Latest news with #Bede
Daily Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bede Bahrain partners with Spare for Open Banking integration
Bede Bahrain, the innovative microfinance solutions app, has signed a strategic agreement with Spare, an open banking platform licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain. This partnership leverages the transformative power of open banking to connect Bede securely and efficiently with its customers' financial data with explicit consent from them. Through this partnership, Bede will integrate Spare's open banking services directly into the Bede app, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of income verification. Users will be seamlessly redirected to the Spare platform, where Bede can instantly access and verify real-time financial data in just a few simple steps. This allows for a faster and more reliable determination of eligibility for Islamic financing. Al-Rayes, Bede Bahrain CEO, commented, 'At Bede, we aim to make access to finance as seamless and straightforward as possible for everyone. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing financial inclusion across the Kingdom, an essential pillar of Bahrain's Vision 2030. We are continuously working to adopt new technologies, improve our app digital experience, and actively listen to customer feedback. This integration is one of the key solutions that help us deliver on that promise, making Islamic financing easier and more accessible than ever.' Dalal Alrayes, Spare Technologies CEO, commented, 'We are proud to partner with Bede to advance the adoption of Open Banking in the Kingdom. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, financial transparency, and delivering real value to end users. Together, we aim to streamline financial access, improve decision-making, and unlock new opportunities for growth across the lending ecosystem.' The App offers a straightforward registration process with minimal requirements. Users can apply for Islamic financing in just a few minutes from anywhere and at any time throughout the week, making it a comfortable experience.
Daily Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Zain Bahrain Q1 profit rises 9.6%
Zain Bahrain, a leading telecommunications provider in the Kingdom, yesterday announced its financial results for the first quarter (Q1 2025). The company reported a total profit attributable to the shareholders of BD 1.17 million for the three months ended 31 March 2025, representing a 9.6% increase compared to BD 1.07 m for the same period in the previous year. Basic and Diluted earnings per share remained stable at 3 fils, compared to Q1 '24. Revenue increased to BD 21.01 m, representing a growth of 7.7% compared to BD 19.51 m for the same period in 2024. EBITDA reached BD 5.38 m, down by 5.6% from BD 5.70 m in Q1 '24. At the balance sheet level, Zain Bahrain's total equity as of 31 March 2025 accumulated to BD 85.92 m, down by 2.50% from BD 88.12 m at the end of 2024. The Company's asset base stood at BD 138.22 m, a reduction of 2.60% from BD 141.91 m as of 31 December 2024. Commenting on the results, Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, Zain Bahrain Chairman, said, "I am pleased to share Zain Bahrain's latest milestones and developments for the first quarter of 2025. These highlight our remarkable progress in expanding our capabilities and enriching customer experiences. Over the past few months, Zain Bahrain has significantly enhanced its 4G and 5G network coverage across the Kingdom, boosting network efficiency and delivering faster connectivity to our customers. This expansion also supports our sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption by up to 50%—a major step forward in our commitment to environmental responsibility. It is also notable to mention, that our innovative microfinance app Bede, has achieved remarkable success and continued to gain a widespread acceptance, emerging as a key player in the Kingdom's fintech sector.' Tripled internet speeds 'In line with our mission to deliver the best possible digital experience, we have also tripled our fiber internet speeds for new and existing customers. Base speeds have increased to 300 Mbps, with offerings reaching up to 2 Gbps. This positions Zain Bahrain as a leader in high-speed internet services, setting a new benchmark for fiber connectivity in the Kingdom and ensuring that all Zain customers can enjoy unprecedented speeds." Zain Bahrain Chairman continued: "We have also forged new strategic partnerships, including Takaful International Company. The partnership aimed to expand our portfolio to offer affordable, comprehensive insurance solutions alongside our telecom services through Zain App. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we proudly received the "Best Connected Customer Experience Award" by IST Networks and Genesys at LEAP 2025. In addition, we recently achieved the highly regarded "Corporate Ethical Procurement and Supply" certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), which underscores Zain's continuous commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical business practices in its procurement and supply chain operations. Another proud achievement this quarter is Zain Bahrain's official certification of ISO 22301:2019 for Business Continuity Management, along with our successful transition to ISO 27001:2022 standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). These internationally recognized certifications underscore Zain's unwavering commitment to business resilience, customer data privacy, and the continuous enhancement of our cybersecurity and continuity practices.' The Chairman concluded: "Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of achievements and endless possibilities, and we are already off to a good start. Zain Bahrain will continue to push boundaries in innovation to meet its customers' changing needs, expand digital services, revolutionaries' new technologies, and uplift customer experience to remain the leading telecom and technology provider across the Kingdom."
Arab Times
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Zain launches ‘Bede' Fintech Platform in Sudan
KUWAIT / SUDAN, Apr 17: Zain Fintech, the financial services arm of Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has launched the 'Bede' Digital Wallet in Sudan. The safe and secure platform will empower Zain customers in Sudan to carry out a wide range of financial transactions directly via their mobile phones, without the need for a traditional bank account or card. Significantly, the service is designed to work across different phone types, including basic feature and smart phones, catering for the needs and requirements of the Sudanese community. The initial launch phase of the service includes core transactions such as money transfers, airtime top-ups, bill payments, merchant purchases, and cash deposits and withdrawals through a broad network of certified agents operating across neighborhoods and market locations. The launch ceremony held in Port Sudan was attended by representatives of the Sovereign Council, federal and state ministries, ambassadors, Zain management as well as industry specialists, banking partners, and media representatives. Malek Hammoud, Zain Group Chief Investment and Digital Officercommented, 'The launch of 'Bede' marks a major leap towards achieving digital transformation, enhancing financial inclusion, and empowering families, women and youth in Sudan. The wallet's role is to simplify everyday financial interactions and support citizens' daily lives. Bede has already been successfully deployed in Bahrain and the dynamic platform has gained a strong reputation for its efficiency, ease of use, and high reliability. We expect to replicate this performance in Sudan and other Zain markets.' Hammoud continued, 'Bede aims to allow everything to be made in the palm of one's hand, cateringto consumers' lifestyles and emerging demands beyond basic telecom services. The introduction of Bede in Sudan represents a major step in Zain's strategic '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' aspirations to expand its regional leadership in the fintech arena supported by our footprint, customer base, and leading technologies." The rollout of Bede in Sudan is set to occur in three phases. The first involves the initial offer of the service, while the second phase incorporates its integration with additional banks in Sudan and the addition of services including electricity purchases and access to various government transactions. The third phase will introduce banking services, international remittance services, savings and financing products, and full interoperability with all banks operating in Sudan. Bede operates under robust strategic partnerships and in full alignment with the policies of the Central Bank of Sudan, which regulates and supervises digital wallet activities through clear legal frameworks and governance policies. Several banksoversee the management of Bede's trust accounts, ensuring accurate settlements and transparent financial reporting. Bede complies with national standards for anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, customer data protection, and financial transparency, with the wallet also offering a secure and integrated digital financial experience that prioritizes data security and user privacy. More on Bede The core value of Bede is based on the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to achieve their full potential, and Zain is committed to leveling the playing field for all individuals. The impact of Bede inSudanwill go beyond convenience and efficiency. It is designed with inclusivity at its core, ensuring that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone, whether the individual is looking to transfer money to their loved ones, purchase an item or manage their day-to-day expenses more efficiently. Bede represents another offering in Zain's mission to provide 'meaningful connectivity' and 'financial inclusion' to communities across all the markets in which it operates. For more, please visit The Bede name and logo Bede stems from the Arabic meaning of 'in my hand', hence the customers' freedom to manage their financials, the way they desire, in their own hands. The brand's colors are inspired by a human approach which translates to a friendly and approachable personality. The primary colors are black and white with injected bright and playful colors which focus on the positive energy of banking and the human element of the brand that offers a clean and direct approach. With its brand slogan 'When you get more, you do more', Bede believes in providing the tools and solutions that allow everyone a level playing field to be able to achieve and go as far as possible. The Zain Fintech umbrella As the financial services arm of Zain Group and playing a key part of Zain's '4WARD' strategy by introducing and overseeing fintech services across the company's Middle East and African footprint, Zain Fintech focuses on rolling out innovative products and services related to payments, remittances, credit cards and micro-finance within the Zain ecosystem and beyond. Other entities championed by Zain Fintech include Bede in Bahrain, Zain Cash in Iraq and Jordan, and Tamam in Saudi Arabia. Zain aims to roll-out Bede services in Kuwait soon, subject to regulatory approvals. Innovation and investing in viable digital services such as the fast growing and much needed fintech sector is critical to Zain's sustained evolution and success in providing the communities it serves with appealing and much needed digital lifestyle services.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zain launches ‘Bede' fintech platform in Sudan
Sudan is the Group's 2nd key market to introduce 'Bede', reflecting a vital part of Zain's '4WARD' strategy in driving financial inclusion and contributing to the evolution of the region's digital ecosystem Service enables a wide range of financial transactions for all Zain Sudan customers on any type of phone without the need for a bank account Bede stems from Arabic meaning of 'in my hand', along with the slogan 'When you get more, you do more' Port Sudan, Sudan & Kuwait City: Zain Fintech, the financial services arm of Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has launched the 'Bede' Digital Wallet in Sudan. The safe and secure platform will empower Zain customers in Sudan to carry out a wide range of financial transactions directly via their mobile phones, without the need for a traditional bank account or card. Significantly, the service is designed to work across different phone types, including basic feature and smart phones, catering for the needs and requirements of the Sudanese community. The initial launch phase of the service includes core transactions such as money transfers, airtime top-ups, bill payments, merchant purchases, and cash deposits and withdrawals through a broad network of certified agents operating across neighborhoods and market locations. The launch ceremony held in Port Sudan was attended by representatives of the Sovereign Council, federal and state ministries, ambassadors, Zain management as well as industry specialists, banking partners, and media representatives. Malek Hammoud, Zain Group Chief Investment and Digital Officer commented, 'The launch of 'Bede' marks a major leap towards achieving digital transformation, enhancing financial inclusion, and empowering families, women and youth in Sudan. The wallet's role is to simplify everyday financial interactions and support citizens' daily lives. Bede has already been successfully deployed in Bahrain and the dynamic platform has gained a strong reputation for its efficiency, ease of use, and high reliability. We expect to replicate this performance in Sudan and other Zain markets.' Hammoud continued, 'Bede aims to allow everything to be made in the palm of one's hand, catering to consumers' lifestyles and emerging demands beyond basic telecom services. The introduction of Bede in Sudan represents a major step in Zain's strategic '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' aspirations to expand its regional leadership in the fintech arena supported by our footprint, customer base, and leading technologies." The rollout of Bede in Sudan is set to occur in three phases. The first involves the initial offer of the service, while the second phase incorporates its integration with additional banks in Sudan and the addition of services including electricity purchases and access to various government transactions. The third phase will introduce banking services, international remittance services, savings and financing products, and full interoperability with all banks operating in Sudan. Bede operates under robust strategic partnerships and in full alignment with the policies of the Central Bank of Sudan, which regulates and supervises digital wallet activities through clear legal frameworks and governance policies. Several banks oversee the management of Bede's trust accounts, ensuring accurate settlements and transparent financial reporting. Bede complies with national standards for anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, customer data protection, and financial transparency, with the wallet also offering a secure and integrated digital financial experience that prioritizes data security and user privacy. More on Bede The core value of Bede is based on the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to achieve their full potential, and Zain is committed to leveling the playing field for all individuals. The impact of Bede in Sudan will go beyond convenience and efficiency. It is designed with inclusivity at its core, ensuring that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone, whether the individual is looking to transfer money to their loved ones, purchase an item or manage their day-to-day expenses more efficiently. Bede represents another offering in Zain's mission to provide 'meaningful connectivity' and 'financial inclusion' to communities across all the markets in which it operates. For more, please visit The Bede name and logo Bede stems from the Arabic meaning of 'in my hand', hence the customers' freedom to manage their financials, the way they desire, in their own hands. The brand's colors are inspired by a human approach which translates to a friendly and approachable personality. The primary colors are black and white with injected bright and playful colors which focus on the positive energy of banking and the human element of the brand that offers a clean and direct approach. With its brand slogan 'When you get more, you do more', Bede believes in providing the tools and solutions that allow everyone a level playing field to be able to achieve and go as far as possible. The Zain Fintech umbrella As the financial services arm of Zain Group and playing a key part of Zain's '4WARD' strategy by introducing and overseeing fintech services across the company's Middle East and African footprint, Zain Fintech focuses on rolling out innovative products and services related to payments, remittances, credit cards and micro-finance within the Zain ecosystem and beyond. Other entities championed by Zain Fintech include Bede in Bahrain, Zain Cash in Iraq and Jordan, and Tamam in Saudi Arabia. Zain aims to roll-out Bede services in Kuwait soon, subject to regulatory approvals. Innovation and investing in viable digital services such as the fast growing and much needed fintech sector is critical to Zain's sustained evolution and success in providing the communities it serves with appealing and much needed digital lifestyle services.
The Independent
04-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Stargazing in April: Easter and the Moon
This spring, we're having to wait a long time for our moveable feast of eggs and chocolate: Easter Day falls on 20 April, near the end of its possible range of dates that span 22 March to 25 April. And if you're wondering why I'm talking about a religious festival in an astronomy column, the date of Easter is set fairly and squarely by what's happening in the sky. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified at Passover. And the date of the Passover is determined by the moon, in the Jewish lunar calendar. The first month of this calendar, Nisan, is set by the spring equinox, the day that the sun rises due east and sets due west, and day and night are equal. Passover coincides with the full moon in Nisan, which is the first full moon after the spring equinox. According to Christians, the Last Supper eaten by Jesus and his disciples was a Passover meal, and he was crucified the next day, on Passover itself. The celebrations for Christians – Easter – come on the following Sunday, the day of the resurrection. To sum it up briefly, we can do no better than to turn to the words of the eighth century monk, the Venerable Bede: 'The Sunday following the Full Moon which falls on or after the equinox will give the lawful Easter.' This means you can tell when Easter is due just by looking at the sky! First, wait until you see the Sun rising due east and setting due west: that's the spring solstice, which fell on 20 March this year. Now follow the Moon until it's Full – coming up on 13 April – and Easter will be the next Sunday, 20 April. In other years, the formula gives very different results. If the Full Moon happens at the equinox, then Easter Sunday can come as early as 22 March, when we're surrounded by fresh spring flowers and hopping rabbits. That happened in 1818 - but not again until 2285. On the other hand, the first Full Moon can be almost a month after the equinox, and – if that falls on a Sunday – we have to hang around another week for Easter Day. The latest date can be 25 April, as occurred in 1943, and next will be in 2038. What's Up Jupiter is glorious in the west after sunset, outshining all the stars. The crescent Moon lies near the giant planet on 30 April. Higher up, you'll find Mars close to the twin stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux: the Moon is very close to the Red Planet on 5 April. As it moves leftwards in the sky, Mars lines up with Castor and Pollux on 10 April, and it moves into the neighbouring constellation of Cancer by the end of the month. Dominating the southern sky is the feline shape of Leo, a crouching lion in mythology. To its left is Virgo (the virgin) marked by a Y-shape of stars rising upwards from bright Spica. In the northeast, brilliant Vega is low in the horizon, the leading light of the little constellation Lyra. On the night of 22 April, watch out for shooting stars speeding outwards from this region and streaking across the sky. The Lyrid shooting stars are specks of space dust burning up in the atmosphere as we cross a trail of debris shed by Comet Thatcher – discovered by American astronomer Alfred Thatcher in 1861 – as it pursues its 420-year orbit around the Sun. If you're an early bird, you can't miss brilliant Venus rising in the east around 5 am. The crescent Moon forms a lovely sight with the Morning Star before dawn on 24 and 25 April. 5 April, 3.15am: First Quarter Moon near Mars 12 April: Moon near Spica 13 April, 1.22am: Full Moon near Spica 21 April, 2.35am: Last Quarter Moon; Mercury at greatest elongation west 24 April, before dawn: Moon near Venus 25 April, before dawn: Moon near Venus 30 April: Moon near Jupiter
