stc pay has launched the “Qattah” service as part of its efforts to enrich the experience of its customers and provide distinctive services that keep pace with their changing needs.
Qattah is an integrated service that allows customers to easily share and track expenses with multiple people, removing the stress from splitting bills.
Through the application, users can equally divide the amount to be collected by specifying a percentage for each person, or by allocating the amount paid by each person separately.
This way of sharing expenses is in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to increase digital financial transactions in the Kingdom to 70 percent by 2030.
The new in-app feature can be found on the list of main services. It allows users to create groups with relatives or friends to buy a joint gift or split a bill.
The Qattah amounts will be automatically processed via the application, providing contactless transactions in line with the Kingdom’s aim of creating a cashless society.
stc pay seeks to build a distinguished mobile digital banking experience for its customers, who number more than 7.4 million, by focusing on a customer-centric approach.
It aims to transform all financial services into contactless digital services, enabling its customers to complete their financial operations conveniently.
Innovation in digital technologies is at the heart of stc pay, ensuring customers have the smartest and most efficient digital banking services at their fingertips.
stc pay is constantly working to provide the best services and products for its customers, offering services that are characterized by ease-of-use, security, and innovation, ensuring stc pay’s position as a major player in driving the Kingdom’s financial digital transformation.
stc Qattah service lets users share payments with friends, family
https://arab.news/w5khu
stc Qattah service lets users share payments with friends, family
Hajj: Najm ensures safety of pilgrims on the road
Najm is playing a pivotal role in bolstering traffic safety within the holy sites by ensuring prompt arrival at accident scenes, initiating necessary procedures and alleviating traffic congestion.
Najm’s operational plan for Hajj reinforces national efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The plan facilitates the smooth and secure performance of rituals, safeguarding pilgrims from the moment of their arrival at the Kingdom’s border crossings until their safe return home. Najm has prepared a field fleet of approximately 120 vehicles, including 54 motorcycles, and a dedicated field team of more than 150 qualified specialists.
The operational plan incorporates a robust, integrated technical infrastructure designed to proactively manage the expected rise in pilgrim numbers and bolster traffic safety in the holy sites. A central operations room, outfitted with the latest smart systems and diverse digital communication channels, serves as the command hub. This network leverages tools such as the Najm application, IVR system, and the direction and control system. Complementing these are a full-service call center and WhatsApp service, all integrated to expedite response times and optimize the handling of any traffic incidents.
Abdullah Al-Khalaf, acting CEO at Najm, said: “We at Najm are proud to be part of the integrated national system concerned with serving pilgrims, under the supervision of our leadership. We have worked to improve our operational readiness this year in a qualitative manner, harnessing all our human and technical capabilities to support the efforts made to enhance traffic safety during the Hajj season in cooperation with the General Traffic Department and all concerned parties.”
He added: “Najm’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to caring for pilgrims. It aligns with the ‘Pilgrims’ Experience Program’ — a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030 — to enhance the Hajj journey and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.”
In addition, within the framework of its social responsibility program “Najm Al-Khair” and in continuation of the company’s efforts in the Hajj mission, Najm is sponsoring the “Aoun” initiative in cooperation with the National Center for Responsibility and Studies.
Aoun is a community initiative helping pilgrims through a team of volunteers providing professional services to pilgrims that enable them to perform their rituals with ease.
Moreover, Manafeth, Najm’s subsidiary, is actively receiving pilgrims at the Kingdom’s border crossings. Manafeth facilitates their entry by issuing mandatory third-party liability insurance for foreign vehicles. This service, accessible through its border offices, website, and the Manafeth application, ensures pilgrims receive necessary insurance protection, safeguarding their rights and covering their liabilities in the event of traffic incidents during their Hajj.
Naif Alrajhi Investment, Aljazira Capital launch SR1.7bn fund
Naif Alrajhi Investment has formed a strategic partnership with Aljazira Capital to launch a closed private real estate investment fund. Valued at SR1.7 billion ($453.2 million), the fund will focus on the development of two high-impact real estate projects in Riyadh and Jeddah.
This partnership underscores the shared investment vision of both companies in the Saudi real estate market and their shared ambition to enhance its appeal by developing innovative, high-value projects. The fund will support the execution of two strategic developments in two of the Kingdom’s most prominent and dynamic cities.
In Riyadh, the fund will support the development of a luxury residential project in Al-Khuzama district, designed to offer a fully integrated residential environment. The project will feature a diverse range of private residences, premium services, and architectural designs aligned with Saudi Arabia’s modern vision. Strategically located near key landmarks in the capital, the project offers strong investment value and serves as an ideal choice for those seeking exceptional living in one of Riyadh’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
In Jeddah, the fund will support a mixed-use development in North Jeddah along King Abdulaziz Road. The project will feature residential and commercial towers, a luxury hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, and dining destinations. Designed to meet the growing demand for integrated, lifestyle-centric developments, the project combines living, working, and leisure in one strategic location. Its architectural design reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision to preserve and modernize the Kingdom’s identity, contributing to the evolving urban landscape of Jeddah in a contemporary and forward-looking way.
Naif Saleh Alrajhi, chairman and CEO of Naif Alrajhi Investment, said: “We are proud to partner with Aljazira Capital in developing two high-impact projects. Strategic locations were carefully selected, and the real estate offerings were designed based on thorough market research and trends, while ensuring alignment with the urban code and architectural identity of each region.”
He added: “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to developing distinctive real estate projects that enhance quality of life.”
Naif Al-Mesned, CEO and managing director of Aljazira Capital, said: “At Aljazira Capital, we remain dedicated to offering high-quality investment opportunities that align with our clients’ aspirations and respond to evolving market demands.”
The launch of this fund, in partnership with Naif Alrajhi Investment as a specialized real estate developer, reflects our strategy to diversify our investment offerings and reinforce our active presence in the real estate sector.”
Bandar Al-Hogail, head of real estate assets at Aljazira Capital, added: “The launch of this fund marks an important milestone in Aljazira Capital’s strategy to offer a diversified portfolio of high-quality real estate investment products.”
He added: “Partnering with experienced industry specialists such as Naif Alrajhi Investment — the developer behind the fund’s projects — is a key factor in ensuring project success and achieving targeted returns.”
Naif Alrajhi Investment is one of the Kingdom’s leading investment groups, managing a diversified portfolio with a strong focus on the real estate sector. With a proven track record of success both locally and internationally, the company brings deep expertise and a strategic vision to developing real estate assets that meet the highest standards.
Makkah Health Cluster brings AI-powered healthcare platform ‘iSelfie’ to region
The Makkah Health Cluster has signed a cooperation agreement with Canadian company AIZTech, which specializes in AI-powered medical diagnostics, to deploy the iSelfie platform across its facilities, including King Abdullah Medical City and several major hospitals in Makkah.
The signing ceremony was attended by Jean-Philippe Linteau, ambassador of Canada to Saudi Arabia; Dr. Mubarak Al-Mulhem, director general of healthcare at the Ministry of Investment; and Dr. Hatim Al-Omari, CEO of the Makkah Health Cluster, which oversees more than 10 hospitals in the city. Also present were Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of King Abdullah Medical City, and Tarek Sultan, vice chairman of Agility. The agreement was signed by Al-Omari and Mohamed Sheta, CEO of AIZTech.
This marks the first agreement of its kind in the Middle East, allowing patients to benefit from instant health assessments using AI through a short facial video, with no additional hardware required. The iSelfie platform analyzes the video to extract key health metrics including blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. The platform will be integrated into the patient-facing screens within hospital facilities and will be used with the assistance of medical staff.
Al-Omari said: “We are proud to be the first in the Kingdom and the region to adopt this advanced technology, which reflects our ongoing commitment to harnessing the latest digital solutions to enhance diagnostic efficiency and accelerate patient care. This step marks a qualitative leap toward a more advanced and innovative healthcare system, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Tash added: “In line with the spirit of digital transformation and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, we are pleased to launch this innovative AI-powered technology in Makkah. This launch is backed by a pivotal study conducted across the Kingdom, where the technology showed promising results when compared with 1,021 cases diagnosed using traditional medical devices. We are committed to expanding access to these advanced tools to benefit the wider community in the region.”
Sheta said: “We are honored to collaborate with one of the Kingdom’s leading public healthcare institutions. This agreement is a clear indicator of the growing trust in AI-powered healthcare solutions and reinforces our belief that remote, non-invasive early diagnostics will be a core part of healthcare’s future.”
Ambassador Linteau said: “Digital health innovation is gaining momentum in Canada, and Saudi Arabia is a market that is open to early adoption of innovation in the health sector.” He also expressed hope that the platform will achieve remarkable success in the early detection of health conditions in patients.
The iSelfie platform has proven its effectiveness through clinical trials conducted in Saudi Arabia, the US, Canada, and Brazil, including a national study supported by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Results showed that the platform provides accurate readings comparable to traditional medical devices, with the added benefits of rapid assessment, accessibility, and cost efficiency.
This collaboration aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places innovation and digital transformation at the heart of healthcare development by improving the quality of life, promoting preventive care, and expanding access to modern medical services.
TAQA announces CEO transition as part of strategic growth agenda
Industrialization and Energy Services Company, known as TAQA, a global leader in energy and industrial services, announced that Khalid Nouh will step down from his role as chief executive, as part of the company’s ongoing evolution and long-term strategic growth agenda.
Since his appointment in 2019, Nouh has been instrumental in transforming TAQA into a unified global organization. Under his leadership, the company successfully integrated a series of value-driven acquisitions, including Tendeka, AZR, OPT Chemicals, Cougar Drilling Solutions, Oliden Technologies, and Al-Mansoori Petroleum Services. These integrations positioned TAQA as a fully integrated energy services provider with more than 12 service lines and 5,500 employees across global markets.
During his tenure, TAQA digitized its business operations under a single platform, launched centers of excellence in drilling, completions, and intervention, and established TAQA Geothermal, aligning the company with regional energy transition ambitions. Additionally, Nouh played a key role in positioning ARGAS to support mineral exploration initiatives. Under his guidance, the company achieved remarkable revenue growth, driven by strategic execution and operational excellence.
With this solid foundation in place, TAQA is now focused on accelerating its next phase — expanding market presence and driving innovation.
To lead this new chapter, the board of directors has appointed Adel Al-Ghadhban as interim chief executive officer.
Al-Ghadhban currently serves as executive vice president — ventures and chief investment officer and brings more than 30 years of experience in multiple energy sectors including portfolio management and finance across the energy and manufacturing sectors, including 20 years with TAQA. He was responsible for leading the company’s group legal, risk, and compliance functions, and guiding strategy for TAQA’s portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several TAQA subsidiaries, including ARGAS as vice chairman, Cougar Drilling Solutions, TAQA Drilling Solutions (Canada), and was in board leadership roles at ALAR and JESCO.
Outgoing CEO Nouh said: “It has been an extraordinary journey and a privilege to lead TAQA through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. I am proud of what we’ve built together — a global platform with strong capabilities and a focus on sustainable, profitable growth. I leave confident in the company’s direction and leadership, and excited to see it reach even greater heights.”
Ahmed Al-Zahrani, chairman of the board, said: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Khalid Nouh for his exceptional vision and dedication. He played a pivotal role in shaping TAQA into the global leader it is today — delivering on strategy, strengthening our service offering, and transforming the organization into ONE TAQA. As we look to the future, we are confident that Adel Al-Ghadhban will build on this legacy with a sharp focus on performance, innovation, and growth.”
Al-Ghadhban added: “I am honored to take on this role at such a defining moment in TAQA’s evolution. We have a strong foundation, a clear vision, and exceptional teams around the world. I look forward to working closely with our people, partners, and clients to build on our achievements and accelerate our strategic growth.”
Saudi artisanal boom marks ‘Year of Handicrafts’
Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, has released its latest quarterly SME Monitor, providing a detailed overview of the latest trends and developments shaping the Kingdom’s dynamic SME ecosystem.
This edition highlights a 48 percent y-o-y increase in new commercial registrations in Q1, key trends in the local and global handicrafts sector, and the many ways in which Saudi Arabia is empowering its next generation of artisanal SMEs.
The report sheds light on the rich heritage of Saudi handicrafts, several of which have been listed in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In addition to well-known mainstays such as Al-Sadu weaving, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri wall decoration, Bisht tailoring, Jambiya daggers, and Madinah pottery, the report also features insights into the cultural and economic significance of Saudi handicrafts. For these reasons and others, 2025 has been designated the “Year of Handicrafts.”
Thanks to a steady increase in tourism, e-commerce, and consumer interest in authentic Saudi arts and crafts, the report shows, rural female entrepreneurs in particular also stand to gain from a sector expected to be worth $1.3 trillion by 2028. The recent launch of the Saudi Artisanal Company is an example of the sector’s promise.
In addition to aiming to create 9,000 new handicrafts jobs by 2030, SAC hopes to serve 15 percent of the domestic handicrafts market by then, the report shows. Thanks to a raft of recent government initiatives to empower handicrafts SMEs, from the Heritage Commission to the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, opportunities for artisanal entrepreneurs are rife.
In addition to its coverage of handicrafts trends and developments in Saudi Arabia, the latest SME Monitor also has a special section on global developments in the sector. Chief among these are a greater emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, e-commerce expansion, new technology, and a desire for cultural preservation.
Artisans in Uganda, the report shows, have transformed banana waste into valuable handicrafts such as rugs and lampshades, while designers elsewhere have found ways to use 3D printing with biodegradable materials to create customized garments.
In its survey of broader SME developments across Saudi Arabia, the report also reveals a remarkable increase in commercial registrations in Q1 2025, a key indicator of the country’s booming entrepreneurial landscape. In addition to 154,638 new registrations, sectors like e-commerce reached 41,322 active registrations in that quarter, with an impressive six percent y-o-y increase.
In a show of technological advancement, the number of active cloud-computing registrations shot up by 33 percent.
Thanks to a wide variety of enablement, financing, and business development programs offered by Monsha’at, more than 22,000 SMEs benefited from Saudi Arabia’s leading SME enabler in Q1 2025, the report shows.
