News

Saudi Arabia Aims For 70% Cashless Transactions By 2025

The number of fintech firms in the MENA region skyrocketed from just 10 in 2018 to a substantial 147 in 2022.

Published

9 months ago

February 23, 2024

Nour Nasir

saudi arabia aims for 70% cashless transactions by 2025

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In the MENA region, fintech investments surged from $200 million in 2020 to around $704 million in 2023.

Saudi Arabia, driven by its ambitious Vision 2030 blueprint and a youthful population, has seen remarkable fintech growth. So much so that the Kingdom is now aiming for 70% of domestic payments to be digital by 2025, according to Philip Drury of CitiGroup.

Drury, speaking at the 3rd Saudi Capital Market Forum, noted the rise of operational fintech firms from 10 in 2018 to 147 in 2022 and emphasized the need for businesses to adapt swiftly to regulatory advancements, pointing to the 30 digital and 3 digital banking licenses issued as clear evidence of sector growth.

The CitiGroup executive also highlighted opportunities for expanded market reach and inclusivity, stressing collaboration between traditional banks and fintech for mutual success.

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

The Saudi Capital Market Forum, under Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan’s patronage, focused on “Powering Growth” and hosted over 54 speakers and 69 sponsors.

Nayef Al Athel, from Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Company, highlighted the event’s commitment to promoting market diversification. The forum also saw the introduction of Single Stock Options contracts on the Saudi National Bank, further developing the Kingdom’s financial markets.

News

1,000 Drones Light The Dubai Sky For AC Milan Celebration

Cyberdrone’s groundbreaking display marked 125 years of AC Milan football club and the 1st-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Nour Nasir

Cyberdrone, a leading UAV display company based in Dubai, put on a breathtaking drone light show on Monday to honor two significant football milestones: AC Milan’s 125th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

The spectacle involved 1,000 drones working in perfect harmony to project AC Milan’s iconic imagery against the city’s night sky. Highlights included the UAVs synchronizing to form the club’s iconic crest, the signature red and black jersey, and a special emblem marking its 125th year. The intricate performance demanded meticulous planning, not just in terms of choreography, but also in dealing with the necessary permits and logistics.

cyberdrone ac milan dubai

“Our goal was to spotlight AC Milan’s legacy through a stunning visual narrative,” explained Mohamed Munjed Abdulla, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone. “We celebrated the club’s history, its Dubai milestone, and the universal love for football. The show also enhanced AC Milan’s regional presence, growing its fanbase through a cutting-edge, memorable experience. Drone shows are unparalleled in leaving lasting impressions, making them perfect for driving partnerships and growth”.

Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis

Greta Nardeschi, AC Milan’s Regional Director for MENA, echoed the sentiment, adding: “Collaborating with Cyberdrone for this 1,000-drone performance allowed us to connect with our fans in innovative ways. It gave us a unique opportunity to surprise and inspire audiences while elevating our Club’s visibility and that of our partners. Cyberdrone truly helped us take AC Milan to new heights”.

This groundbreaking drone display sets a new benchmark for the Middle East’s sports sector, which already contributes around $2.4 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP alone. Sporting events also generate $1.76 billion in revenues across the region, while the MENA’s entertainment sector, valued at $41.13 billion, is growing at 9.41% annually, driven by rapid technological advancements.