News

Sarwa’s New Cash Accounts Boost Growth By 250% In 3 Months

Despite some financial institutions suffering during the economic downturn, Sarwa’s reliability and trustworthiness seem to be paying dividends.

Published

3 years ago

April 5, 2023

Nour Nasir

Sarwa

Sarwa, the personal finance and investment platform, recently launched a new high-yield cash account known as Sarwa Save. Despite the gloomy worldwide economic outlook of late, the new service has been a roaring success, with monthly deposits growing by 250% in just three months.

Sarwa users are increasingly prioritizing short-term savings with generous interest levels, as historically high inflation and aggressive Federal Reserve policies have led to challenging investment conditions.

“We are thrilled to see the rapid adoption of Sarwa Save, which reflects the growing demand for secure high-yield, low-risk products. Sarwa’s customers recognize the value in the offering and trust it with their hard-earned money. This trust has played a pivotal role in the impressive growth. Sarwa Save is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing innovative financial solutions and empowering clients to navigate the evolving economic landscape confidently,” says Shane Shin, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Shorooq Ventures.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

In the UAE, most savings accounts offer low to zero interest, while Sarwa Save delivers a rate of 3% — nearly four times the average amount. As well as tempting short-term yields, the new accounts have no monthly or low-balance fees. When combined with hassle-free account setup, Sarwa’s platform makes for an appealing choice compared to traditional banks, especially as the startup offers a special, Sharia-compliant option known as Sarwa Save Halal.

Disclaimer: Sarwa Save is a product offered through Sarwa Digital Wealth (Capital) Limited that is regulated by the FSRA in the ADGM. This offering is not regulated by the DFSA. Sarwa is not a bank. We can unlock high-yield accounts through our banking partners.

News

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.