Equivator invests SAR 30 mln in Related to drive MENA's loyalty and rewards innovation hub
The investment underscores Equivator's commitment to nurturing groundbreaking ventures within high-growth sectors. It is aimed at accelerating Related's expansion in the Kingdom, boosting innovation, and fast-tracking the launch of transformative solutions in AI, blockchain, and customer experience. It also strengthens Related's position as the company of choice for loyalty and rewards in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The alliance aligns with Saudi Arabia's wider economic diversification goals and its rapid digital transformation under Vision 2030.
A Decade of Proven Excellence
With over ten years of operational success, Related is no newcomer to the fintech-rewards ecosystem. The company currently services more than 30 million users across the GCC and Levant, powering loyalty programs for leading institutions in telecommunications, banking, retail, utilities, and entertainment.
'We are thrilled to welcome Equivator as a strategic partner on our journey to redefine loyalty and engagement in the region,' said Rabih Farhat, CEO of Related. 'This partnership is more than a transaction, it's a transformation, a joint mission to reshaping the future of fintech-powered loyalty solutions in line with the Kingdom's innovation agenda.'
Building on the B2B success to launch the Next-Gen B2C
The investment builds upon Equivator's earlier involvement in the loyalty-focused B2C space through its prior investment in Uplines. In a decisive move, Related has acquired Uplines in full, integrating it into its broader strategic framework and setting the stage for a bold relaunch. As part of the development strategy, Related will introduce a range of new products and offerings, from Advanced AI tools to blockchain-enabled rewards platform, gamification features and payments. These will enhance B2B and B2C experiences while unlocking value for brands and consumers alike.
'This is more than an investment. it's a strategic deal to build a regional champion in loyalty and digital payments,' stated Enes Şehzade, CEO at Equivator. 'Together, we aim to power a new era of data-driven customer engagement and reward invention.'
Equivator will support Related's market entry into Europe and beyond, while helping establish initiatives such as the 'Related Loyalty & Fintech Authority' a new regional knowledge and policy forum further solidifying Related's leadership.
A Vision for Regional and Global Leadership
With it's a vast expertise in assets under management, Equivator's investment principles extend far beyond financial support. The firm brings strategic guidance, access to regional and global investor networks, and a robust understanding of the fintech-loyalty space. Looking ahead, Equivator aims to deploy strategic investments across the Kingdom in the coming years.
Combining Related Group's technological capabilities with Equivator's investment acumen demonstrates how the collaboration stands as an ideal blueprint for how venture capital can catalyse meaningful change in high-impact sectors."
About Equivator:
Equivator is a Saudi-based premier alternative asset management and advisory firm, founded in 2023, specializing in private equity and venture capital across the MENA region. We empower tech ventures that align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, driving economic diversification and innovation. Its tailored services include capital infusion, strategic guidance, and operational excellence. Equivator serves institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and progressive companies seeking smart, technology-driven investment opportunities. With a strong focus on FinTech, venture building, and sustainable growth in order to reshape the future of private equity in the Kingdom.
About Related:
Founded in 2014, Related has evolved from a boutique consultancy into a full-fledged MarTech powerhouse, delivering award-winning loyalty and engagement solutions across the MENA region. With expertise in loyalty programs, data analytics, and innovative technologies, it crafts immersive brand experiences that drive deep customer loyalty. Its integrated services, from strategic design to advanced data reporting enable clients to connect meaningfully with their audiences. Backed by six industry awards and leading experience, Related continues to redefine how brands build lasting relationships. Related proudly serves multi-industries from telecom and finance to retail and government sectors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Medialinks becomes first MENA digital marketing agency to exhibit at ChinaJoy
In a significant milestone for the Middle East and North Africa's digital marketing industry, Medialinks has become the first digital marketing agency in Dubai to participate in ChinaJoy, Asia's largest gaming, technology, and digital entertainment expo. The Dubai-based agency is showcasing its specialised expertise in mobile app user acquisition, connecting global brands with high-value users. ChinaJoy, held annually in Shanghai, is a premier event that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees and industry professionals from around the world. Medialinks' presence at the expo is a testament to the agency's expanding international footprint and its commitment to bridging the gap between the MENA's burgeoning digital economy and the global market. The agency is focusing on its data-driven strategies for helping mobile-first brands, particularly in the gaming and fintech sectors, achieve scalable and sustainable growth. "Participating in ChinaJoy is a landmark achievement for Medialinks and a proud moment for the MENA's digital marketing community," said Zeeshan Sajid Amin, CEO of Medialinks. "This is more than just an exhibition for us; it's an opportunity to demonstrate that the MENA region's marketing capabilities are not only on par with global standards but are also at the forefront of innovation. We are excited to forge new partnerships and share our insights on acquiring high-LTV users in a highly competitive global market." The agency's core focus at the event was on its unique approach to mobile app user acquisition, which goes beyond traditional methods to deliver measurable business outcomes. Medialinks leverages advanced analytics and performance marketing to identify and acquire high-quality users, ensuring that clients' marketing investments translate into real business growth. Medialinks' historical participation at ChinaJoy signals the increasing integration of the MENA region into the global digital entertainment and tech landscape. By showcasing its expertise on such a prestigious stage, the agency has not only been driving its own growth but also paving the way for other businesses from the region to expand their international reach.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Kotak Mahindra gains SCA approval to launch UAE funds
Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited (KMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, has become the first Indian financial institution to receive approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE to conduct investment fund management and portfolio management activities. The licence marks a historic step for both the bank and the UAE's financial sector, opening new avenues for cross-border investment flows and collaboration between the two economies. Kotak Mahindra, one of India's most prominent private sector banking and financial services groups, has a long-established reputation for innovation in wealth management and investment banking. Founded in 1985, the Kotak Group today operates across consumer banking, corporate lending, insurance, asset management, and capital markets. With more than 70,000 employees, it manages assets worth over $100 billion and serves millions of clients globally. Kotak Mahindra Bank itself is among India's most valuable banking institutions, listed on Indian stock exchanges with a market capitalisation exceeding $50 billion. Its international operations include regulated businesses in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Mauritius, and now extend more deeply into the Middle East with the SCA licence. The SCA, established in 2000, is responsible for regulating securities markets, investment funds, and financial services. The licence granted to Kotak Mahindra allows the firm to launch UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors – an important milestone since it will make India-focused investment products more accessible to the UAE's large expatriate community and local investors seeking portfolio diversification. 'This licence is a testament to our enduring commitment to the UAE and our vision of fostering globally integrated, transparent capital markets,' said Shyam Kumar, president and head of Kotak International. 'India's economic momentum continues to attract global interest, and through this licence we are excited to offer UAE investors access to India-focused investment strategies, enabling them to participate in one of the world's most dynamic and resilient markets.' Kotak Mahindra intends to launch funds aligned with its successful UCITS (Luxembourg-domiciled) and India-domiciled strategies, which have attracted strong investor participation globally. The new offerings will cater specifically to the UAE market and are expected to open for subscription in the final quarter of 2025. Analysts note that such initiatives will deepen the financial ties between India and the UAE, two economies already closely linked through trade, energy cooperation, and remittances. Industry experts also see the move as part of a broader trend of Indian financial institutions expanding internationally. As India continues to grow as one of the fastest-expanding major economies – projected by the IMF to grow at over six per cent annually through 2026 – global investors are increasingly seeking exposure to its markets. Kotak's presence in the UAE will give them a direct gateway, regulated under one of the most respected capital market authorities in the region. For the UAE, it underscores confidence in its regulatory environment and its ambition to attract international asset managers to base products locally, according to analysts. The licence adds to Kotak's global footprint, with approvals already in place in India, the US, UK, Singapore, and Mauritius.
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Aramco Finalises $11 Billion Jafurah Gas Deal with Global Investors
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Aramco has concluded an $11 billion deal for the lease and leaseback of its Jafurah natural gas processing facilities with a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners, a subsidiary of BlackRock. This significant agreement marks a major milestone in Aramco's strategy to expand its natural gas production and diversify its energy portfolio. The Jafurah field, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, is one of the largest non-associated gas developments globally, with estimated reserves of 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate. Aramco has long prioritised Jafurah as a key part of its energy transition efforts and broader plans to bolster the Kingdom's gas capacity, aiming for a 60% increase in gas production by 2030. The consortium, which includes some of the world's most prominent investment funds, will provide substantial capital to help accelerate the development of the Jafurah field. The deal enables Aramco to monetise its midstream assets while maintaining operational control over the gas reserves. This transaction is seen as a strategic move to finance the development of Saudi Arabia's gas infrastructure without sacrificing long-term ownership or production rights. ADVERTISEMENT Jafurah plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the ambitious blueprint to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil exports. With natural gas being seen as a cleaner alternative to oil, it is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's strategy to increase domestic energy production and meet rising demand for electricity and industrial use. Under the terms of the agreement, Aramco will continue to oversee the development and operation of the field, while the international consortium will take on responsibility for the infrastructure, including gas pipelines and processing plants. This partnership is seen as a win-win for both parties, as it enables Aramco to raise capital for further investments in energy projects, while the consortium gains access to one of the most valuable energy assets in the world. GIP's involvement in the deal signals its growing interest in the energy sector, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects. The firm's experience in managing complex, long-term investments in global infrastructure positions it well to handle the technical and financial challenges associated with Jafurah. As part of BlackRock's broader investment strategy, the deal also aligns with the company's focus on sustainable energy and infrastructure development. The Jafurah field's importance to Saudi Arabia's economic future cannot be overstated. The natural gas produced from Jafurah will support the Kingdom's power generation capacity, which is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. By tapping into the untapped potential of Jafurah, Aramco aims to reduce its reliance on crude oil for domestic power generation, freeing up more oil for export. Saudi Arabia's push for gas development has garnered attention from global investors, eager to tap into the Kingdom's rich natural resources and growing energy sector. This agreement with GIP is a testament to the global interest in the Middle East's energy markets, and the broader trend of institutional investors seeking long-term, stable returns from the region's energy infrastructure. The deal's financial structure, involving both lease and leaseback elements, is designed to provide Aramco with flexibility while enabling the consortium to generate revenue from the gas assets over time. The leaseback aspect allows Aramco to retain ownership of the gas reserves, while the lease portion provides the consortium with a stable revenue stream from the operations of the Jafurah facilities.
