is a testament of our proactive approach to cybersecurity. This partnership enables us to further strengthen our defense frameworks, accelerate the adoption of global best practices of global security, and fortify security in the Kingdom’s financial sector. We remain committed to delivering a secure, seamless, and trusted banking experience for every customer,” said Ibrahim A. Al-Sulobi, SVP, head of cyber and information security department at Riyad Bank.

“We live in an ultra-connected world where cyberthreats are becoming more targeted and complex, even as the need for trust and assurance increases.”  said Adam Jones, EVP, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.

The launch of the Cyber Resilience Center in Riyadh reflects Mastercard’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging risks and helping our partners do the same. 

We’re proud to work with Riyad Bank to help advance a secure ecosystem in the Kingdom, and ensure that people, businesses, and institutions in Saudi Arabia are protected through world-class capabilities,” said Adam Jones, EVP, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.

The Cyber Resilience Center will further position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in digital security and strength, ensuring its financial sector remains a trusted foundation for innovation and long-term economic growth. Mastercard will continue to expand and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities through innovation and acquisitions. Last year, Mastercard acquired Recorded Future, the world’s largest threat intelligence company. The acquisition strengthens trust and enhances security within the digital payment ecosystem.


OSUS invests over SAR 2 billion in flagship "OSUS EYE" Project to transform urban living in Riyadh

Updated 25 May 2025
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OSUS invests over SAR 2 billion in flagship "OSUS EYE" Project to transform urban living in Riyadh

OSUS Real Estate Development Company has officially launched its flagship project “OSUS EYE” — a fully integrated urban destination that brings together elegant residences with contemporary luxury, a world-class Hilton Garden Inn hotel, branded residences tower under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, premium-grade offices, and retail spaces. Strategically located at the intersection of Takhassusi Road and Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road in northern Riyadh, the SR2-billion ($533 million) project extends over gross floor area exceeding 180,000 square meters, embodying the concept of a 10-minute city aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

The development features 627 residential units, including apartments and townhouses, designed with modern architectural aesthetics across a dedicated residential area of 82,370 square meters. Additionally, the project allocates 46,854 square meters for commercial offices and retail, offering a contemporary business environment that supports entrepreneurship and investment. To meet the needs of residents and visitors, the project includes multi-story parking facilities totaling 155,400 square meters, ensuring ease of mobility and smooth traffic flow. 

“OSUS EYE” is also home to a variety of recreational amenities, including lush green parks spanning 62,893 square meters, dining venues, cafes, and pedestrian and cycling paths — delivering a comprehensive urban experience that enhances the quality of life in the capital. 

With this project, OSUS reaffirms its commitment to developing sustainable destinations and pioneering smart urban concepts that elevate living, working, and leisure experiences. 

Founded in Riyadh in 2006, OSUS has established itself as a leading real estate developer, delivering high-impact projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The company has developed a robust portfolio of 54 projects, including vibrant residential neighborhoods, modern office spaces, and urban landmarks that contribute to the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, underscoring its clear strategic vision and excellence in execution. 


SAS showcases future of AI-powered policing

Updated 24 May 2025
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SAS showcases future of AI-powered policing

SAS, a global leader in data and AI, demonstrated its transformative capabilities for modern law enforcement and public safety at the World Police Summit 2025, held in Dubai from May 13–15. At the event, SAS highlighted how data-driven intelligence is enabling safer cities, smarter policing, and greater public trust through solutions in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics.

The SAS booth featured immersive, real-time demonstrations of its latest innovations, including autonomous AI agents, digital twins, AI co-pilots, and trusted AI governance frameworks. These technologies are being actively applied to critical areas such as organized crime detection, child protection, financial crime investigation, narcotics enforcement, and digital forensics.

Michel Ghorayeb, managing director of SAS UAE, emphasized the urgency and opportunity for agencies to modernize, saying: “As the world evolves, crime is becoming more sophisticated, data more abundant, and threats more versatile than ever. No agency can face this complexity alone. Collaboration powered by AI and intelligent decisioning is now essential to predict, detect, and respond with precision. These technologies empower officers to stay ahead of evolving threats and deliver safer outcomes. In today’s landscape, technology is no longer optional, it has become the foundation of modern policing.”

At the World Police Summit, Mohamed Mysara, public sector principal business solutions manager at SAS, showcased how AI and agentic intelligence are redefining the aviation landscape.

Mysara highlighted real-world use cases where SAS enables airports and authorities to move from reactive to autonomous operations, from early warning and risk detection to real-time resource reallocation and cross-agency coordination.

He demonstrated how agentic AI not only delivers role-specific intelligence, but also takes proactive action, reallocating gates and resources during flight delays or unforeseen circumstances, alerting third-party vendors, mobilizing and optimizing staffing

SAS has a long-standing commitment to empowering public sector organizations in the Middle East and beyond. In the UAE, SAS has contributed to impactful initiatives including cooperation with Dubai Police, Emirates Health Services, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

With AI adoption accelerating globally, SAS is at the forefront of data innovation for law enforcement. By combining domain expertise, advanced analytics, and trusted governance, SAS is enabling agencies to act faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.


LuLu’s ‘British Food Week 2025’ shines a spotlight on prominent UK brands

Updated 22 May 2025
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LuLu’s ‘British Food Week 2025’ shines a spotlight on prominent UK brands

LuLu Retail has officially inaugurated “British Food Week 2025” across all its stores in Saudi Arabia, offering customers a week-long celebration of British products and exclusive in-store promotions. The event highlights the strong trade ties between Saudi Arabia and the UK, emphasizing the quality and heritage of British brands.

The launch ceremony took place at LuLu’s Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh and was officiated by British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton. He was joined by Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, as well as senior representatives from the British Embassy and LuLu management.

Running until May 27, British Food Week 2025 features more than 3,438 British products representing 367 established and trusted UK brands. The diverse range includes fresh and frozen foods, dairy items, snacks, beverages, packaged groceries, and health-focused options such as organic and gluten-free products.

As part of this year’s campaign, LuLu has introduced 40 new items from seven leading UK brands, offering customers in Saudi Arabia exclusive early access to innovative products entering the market. This initiative reflects LuLu’s commitment to delivering high-quality international products through strong sourcing partnerships and seamless logistics.

Ambassador Crompton said: “I’m delighted to be part of the opening of British Food Week 2025 at LuLu. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar UK products available here in Saudi Arabia, from classic teas and cheeses to new innovations. Events like these remind us that trade is not just about numbers, but about people, tastes, and shared experiences. I thank LuLu for their continued support in bringing British products closer to Saudi consumers.”

Mohammed added: “British Food Week is one of our most anticipated events, and we’re proud to bring it back across all LuLu stores in Saudi Arabia. It’s a celebration of British quality and a reflection of our strong sourcing partnerships with UK suppliers. With the continued support of our logistics and packaging center in Birmingham, we’re able to ensure that a wide variety of British products reach our shelves smoothly and consistently, offering our customers the best of the UK every year.”

British Food Week 2025 is currently live across all LuLu outlets in the Kingdom, featuring exclusive promotions and a curated selection of premium British products.


SAB and HSBC to power Riyadh Air’s expansion across Mideast, Asia

Updated 22 May 2025
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SAB and HSBC to power Riyadh Air’s expansion across Mideast, Asia

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in Saudi Arabia, and HSBC, the global banking and financial services organization, have together been awarded the Middle East and Asia cash management mandate for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s digital native carrier, as it prepares to commence operations this year.

For more than 70 years, HSBC and SAB’s banking partnership has enabled clients in the Kingdom to grow domestically and expand internationally. 

Together, SAB and HSBC will work closely with Riyadh Air to provide an integrated and seamless cash management program to manage all payment and liquidity needs across the two regions. 

As a domestic house bank, SAB will oversee operations within Riyadh Air’s home market of Saudi Arabia when it begins operations, including facilitating payments and liquidity management. Additionally, SAB has been mandated as one of the acquirers for Riyadh Air’s e-commerce transactions, further enhancing the airline’s operational capabilities.

Simultaneously, HSBC will support Riyadh Air with its planned expansion in markets across the wider Middle East and Asia. The mandate will enable Riyadh Air to leverage HSBC’s award-winning payments solutions including Virtual Accounts, Omni Collect and automated sweeping solutions, ensuring efficient cash management and seamless liquidity across their international operations. 

Executives from SAB and HSBC joined Riyadh Air at its new head office at the GACA Campus on Airport Road, for a signing ceremony to mark the partnership. 

Yasser Albarrak, chief corporate and institutional banking officer at SAB, said: “We are proud to support Riyadh Air as it embarks on a journey to redefine aviation travel in the Kingdom. This partnership highlights our commitment to providing innovative banking solutions that empower groundbreaking projects in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that Riyadh Air can achieve its vision of transforming the travel experience.”

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, said: “We are proud to be partnering with SAB and HSBC as we embark on our journey to revolutionize air travel. This collaboration will enable us to manage our financial operations effectively, ensuring a smooth launch and seamless service delivery.”

Kyle Boag, head of global payments solutions, HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye, said: “Connecting clients across the world is at our core. This mandate underscores HSBC’s world-leading payments solutions, our expertise in the aviation sector and our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growth. As the largest international bank across Asia and the Middle East, we will provide Riyadh Air with seamless cash solutions as they take flight to new markets.”