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

3 years 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

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

24 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.