meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Tech can boost financial inclusion in Saudi Arabia

27 November 2022

As Saudi Arabia moves closer to achieving its Vision 2030, technology and innovation play a key role. According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Statistics, 36.7 per cent of the kingdom's population is aged 15-34 and has different needs from those of previous generations.

One of the most critical is the need for financial inclusion, so that as these young people grow up to become adults, they have the necessary background in learning to save and spend responsibly. This is also paramount if the region is to achieve a cashless society as part of its agenda.

While technology is disrupting many industries in the kingdom, it is creating an opportunity in the financial services sector – one that can benefit young people specifically.

With its high youth population, Saudi Arabia is also home to a large population of digital adopters who see mobile devices as the gateway to the rest of the world. Kids are becoming more tech-savvy from a younger age as they are increasingly exposed to aspects of everyday life through a digital lens, now that everything can be done at a touch of a button.

For example, we are seeing a growing number of kids selecting and ordering food for the family, shopping, booking cars – and with an added element of gamification. This is all because apps and mobile services are increasingly helping to make the day-to-day more seamless and trusted in the household.

Banking on technology

Technology is rapidly disrupting Saudi Arabia’s banking landscape. In the first three quarters of 2022, the kingdom has made progress towards achieving its digital transformation goals. Alongside the expansion of the Internet of Things, this is also evident in the rise of financial technology (fintech) players that have emerged in the region, paired with correlating consumer uptake.

A few years ago, the financial sector in the Middle East had seen little transformation, yet with the advent of platform-based banking, alternative payment methods and various digital financial products, there has been a rise in the number of banked Saudis.

The growing fintech sector has not only played a key role in solving predisposed consumer pain points, but also in helping to close the financial inclusion gap. This is because technology companies are agile – we can adapt our products and services quickly in response to the demands of the market, and scale for the future using a data-driven approach.

However, we believe that fintech companies and bricks-and-mortar financial institutions need to work collaboratively rather than in silos. Both these entities bring complementary skills that not only keep the sector at pace, but also enhance the opportunity for a wider cohort of underbanked groups to try a new approach to financial services.

Fintech companies and bricks-and-mortar financial institutions need to work collaboratively rather than in silos

Fintech companies’ nimbleness enables us to learn from our consumers’ patterns and identify products and services to help them. Banks keep regulatory processes synchronised and are trusted establishments for many. Some consumer groups have yet to move past cash on delivery or physically visiting the bank to pay in a cheque because they trust what they are used to. This is where banks and fintech firms can work hand in hand.

Simplifying financial processes

Saudi Arabia has adopted a digital mindset enabling fintech companies with the tools that simplify the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, a due diligence process that financial firms use to verify the identity of their customers and assess and monitor customer risk. This means it is easier to onboard those that live in remote areas or that have not used a bank before. But it is where regulation must keep up with our sector as the industry proliferates more products.

As the region becomes a powerhouse for the global economy, it is imperative that every household member feels empowered to manage their finances in much the same way that they might choose what meal to get on a food delivery app.

As the first independent financial super app for the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, YAP is creating an ecosystem for users to manage their finances all in one place, and from a mobile device. There is no cost to sign up and no minimum salary or minimum balance requirement, meaning it is accessible to all. We have created a digital financial toolkit that anyone can use.

By everyone, we mean young people as well. We have created a special product for them called YAP Young, which provides parents with the ability to bring financial literacy into their children’s lives by allowing them to create a sub-bank account for their children. They receive a prepaid card and access to the app. Parents can also set up spending limits and card controls and children can earn money by completing missions – a more engaging way to say 'household chores'. This encourages children to save for things that really matter to them with savings goals.

By teaching people from a young age how to save and spend wisely, we are investing in our children’s futures.

Anas Zaidan is the co-founder and managing director of YAP, the first financial super app for consumers and businesses in the Middle East, Africa and South Asian markets

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/10362504/main.gif
MEED Editorial

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Bahrain mall to install solar carport

    24 April 2024

    The Avenues-Bahrain has signed a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with UAE-headquartered solar company Yellow Door Energy (YDE) for a 3.5MW solar carport system encompassing the mall’s entire outdoor parking facility.

    According to the shopping mall operator, YDE will build, operate and maintain the solar carport, which will comprise over 6,000 bi-facial solar panels providing shade for 1,025 parking spots while generating over 5.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy in its first year.

    The Avenues-Bahrain expects construction of the solar carport to begin soon and be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The solar carport, covering an area of 23,500 square metres (sqm), will complement the mall’s four-year-old rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which has a capacity of 250KW and offsets 300 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

    The Avenues-Bahrain win marks YDE’s sixth secured solar project in Bahrain, bringing its total portfolio in the country to over 30MW of awarded solar projects.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11709324/main.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • No extension for Dubai sewer tunnel prequalification

    24 April 2024

     

    Register for MEED's guest programme 

    Dubai Municipality expects interested engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies to submit their statements of qualifications (SOQs) by the end of April for the contracts to develop the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels (DSST) project.

    “No further extension has been granted,” a source close to the project tells MEED.

    International, regional and local EPC contractors are keen to prequalify to bid for the contracts for the $22bn DSST scheme, which Dubai Municipality is implementing on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.

    In addition to its size, the project is gaining significant interest due to its unique procurement approach, whereby EPC contractors’ prequalification precedes developers’ prequalification.

    Dubai Municipality is undertaking the prequalification process for EPC contractors ahead of prequalifying companies that can bid for the contracts to develop and operate various packages of the project.

    According to industry sources, the floods resulting from last week’s storm that hit Dubai and other emirates have also made implementing the project more urgent. 

    The bidders for each of the PPP requests for proposals (RFPs) will be prequalified consortiums comprised of sponsors, EPC contractors and operation and management (O&M) contractors.

    MEED previously reported that the overall project will require a capital expenditure of roughly AED30bn ($8bn), while the whole life cost over the full concession terms of the entire project is estimated to reach AED80bn.

    The project aims to convert Dubai’s existing sewerage system from a pumped system to a gravity system by decommissioning the existing pump stations and providing “a sustainable, innovative, reliable service for future generations”.

    Dubai currently has two major sewerage catchments. The first in Deira is Warsan, where the Warsan sewage treatment plant (STP) treats the flow.

    The second catchment, called Jebel Ali, is in Bur Dubai, where the wastewater is treated at the Jebel Ali STP.

    DSST-DLT packages

    Under the current plan, the $22bn DSST project is broken down into six packages, which will be tendered separately as PPP packages with concession periods lasting between 25 and 35 years.

    The first package, J1, comprises Jebel Ali tunnels (North) and terminal pump stations (TPS). The tunnels will extend approximately 42 kilometres, and the links will extend 10km. 

    The second package, J2, covers the southern section of the Jebel Ali tunnels, which will extend 16km and have a link stretching 46km.

    W for Warsan, the third package, comprises 16km of tunnels, TPS and 46km of links.

    J3, the fourth package, comprises 129km of links. Once completed, Dubai Municipality will operate them, unlike the first three packages, which are envisaged to be operated and maintained by the winning PPP contractors.  

    J1, J2 and W will be procured under a design-build-finance-operate-maintain model with a concession period of 25-35 years.

    J3 will be procured under a design-build-finance model with a concession period of 25-35 years.

    J1, J2, W and J3 will comprise the deep sewerage tunnels, links and TPS (DLT) components of the overall project.

    MEED understands the project’s remaining two packages, the expansion and upgrade of the Jebel Ali and Warsan STPs, will be procured in a process separate from the four DSST-DLT components.

    The RFPs for the four DSST-DLT packages will likely be issued sequentially, staggered around six to 12 months apart.

    Dubai Municipality has appointed Abu Dhabi-headquartered Tribe Infrastructure Group as lead and financial adviser, UK-based Ashurst as legal adviser and the US’ Parsons as technical adviser for the DSST project.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11708845/main.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • UAE and Oman firms sign $32bn energy deal

    24 April 2024

    Register for MEED's guest programme 

    An industrial and energy project valued at an estimated AED117bn ($31.8bn) topped the recent investment agreements reached between the UAE and Oman following Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq’s visit to the UAE capital earlier this week.

    The package encompasses renewable energy initiatives, including wind and solar projects, alongside green metals production facilities.

    The agreement’s signatories included Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates Steel Arkan, OQ Alternative Energy and Oman Electricity Transmission Company.

    Details of the planned projects have not yet been disclosed, although the production of green steel and green aluminium in either jurisdiction is implied.

    The companies signed the agreements on 22 April in the presence of Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs’ Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

    Along with other technology and infrastructure-related partnerships and projects, an agreement for the UAE-Oman rail connectivity project, valued at AED11bn, was also signed.

    Photo: WAM

    MEED’s latest special report on Oman includes: 

    > COMMENT: Muscat needs to stimulate growth
    > GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY: Muscat performs tricky budget balancing act
    > BANKING: Oman banks look to projects for growth
    > OIL & GAS: Oman diversifies hydrocarbons value chain
    > POWER & WATER: Oman expands grid connectivity
    > HYDROGEN: Oman seeks early hydrogen success
    > CONSTRUCTION: Oman construction is back on track

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11706425/main5922.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • Abu Dhabi and Oman launch $180m tech fund

    24 April 2024

    Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, ADQ, and Oman Investment Authority (OIA) have launched a $180m technology focused vehicle called Jasoor Fund.

    Jasoor Fund aims to bolster Oman’s digital economy as well as the wider Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region by supporting high-growth technology companies in sectors such as finance, education, health care, clean energy, food, agriculture and logistics.

    OIA is represented by Ithca Group, formerly known as Oman Information and Communication Technologies Group, in the fund.

    According to ADQ, the fund’s core focus will be on innovative technology companies established in the sultanate, in addition to technology startups in other countries in the region.

    It will undertake investments in high-growth technology companies at various stages of development that have established business models.

    Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, ADQ managing director and chief executive, said the launch of Jasoor Fund “reinforces our commitment to make investments that unlock the potential of key sectors of the economy, while creating lasting value for stakeholders”.

    Jasoor Fund is part of broader framework agreement signed between both parties in 2022, when they identified investment opportunities worth over $8bn across key sectors of Oman’s economy.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11707308/main.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • Contractors win Oman-Etihad Rail packages

    23 April 2024

    Register for MEED's guest programme 

    Oman-Etihad Rail Company (OERC) has announced that it has awarded contracts for three civil works packages for the railway project linking Oman and the UAE, which is now officially called Hafeet Rail.

    The estimated AED5.5bn ($1.5bn) design-and-build contract was awarded to a consortium of Abu Dhabi-based National Projects Construction (NPC), National Infrastructure Construction Company (NICC), Tristar Engineering & Construction and Oman’s Galfar Engineering & Contracting.

    NPC is the infrastructure development arm of the Abu Dhabi-based Trojan Construction Group, which is a subsidiary of local investment firm Alpha Dhabi.

    According to sources close to the project, the clients are expected to appoint an engineering design firm for the project imminently.

    NICC is the project management consultant for the Hafeet Rail scheme.

    OERC also awarded a separate contract for the rolling stock systems and integration contracts to German firm Siemens and Egyptian contractor Hassan Allam Construction.

    Several high-ranking officials from both sides attended the agreement signing ceremony.

    They included Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; Suhail Bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, minister of energy and infrastructure; Abdul Salam Bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, chairman of the Omani Investment Authority; Qais Bin Mohammed Al Yousef, minister of commerce, industry and investment promotion; and Ahmed Bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Oman’s ambassador to the UAE.

    In January, MEED reported that OERC had received bids for three civil works packages for the railway project linking the two countries.

    According to regional projects tracker MEED Projects, the firms submitted their bids on 4 December for packages A and B. The bid for package C was submitted on 11 December.

    OERC qualified companies that could bid for the three civil works packages for the railway project in August last year.

    Network development

    Oman-Etihad Rail Company was established in September 2022 to implement the railway network between the two countries.

    The project subsequently received a push after Oman-Etihad Rail Company inked a strategic agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company to support its development.

    The UAE-Oman Rail Network is set to improve the two countries’ competitiveness in global trade and help establish their positions as logistics hubs that serve as gateways to regional markets.

    The scheme supports both countries’ sustainable development goals by improving their transport and infrastructure sectors.

    The line’s increased efficiency compared to other modes of transport is expected to reduce the overall cost of supply chains. The network will also provide trade and investment opportunities for the private sector and new job opportunities.

    Passenger trains will run up to 200 kilometres (km) an hour on the line, reducing the journey time between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to 100 minutes and between Sohar and Al Ain to 47 minutes.

    Freight trains will reach a top speed of 120km/hour.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11706161/main.gif
    Yasir Iqbal