Lubna S. Olayan, chair of the board of directors of Saudi Awwal Bank, announced the bank’s financial results for the period ending March 31.

SAB recorded a net profit after zakat and income tax of SR2.04 billion ($543.9 million) for the period ending March 31, representing an increase of 16 percent compared to the same period of 2023. The total operating income rose 7 percent to SR3.44 billion.

Commenting on the financial results, Olayan said: “I am delighted to share with you the highlights of our achievements in the first quarter of 2024. It has been an exceptional period for SAB, marked by achieving significant milestones and continued success.

“Our loan growth has been remarkable, outpacing the market with a solid 6 percent year-to-date increase. This growth has been primarily driven by institutional and large corporate businesses, showcasing the strength of our offerings in these segments. Notably, our mortgage growth has also been a key component of growth, with a commendable 16 percent origination market share.”

She said SAB’s trade-related business has experienced a similar upward trajectory, rising by 6 percent, with multinational activity continuing to expand, underscoring the bank’s global reach and influence.

Olayan added: “In addition, I am pleased to announce that we have achieved record revenue of SR3.4 billion, representing an impressive 8 percent quarter-on-quarter growth. This exceptional performance has contributed to a return on tangible equity of 16.5 percent, reflecting a 16 percent year-on-year increase in net income.

“Our commitment to excellence underlies these results and has garnered industry recognition, as we were honored with the esteemed ‘Best Trade Finance Provider in Saudi Arabia’ award by Global Finance and the prestigious ‘Best Domestic Private Bank in Saudi Arabia’ award by Euromoney Private Banking Awards. These accolades highlight the strength and diversity of our services and our unwavering dedication to meeting our customers’ needs with efficiency and innovation.”

She said that amidst a challenging global environment, SAB has also experienced success in furthering its sustainability agenda.

“As we look toward the next three years from a business perspective, we have strengthened our ESG governance, sustainable finance practice, and focus on climate change. Our commitment to sustainability has been recognized by Global Finance designating SAB the ‘Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Saudi Arabia.’“

Olayan said that the bank’s strategy positions it as a future-ready institution, a leader in the digital and ESG realms, and a clear leader outpacing the lending market. 

“We also aim to be a formidable player in corporate banking and treasury, while continuing to enhance our reputation as the bank of choice for an even broader range of customers.

“Lastly, our partnership with HSBC remains instrumental to our success and journey, further solidifying our position as one of the leaders in the banking industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she added.

Olayan thanked the bank’s board members, senior management committees, and the entire SAB staff. “I extend my sincerest gratitude to them for their contributions. I would also like to express our appreciation to HSBC for their unwavering support and to the Saudi leadership and our regulators, the Saudi Central Bank and the Capital Market Authority, for their continued guidance and assistance,” she added.

Established in 2013, ArabExpo has emerged as a trailblazer in the Middle Eastern exhibition industry. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the company has since grown into a multi-faceted enterprise, providing a wide range of services to support the region’s thriving exhibition landscape.

In its formative years, ArabExpo made a significant mark when it secured the role of official contractor for DMG Events and shortly after for Reed-Sunaidi. These partnerships paved the way for the company’s expansion, as it established a dedicated office in Dubai in 2014 to better serve the growing demands of the region.

The year 2016 witnessed a significant milestone for ArabExpo, as it unveiled new production facilities in Dubai. These state-of-the-art facilities enabled the company to enhance its capabilities and deliver high-quality event solutions to its clients. This strategic move solidified ArabExpo’s position as a reliable and versatile player in the industry.

In 2017, ArabExpo secured a groundbreaking contract with the Turkish authorities to construct the Turkiye country pavilion. Soon after a similar contract with Germany saw ArabExpo as the main contractor for the German pavilions. These achievements showcased the company’s expertise in large-scale project management and demonstrated its ability to collaborate seamlessly with international partners.

The year 2018 marked another pivotal moment in ArabExpo’s history, as it was appointed as the official contractor for all shows organized by Informa Markets in Saudi Arabia. This prestigious contract strengthened the company’s reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the region’s exhibition industry.

The following year saw a significant expansion of ArabExpo’s premises in Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh. This move allowed the company to accommodate its growing client base and enhance its service offerings, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the Middle Eastern exhibition landscape.

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 did not deter ArabExpo’s momentum. The company was contracted by the Dubai authorities to facilitate vaccination efforts and implement comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to supporting the community during unprecedented times. Additionally, ArabExpo was awarded various production and fit-out contracts for Expo 2020 Dubai, further cementing its reputation as a reliable partner in large-scale event execution.

As the growth in Dubai continued, so did the activities in Saudi Arabia; ArabExpo won a major contract and became the official contractor for the World Defense Show in Riyadh. The excellent planning, partnership and expertise demonstrated by ArabExpo ensures that they remain the exclusive service provider for WDS in the 2024 edition as well.

In 2023, ArabExpo continued its growth trajectory, expanding its offerings in the realm of fit-outs and interior decorations with the launch of “ArabDeco.” Furthermore, the company secured a contract with Sela, the leading venue management company, to provide comprehensive venue services through its innovative “Venue Hive” branch.

As ArabExpo looks to the future, its growth strategy remains firmly focused on developing and supporting the exhibition industry in the Middle East. By leveraging its expertise, innovative solutions, and deep understanding of the region’s needs, the company aims to add significant value to Vision 2030, contributing to the transformation of the Saudi capital into a vibrant global hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.