Latest news with #She'sNext
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
New Visa program empowers Saudi female footballers
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced the launch of its 'She's Next in Football' program in Saudi Arabia. Building on the success of the She's Next programs in fashion and gaming in the Kingdom, this initiative is designed to empower and support women footballers in the Kingdom through mentorship, training, and exclusive opportunities with world-class football experts. In partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank and AC Milan Women, this program provides female athletes with a platform to develop their skills, gain mentorship, and experience world-class football training. Women football players in Saudi Arabia are invited to apply for She's Next in Football by completing and submitting the form available on Visa's website, until May 5. The finalists will be announced on May 21, and will participate in a training camp in Riyadh, where they will receive expert training and a certificate signed by Elisabet Spina, head of women's football, AC Milan, and Suzanne Bakker, women's coach, AC Milan. They will also have the unique opportunity to train with Farah Jefry, a distinguished Saudi footballer and midfielder for Al-Ittihad Women's Football Club in Jeddah, who serves as the program's brand ambassador. In addition, the winner of the program will travel to Milan and enjoy a 'Training with the PRO' two-week experience at the Puma House of Football, home to the women's team's training center, where they will train with professional athletes and coaches. The runner-up will receive a VIP visit to AC Milan's training facilities, gaining behind-the-scenes access to one of football's most renowned development programs. Ali Bailoun, Visa's regional general manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, said: 'Women are driving change across industries, sports, and business, shaping the future through their contributions. As women's football continues to grow, new pathways are opening for female athletes to access professional training, resources, and career development. As one of the world's most active sponsors of women's football, Visa is committed to strengthening the sport's ecosystem at every level. By partnering with AC Milan Women and SAB, we are contributing to the long-term development of women's football in the Kingdom. Investing in women's sports is an investment in inclusion and economic empowerment, ensuring female athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.' Rania Alsharyoufi, chief human resources officer, SAB, said: 'At SAB, we believe in the power of sports as a driver for empowerment, inclusion, and long-term growth. Our partnership with Visa and AC Milan Women in the She's Next Football program reflects our commitment to fostering opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia, helping them reach their full potential on and off the field. By supporting initiatives that promote skills, mentorship, and visibility, we are proud to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic future for women's football in the Kingdom.' Spina, AC Milan's head of women's football, added: 'At AC Milan, we are deeply committed to fostering the growth of women's football worldwide, and we are proud to be part of the She's Next in Football initiative. As a club with a rich history in developing and promoting the women's game, we believe in the power of football to inspire and empower. 'This program represents a unique opportunity to support the next generation of female footballers in Saudi Arabia, providing them with world-class training, mentorship, and a pathway to grow in the sport.' Jefry said: 'I'm genuinely energized by this initiative and the remarkable opportunity it presents to ignite the passion of aspiring football players, empowering them to reach new heights in their athletic journey.'
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa partners with SAB and AC Milan Women to launch She's Next in Football in Saudi Arabia
Visa seeks to build on long-term commitments to women's football and continue bringing greater visibility and equality to the sport. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced the launch of She's Next in Football program in Saudi Arabia. Building on the success of She's Next programs in fashion and gaming in KSA, this initiative is designed to empower and support women footballers in the Kingdom through mentorship, training, and exclusive opportunities with world-class football experts. In partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and AC Milan Women, this initiative provides female athletes with a platform to develop their skills, gain mentorship, and experience world-class football training. From April 7, 2025, until May 5, 2025, women football players in Saudi Arabia are invited to apply for She's Next in Football by completing and submitting the form available on Visa website. The finalists will be announced on May 21, 2025, and will participate in a training camp in Riyadh, where they will receive expert training and a certificate signed by Elisabet Spina, AC Milan Head of Women Football, and the Suzanne Bakker, AC Milan Women's Coach. They will also have the unique opportunity to train with and meet Farah Jefry, a distinguished Saudi Arabian footballer and midfielder for Al-Ittihad Women's Football Club in Jeddah, who serves as the program's brand ambassador. In addition, the winner of the program will travel to Milan and enjoy a 'Training with the PRO" two-week experience at the PUMA House of Football, home to the Women's Team's training centre, where they will train with professional athletes and coaches. The runner-up will receive a VIP visit to AC Milan's training facilities, gaining behind-the-scenes access to one of football's most renowned development programs. Ali Bailoun, Visa's Regional General Manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, commented: 'Women are driving change across industries, sports, and business, shaping the future through their contributions. As women's football continues to grow, new pathways are opening for female athletes to access professional training, resources, and career development. As one of the world's most active sponsors of women's football, Visa is committed to strengthening the sport's ecosystem at every level. By partnering with AC Milan Women and SAB Bank, we are contributing to the long-term development of women's football in the Kingdom. Investing in women's sports is an investment in inclusion and economic empowerment, ensuring female' athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.' Rania Alsharyoufi, Chief Human Resources Officer stated: 'At Saudi Awwal Bank, we believe in the power of sports as a driver for empowerment, inclusion, and long-term growth. Our partnership with Visa and AC Milan Women in the She's Next Football program reflects our commitment to fostering opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia, helping them reach their full potential on and off the field. By supporting initiatives that promote skills, mentorship, and visibility, we are proud to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic future for women's football in the Kingdom.' Elisabet Spina, AC Milan Head of Women Football, added: 'At AC Milan, we are deeply committed to fostering the growth of women's football worldwide, and we are proud to be part of the She's Next in Football initiative. As a Club with a rich history in developing and promoting the women's game, we believe in the power of football to inspire and empower. This program represents a unique opportunity to support the next generation of female footballers in Saudi Arabia, providing them with world-class training, mentorship, and a pathway to grow in the sport. We look forward to sharing our expertise, supporting their journey, and helping shape the future of women's football globally.' Farah Jefry, also remarked: "I'm genuinely energized by this initiative and the remarkable opportunity it presents to ignite the passion of aspiring football players, empowering them to reach new heights in their athletic journey." To learn more and apply for the She's Next in Football program, applicants must submit a short application form with details on the dedicated website. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers and businesses globally. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at About Visa, and @VisaCEMEA. About SAB Saudi Awwal Bank is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years, during which time it has been an active partner supporting the Kingdom's economic growth and social development. SAB is one of the leading corporate and institutional international banks in the Kingdom with a top Wealth & Personal Banking proposition. SAB is also a leader in Saudi Arabia and the region in trade finance, foreign exchange, debt wholesale banking, digital service innovation, and ESG, paving the way for transformation and excellence. SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury. SAB paid-up capital is SAR 20.5 billion, after the legal merger with Alawwal Bank on 14th March 2021, when it was legally known as the Saudi British Bank (SABB). Saudi Awwal Bank is a licensed financial institution operating under the supervision of and regulated by the Saudi Central Bank, and a partner of the HSBC Group.
Al Bawaba
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Visa Partners with SAB and AC Milan Women to Launch She's Next in Football in Saudi Arabia
Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced the launch of She's Next in Football program in Saudi Arabia. Building on the success of She's Next programs in fashion and gaming in KSA, this initiative is designed to empower and support women footballers in the Kingdom through mentorship, training, and exclusive opportunities with world-class football experts. In partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and AC Milan Women, this initiative provides female athletes with a platform to develop their skills, gain mentorship, and experience world-class football April 7, 2025, until May 5, 2025, women football players in Saudi Arabia are invited to apply for She's Next in Football by completing and submitting the form available on Visa finalists will be announced on May 21, 2025, and will participate in a training camp in Riyadh, where they will receive expert training and a certificate signed by Elisabet Spina, AC Milan Head of Women Football, and the Suzanne Bakker, AC Milan Women's Coach. They will also have the unique opportunity to train with and meet Farah Jefry, a distinguished Saudi Arabian footballer and midfielder for Al-Ittihad Women's Football Club in Jeddah, who serves as the program's brand addition, the winner of the program will travel to Milan and enjoy a 'Training with the PRO" two-week experience at the PUMA House of Football, home to the Women's Team's training centre, where they will train with professional athletes and coaches. The runner-up will receive a VIP visit to AC Milan's training facilities, gaining behind-the-scenes access to one of football's most renowned development Bailoun, Visa's Regional General Manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, commented: 'Women are driving change across industries, sports, and business, shaping the future through their contributions. As women's football continues to grow, new pathways are opening for female athletes to access professional training, resources, and career development. As one of the world's most active sponsors of women's football, Visa is committed to strengthening the sport's ecosystem at every level. By partnering with AC Milan Women and SAB Bank, we are contributing to the long-term development of women's football in the Kingdom. Investing in women's sports is an investment in inclusion and economic empowerment, ensuring female' athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.'Rania Alsharyoufi, Chief Human Resources Officer stated: 'At Saudi Awwal Bank, we believe in the power of sports as a driver for empowerment, inclusion, and long-term growth. Our partnership with Visa and AC Milan Women in the She's Next Football program reflects our commitment to fostering opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia, helping them reach their full potential on and off the field. By supporting initiatives that promote skills, mentorship, and visibility, we are proud to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic future for women's football in the Kingdom.' Elisabet Spina, AC Milan Head of Women Football, added: 'At AC Milan, we are deeply committed to fostering the growth of women's football worldwide, and we are proud to be part of the She's Next in Football initiative. As a Club with a rich history in developing and promoting the women's game, we believe in the power of football to inspire and empower. This program represents a unique opportunity to support the next generation of female footballers in Saudi Arabia, providing them with world-class training, mentorship, and a pathway to grow in the sport. We look forward to sharing our expertise, supporting their journey, and helping shape the future of women's football globally.'Farah Jefry, also remarked: "I'm genuinely energized by this initiative and the remarkable opportunity it presents to ignite the passion of aspiring football players, empowering them to reach new heights in their athletic journey." To learn more and apply for the She's Next in Football program, applicants must submit a short application form with details on the dedicated website.
Arab News
08-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Visa, SAB and Monsha'at announce winner of ‘She's Next'
Visa, a world leader in digital payments, announced Samar Nasraldin as the winner of the 'She's Next' fashion program in Saudi Arabia. In partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank and Monsha'at, 'She's Next' program in Saudi Arabia is part of Visa's global advocacy initiative aimed at supporting women-owned small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship. The winner was selected at an award ceremony in Riyadh at SAB Tower on Feb. 25. Nasraldin, founder of Samar Nasraldin, won $20,000 for their excellence in the industry. The runner up, Hind Fahad of SEIZA won a prize of $15,000, and the People's Choice Award winner, Amal Abdullah of Linen by A received $10,000. A jury evaluated applications based on the progression of the applicants' entrepreneurial journey, their business metrics, digital presence, and ability to solve problems confidently. The jury included renowned fashion designer Razan Alazzouni and representatives from Monsha'at, Ghada Aljarbou, chief operating officer; Rania Alsharyoufi, chief human resources officer, and Samah Alrasheed, head of business partnerships at SAB. Building on the success of previous editions, this year's program focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and received over 175 applications from across the Kingdom. 'At Visa, we strive to provide women with opportunities and resources to drive entrepreneurial and economic growth. We have witnessed the exceptional creativity and innovation shaping Saudi Arabia's fashion industry through this program. Congratulations to the winners and finalists for their contributions to this program and the industry,' said Ali Bailoun, Visa's regional general manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman. He added: 'Through 'She's Next,' Visa is addressing key challenges women entrepreneurs face, including access to funding, mentorship, and resources for digital transformation. These finalists represent the innovative vision that aligns with Saudi Arabia's goals for leadership opportunities for women under Vision 2030.' Since its launch in 2023, the 'She's Next' program has provided women entrepreneurs with coaching and mentorship, awarding over $3 million in grants to help grow their businesses. The program also recognized the talents and entrepreneurial spirits of the finalists, including Norah AlKhowaiter, founder of Rafah, and Arwa AlSuhaim founder of En&Ay.
Al Bawaba
25-02-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Visa and NBK announce winners of the She's Next program in Kuwait
Visa (NYSE: V), a world leader in digital payments, together with National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), announced Dr Alaa Abul of 'Doctor Mum' as the winner of the She's Next grant program for Kuwait. The winner was selected at an award ceremony held at the NBK Headquarters. Handpicked from a pool of over 100 applicants from across Kuwait, the winning woman-owned small business, 'Doctor Mum', a brand specializing in maternity and baby products, won a grant of US$25,000. In addition, Latifah Alessa of Ayadi, won a prize of US$15,000 and Reem Al Farhan of CTC, won a prize of US$10,000. Dr Alaa Abul of 'Doctor Mum' also won a people's favourite prize of US$10,000. A jury evaluated entries based on the following criteria: compelling story of entrepreneurship, strength of business metrics, compelling digital presence and compelling problem solving within the business among other criteria. The members of the jury included: Ghadeer Al-Awadhi, Head of Sales & Distribution Channels Strategy, Consumer Banking Group at NBK; Najla Al-Sager, Head of Talent Management & Learning, Group Human Resources at NBK; Maha Nizam, Visa's Head of Brand in GCC; and Dalal Al Doub, Kuwaiti influencer and entrepreneur. By participating in the program, all women entrepreneurs gained access to practical insights from female leaders in Kuwait, as well as valuable tools and educational resources. These include Visa's Practical Business Skills Program, designed to help them grow and develop their businesses. On this occasion, Ghadeer Al-Awadhi, Head of Sales & Distribution Channels Strategy at NBK reaffirmed the Bank's unwavering commitment to championing women's empowerment, a cornerstone of its corporate culture and strategic vision. She emphasized that NBK's ongoing collaboration with VISA to launch the "She's Next" initiative for the second consecutive year reflects the bank's dedication to social responsibility and its efforts to foster a business environment that empowers national female talents to develop innovative solutions for their enterprises. This initiative underscores NBK's belief that supporting women-owned businesses is no longer a choice but a necessity, given the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth. According to Visa's SMB Women Digitization Index in Kuwait, women-owned businesses rely women-owned businesses rely on venture capital (45%) and personal finances (38%) to set up their businesses. This underscores the importance of programs like She's Next in providing essential financial support and resources for women-owned business to grow and succeed. Shashank Singh, Visa's Country Manager for Kuwait and Qatar, commented, 'At Visa, we believe in the potential of women to drive innovation and economic growth. She's Next program in Kuwait reflects our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs by providing the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to thrive. We would like to extend our congratulations to this year's winners and finalists for their remarkable contributions to Kuwait's entrepreneurial landscape and look forward to supporting them through this program as they can continue to grow their businesses." Grand Prize winner Dr Alaa Abul of 'Dr Mum', shared: 'This award is not just for me but for all the mothers and babies we serve through 'Dr. Mum'. My mission has always been to provide evidence-based support, wellness, and care for families, and this recognition fuels my passion to grow and make an even greater impact. Thank you Visa, NBK, and She's Next for empowering women entrepreneurs in Kuwait.' Since its launch, the She's Next program has provided over $3 million in grants and coaching to women entrepreneurs across the globe, empowering them to scale their businesses and contribute to economic growth. The program also recognized outstanding finalists who showcased exceptional entrepreneurial vision and innovation. These included Mariam Al Saad of Al Manakh and Hanouf Abdulaziz of Calma Home.
