Latest news with #FaisalbinBandarbinAbdulaziz


Asharq Al-Awsat
23-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Social Development Bank Surpasses $43.2 Billion in Total Financing
The Saudi Social Development Bank has announced that its total financing since inception has exceeded SAR162 billion (USD43.2 billion), benefiting more than 10 million citizens and playing a vital role in the Kingdom's social and economic transformation. The announcement was made by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Bank's Board, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, during the bank's 53rd anniversary celebration held on Monday in Riyadh. The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and marked the launch of the 'Jada 30' initiative. Prince Faisal commended the bank's achievements over the past five decades, highlighting its impact in empowering citizens and advancing national development goals in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In turn, Al-Rajhi emphasized the bank's ongoing commitment to supporting development pathways and empowering individuals and communities. He reaffirmed the bank's role as a key driver of financial and social inclusion across the Kingdom. As part of the celebration, the bank unveiled 'Jada 30,' a new initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship and support small and emerging businesses. Bank CEO Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Humaidi described it as a strategic leap forward in enhancing the entrepreneurial environment. 'Jada 30' transforms traditional bank branches into dynamic development hubs and business incubators, aimed at nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative provides a comprehensive range of services - including financing, training, and mentorship - to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses. Since its launch, 'Jada 30' has hosted in Riyadh more than 300 startups and supported over 5,800 participants, underscoring its tangible impact on youth empowerment and the promotion of a self-employment culture. The event also witnessed the signing of several key development agreements, including a partnership with the General Authority for Awqaf and the Charitable Associations Support Fund to establish a SAR50 million financing portfolio to boost the nonprofit sector. Further, the bank signed two agreements with Arab National Bank and Banque Saudi Fransi to create a combined SAR100 million in financing portfolios aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises. Additional agreements were inked with Alinma Bank and Arab National Bank to launch a new Freelance Work Card, offering freelancers greater access to banking services and financing options.


Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Four agreements signed in the presence of Riyadh Governor at SDB's 53rd anniversary celebration
Riyadh: His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, presided over the Social Development Bank's (SDB) 53rd anniversary celebration on Monday, April 21, 2025, which also marked the official launch of the 'Jada 30' initiative at SDB's headquarters in Riyadh. Upon his arrival, His Royal Highness was received by His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB's Board of Directors, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, along with SDB's CEO, Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamidi. In a statement on this occasion, Prince Faisal bin Bandar extended his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may God protect them—for their unwavering support for development and social initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and the empowerment of citizens. HRH praised the achievements of SDB over its five-decade history, underscoring its important role in empowering Saudi citizens and promoting both social and economic development in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. His Royal Highness toured the accompanying exhibition, which showcased a range of artistic and handcrafted works by local artists and artisans. This reflects SDB's ongoing efforts to empower national talent, boost the creative economy, and support cultural and artisanal products. During the event, H.E. Al-Rajhi delivered a speech expressing his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud—may God preserve them—for their continued focus on community development and fostering an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the transformative impact this has had in enabling citizens to play an active role in building a diversified and sustainable economy. H.E. Al-Rajhi also expressed his appreciation for the presence and patronage of the Riyadh Governor at the celebration, reaffirming SDB's commitment to supporting development pathways, empowering individuals and communities, and reinforcing its role as a key enabler of financial and social inclusion. He emphasized that over its 53-year journey, SDB has contributed significantly to national transformation through innovative financial solutions and impactful social initiatives, helping millions of Saudi men and women realize their ambitions. Since its establishment, SDB has provided over SAR 162 billion in financing, benefitting more than 10 million citizens. SDB's CEO, Eng. Al-Hamidi, stated that the launch of 'Jada 30' represents a qualitative leap in SDB's strategy to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem and support small and emerging businesses. He noted that SDB's 53-year milestone marks a proud legacy of national development and contributions. Following an interactive presentation highlighting SDB's journey since its founding, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar officially inaugurated 'Jada 30,' one of SDB's flagship initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners. The initiative reflects SDB's ambitious vision of transforming its branches into development hubs and business incubators that foster a comprehensive entrepreneurial environment. Since its inception in Riyadh, 'Jada 30' has supported more than 300 startups and welcomed over 5,800 participants in its programs—clearly demonstrating its impact in empowering Saudi youth and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship. HRH also witnessed the signing of several development-focused agreements, including an agreement with the General Authority for Awqaf and the Social Associations Support Fund to establish a SAR 50 million financing portfolio to support the nonprofit sector. Two agreements with Arab National Bank and Banque Saudi Fransi to create financing portfolios totaling SAR 100 million to support entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises. Two additional agreements with Alinma Bank and Arab National Bank to launch the 'Freelance Card,' aimed at supporting freelance professionals and improving their access to banking services and financial solutions. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from the SDB to continue innovating in its financial and social offerings, empowering citizens, and contributing to the building of a strong and sustainable national economy.


Leaders
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Indian Embassy in Riyadh Celebrates 76th Republic Day with Saudi Participation
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Sunday held a celebration to mark the 76th Republic Day of India, at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Mayor of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, attended the ceremony, on behalf of the Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz. The Republic Day ceremony also gathered Indian and Saudi communities to celebrate history and culture. Moreover, the event featured a stunning cultural show. During the ceremony, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, highlighted the solid ties between Saudi Arabia and India, fostered by their mutual appreciation of culture, according to Arab News. 'A shared love for culture brings our countries together. From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food, we have continued to be inspired by each other,' the Indian Ambassador said. Furthermore, he pointed to India's participation in the Global Harmony Initiative, part of Riyadh Season's events designed to celebrate and showcase the cultures of various expatriate groups in Saudi Arabia. 'We were delighted to participate in the annual Riyadh Season 2024 under the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi government,' the Indian Ambassador noted. The Global Harmony Initiative is a collaboration between the Quality of Life Program, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), and the Saudi Ministry of Media, in line with Vision 2030. It celebrated the Indian heritage and culture in October 2024 at Al-Suwaidi Park. Short link : Post Views: 124