ATM research reveals more must be done to meet UN tourism-related sustainability goals

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 10 December 2025 : 

Almasane Alkobra Mining Company (AMAK) and Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) announced the signing of an agreement to exchange a number of exploration licenses.

Under this agreement, a group of exploration licenses owned by Maaden will be transferred to AMAK, in alignment with AMAK’s expansion plans and strategic vision to strengthen its exploration and new mine development portfolio. In return, Maaden will receive several exploration licenses currently held by AMAK, enabling both companies to enhance operational integration and improve the efficiency of exploration and development activities across geologically promising areas better aligned with the scale and business strategy of both businesses.

This agreement represents an important step toward enhancing the effectiveness of geological exploration, developing promising mining projects, exchanging expertise, and building capabilities. 

On this occasion, AMAK’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Geoff Day, stated:

“This agreement reflects our strong relationship with Maaden and represents a true embodiment of collaborative strategic partnerships within the sector with the focus on responsible, value-add resource stewardship across the Kingdom’s fast growing mineral resources sector. Undoubtedly, this pivotal step will enable both parties to accelerate exploration activities in high-potential geological areas. These new licenses will support our growth plans and expand our project portfolio in line with the aspirations of the Kingdom’s mining sector and our commitment to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and the national economy.”

Furthermore, AMAK views this agreement as more than a simple exchange of licenses. It paves the way for future joint opportunities within the Kingdom and reaffirms its commitment to deepening cooperation and aligning efforts to unlock the full potential of the Kingdom’s abundant mineral resources

The partnership supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to accelerate innovation, mobility safety, and smart city transformation.

8 December, 2025 – Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia –  inDrive, the global mobility and urban services platform, and Ai Driver, a Saudi technology company focused on autonomous mobility and the national official dealer of WeRide, a leading global autonomous driving company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the supervision of the Transport General Authority (TGA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The MOU marks a significant step toward deploying autonomous ride-hailing services in the Kingdom, beginning with Riyadh and later expanding to Jeddah.

The collaboration aims to introduce a pilot program of autonomous vehicles (AVs) operating under inDrive’s platform, supported by WeRide’s AI-driving technology. The project will be jointly supervised by the TGA, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and local capacity building.

The partnership will include vehicle deployment, safety officer training, and data integration between both companies. The manufacturing, shipment, and customs clearance will begin immediately after signing, with the target launch in H1 2026. The initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enable smart mobility, reduce emissions, and foster advanced transport infrastructure.

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Yury Misnik, Chief Technology Officer at inDrive, said the agreement marks a major step in the company’s long-term innovation strategy. “By combining Ai Driver’s local operations and service capabilities in autonomous mobility and WeRide’s leading autonomous driving capabilities with inDrive’s global platform and local expertise, we aim to bring safer, smarter, and more accessible mobility options to communities in Saudi Arabia,” he noted.

Echoing this ambition, Louis Chu, VP at Ai Driver, emphasized the partnership’s role in accelerating next-generation mobility solutions. “We are proud to partner with inDrive and the TGA to pioneer autonomous mobility in the Kingdom. Together, we will support Vision 2030’s technology and sustainability ambitions,” he added.

This partnership signals a decisive move toward scalable autonomous transport in the region. It also reinforces the commitment of all stakeholders to shaping a safer, cleaner, and more connected future for Saudi Arabia.

● AI-powered document processing is giving UAE homebuyers faster, clearer paths to mortgage approval

● The UAE’s AI market is expected to exceed AED 170 billion by 2030

● The UAE proptech sector is forecast to grow to AED 5.69 billion by 2030

Dubai, UAE – 04 December 2025 - UAE homebuyers are beginning to see faster and more predictable mortgage approvals as artificial intelligence reshapes one of the most time-consuming parts of the home-buying journey: paperwork. Holo, the UAE-born proptech platform redefining mortgage accessibility, has automated several of the most error-prone steps in the mortgage file, from document collection to income verification, giving buyers a cleaner, more accurate application from the start.

The shift is accelerating as the UAE continues to scale its national digital transformation agenda. Backed by initiatives such as the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, Dubai’s Digital Government Strategy 2025, and the broader D33 economic agenda, AI adoption across financial services is rising at pace. Supporting this momentum, the UAE’s AI market is expected to exceed AED 170 billion by 2030 , while the country's proptech sector is forecast to grow from AED 2.24 billion in 2024 to AED 5.69 billion by 2030, recording a 17%+ compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through the period . With over 86% of the population living in urban centres, demand for faster, more transparent digital property services continues to increase.

At Holo, AI-driven automation now supports core parts of the mortgage journey, including document extraction, income and liability verification, ID matching, lender-specific formatting, and intelligent bank-matching. These steps have historically been the source of delays for buyers, especially first-timers, due to missing documents, manual checks, or inconsistencies between lender requirements. By automating this process, Holo is significantly reducing back-and-forth communication, lowering error rates, and creating more complete and review-ready files for banks.

Based on thousands of applications processed through the platform, Holo has already observed noticeably faster turnaround times and greater predictability for buyers, particularly during the initial review stage where errors previously caused major delays.

Arran Summerhill, Co-Founder & COO of Holo, stated: “Paperwork has always been the slowest part of buying a home, and for years it’s been the single biggest source of delays for buyers and lenders alike. At Holo, we’re seeing AI finally turn that around. It’s removing the friction points that used to eat up days, the back-and-forth, the manual checks, the missing documents, and replacing them with a cleaner, faster path to approval. The exciting part is that this isn’t theoretical anymore; it’s happening in the applications we handle every day. When buyers get clarity sooner and banks get accurate files upfront, the whole system moves with more confidence. This shift is going to make a major impact on the home-buying experience.”

AI use in UAE real estate continues to deepen as well. Within the property sector, machine-learning tools have reached up to 92% accuracy in predicting quarterly price trends, highlighting the country’s maturity in deploying advanced analytics . This same infrastructure now supports a more seamless mortgage journey, where buyers benefit from faster document processing and lenders receive more complete, consistent files.

Together these developments mean the mortgage process is becoming more predictable and significantly faster than in previous years, reducing the back-and-forth that once slowed down home financing. 

As AI adoption accelerates, the UAE’s mortgage journey will continue to evolve into a faster, cleaner, and more transparent and seamless process, one that reflects the nation’s ambition to build one of the world's most advanced digital real estate ecosystems.

In collaboration with the Saudi School Sports Federation and the Ministry of Education, Leejam participates in the ‘Swim Literacy’ programme in several regions across the Kingdom

The programme is rolled out in collaboration with the Saudi School Sports Federation and the Ministry of Education

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 3 December 2025: Leejam Sports Company, the operator of Fitness Time clubs, announced its participation in rolling out the national "Swim Literacy Program", launched by the Saudi School Sports Federation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. The initiative is designed to equip elementary-school boys and girls with essential swimming skills, enhance water-safety awareness, reduce drowning risks, and identify promising young talent in the sport. The initiative is set to benefit 4,200 students in seven regions of the Kingdom, mainly Riyadh, Madinah, Al-Jouf, Al-Qassim, Tabuk, Najran, and Asir, delivered through 14 Fitness Time branches dedicated to the program.

This program is a continuation of Leejam’s role in supporting community initiatives and promoting healthy lifestyles among future generations. It features a comprehensive training plan delivered in two phases, with each phase offering three sessions per week, each lasting two hours, over the course of two weeks, for a total of six sessions per phase."

The program is designed to equip students with essential foundational skills, including back floating, proper kicking techniques using a kickboard, controlled head submersion, and safe deep-water entry, along with the core fundamentals of freestyle swimming. Together, these elements aim to build students’ confidence in the water and deepen their understanding of key water-safety practices.

Leejam Sports is responsible for overseeing all operational components of the program, providing certified coaches and lifeguards, setting and managing training schedules, implementing the approved instructional framework, and tracking student progress to ensure that all learning objectives are achieved. This framework upholds the highest benchmarks of safety and quality, ensuring the program delivers strong educational value and measurable athletic development.

Sony Launches Alpha 7 V and 

FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II 

In Saudi Arabia

Delivers Dramatic Evolution in AI Subject Recognition Capabilities and High-Speed Performance For Stills and Video 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 3 Dec, 2025 – Sony introduces the Alpha 7 V, the highly anticipated fifth generation in the popular Alpha 7 Full-frame mirrorless line-up powered by the newly developed partially stacked Exmor RS™️ CMOS image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective MP (megapixels) in Saudi Arabia. The new image processing engine BIONZ XR2™️ incorporates the AI processing unit functions of the latest α™️ (AlphaTM) series. Through these innovations, the Alpha 7 V delivers a significant performance boost across every aspect of imaging, from Real-time Recognition  AF(Auto-Focus) to Real-time Tracking , speed, stable color accuracy, still capture, and video versatility.

Additionally, Sony launches the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II (SEL28702), a full-frame compatible, compact and lightweight standard zoom lens that supports the Alpha 7 V’s high-speed continuous shooting.

“Wie’re giving creators a full-frame system that can keep pace with how fast their ideas move,” said Hassan A. Obaidan, Chief Operating Officer, Modern Electronics. “From AI-driven subject recognition to high-speed continuous shooting and 4K workflows, this combination lets photographers and videographers focus on their story, not settings, regardless of the location” 

AI-Powered Performance Boosts

The Alpha 7 V integrates the AI processing unit into the BIONZ XR2 engine, delivering a substantial leap in autofocus speed, accuracy, and reliability. The Alpha 7 V has up to 30% improvement  in Real-time Recognition AF that instantly recognizes targeted subjects and continues to capture them with high precision. With 759 phase-detection points and up to 94% frame coverage, the camera ensures precise subject tracking across nearly the entire image area, even in challenging low-light conditions down to EV -4.0 .

High-resolution RAW processing is now supported through Imaging Edge Desktop application  for unparalleled post-production flexibility.

No compromise High-speed Continuous Shooting 

The combination of a partially stacked Exmor RS™️ CMOS image sensor with approximately 4.5 times faster  readout speed increased and the BIONZ XR2™️ processor results in high image quality with minimal distortion. 

Additionally, high-precision tracking with up to 60 times AF/AE calculations per second and blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps  with AF/AE tracking  ensures no missed opportunities even with fast-moving subjects moving in complex patterns, such as in wildlife and sports photography. Even during 14-bit RAW shooting, it achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking.

The Pre-Capture function , which can record up to 1 second before the shutter is pressed, captures decisive moments even with subjects whose movements are difficult to predict, such as pets and sports.

Outstanding Still Image Performance

Engineered for maximum creative control, the Alpha 7 V achieves up to 16 stops of dynamic range , ensuring remarkable tonal detail across highlights and shadows. Even in scenes with extreme contrast, it expresses natural and smooth gradations from dark to bright areas.

The newly introduced AI-driven Auto White Balance (AWB) leverages advanced scene analysis for consistent color rendering and uses light source estimation through deep learning technology. By automatically identifying the light source in the shooting environment with high precision and adjusting to appropriate color tones, it enables natural and stable color reproduction, resulting in more faithful colors and reducing post-production workload. 

Versatile Video Capabilities 

Expanding creative possibilities for hybrid creators, the Alpha 7 V introduces additional 4K recording modes, including 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording  available in full-frame mode and 4K 120p  mode in APS-C mode/Super 35mm delivers rich, detailed footage with exceptional flexibility in editing. 

Full pixel readout without pixel binning enables highly detailed video recording down to the finest details. 

The image stabilization features Dynamic Active Mode , enabling smooth and stable video expression even when handheld. Users can enjoy high-quality video recording in a wide range of scenes, from vlogs and creative productions to capturing family memories. 

The camera also features an Auto Framing function that automatically maintains optimal composition of subjects during recording through AI-powered subject recognition. This enables stable composition video recording in various scenes. 

New in-camera noise reduction and improved internal mic functionality   ensures high-quality audio recording by reducing steady background noises, minimizing interference, and maintaining natural sound.

Enhanced Operability and Usability

Designed with efficiency in mind, the Alpha 7 V offers Wi-Fi®️ 6E GHz compatibility  for high-speed, stable wireless transmission, along with dual USB Type-C®️ ports for improved workflow and flexibility. 

Vertical format support and an adjustable electronic shutter sound make shooting adaptable across diverse environments.

The 4-axis multi-angle monitor combines tilt and vari-angle design, offering unrestricted horizontal and vertical adjustment for greater shooting freedom. 

A better finger fit on the grip provides improved comfort, stability, and control during extended sessions.

Built for Reliability

The Alpha 7 V features upgraded power management and enhanced stamina performance, enabling longer shooting sessions without interruption. A new Monitor Low Bright mode extends battery life  even further, while improved thermal management supports extended  4K recording with uncompromised quality, approximately 630 shots when using viewfinder per CIPA standards.

FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II – The All-Around Lens

Compact, lightweight, and engineered for speed, the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is designed to fully leverage the continuous shooting  capabilities of the Alpha 7 V sensor. When combined with compatible cameras, this new lens offers up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking , continuous shooting, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilization, AF available even during zooming, and built-in breathing compensation support. From dynamic action shots to fast-paced events or high-quality video capture, this lens delivers smooth, dependable responsiveness and flexibility. 

Social Responsibility

Aligned with Sony's ambitious 'Road to Zero' initiative, this product supports the company's vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The Sony Group's manufacturing facilities for imaging products, including the Alpha 7 V and FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II, operate at 100% renewable energy. The packaging uses Sony's proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material  instead of plastic .

Availability

The Alpha 7 V body will be available from the middle of December 2025 in selected countries. The Alpha 7 V M-kit will be available from February 2026. The FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available from February 2026.

The Alpha 7 V product information can be found here:

https://www.sony-mea.com/en/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7m5

The FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II product information can be found here: 

https://www.sony-mea.com/en/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel28702

The Alpha 7 V product video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/VxyFE5q6X0s

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with Sony's imaging products can also be found at https://www.alphauniverse-mea.com/ , a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

New Quick Start Guide breaks down the essentials for operating in a 57-million-card market

Riyadh, 30November 2025:

Paymentology, the leading global issuer processor, has released a new Quick Start Guide to help banks, fintechs and brands plan, build and run card programmes in Saudi Arabia. The guide is designed as a practical reference for teams that want to understand how issuing works in the Kingdom, from operating models and partner roles to regulation and local payment rails.

Card usage in Saudi Arabia continues to grow, supported by strong consumer adoption and modern national infrastructure. In 2025, the market counted roughly 57 million cards and more than SAR 1.2 trillion in annual spend. Debit drives over seven billion yearly transactions, prepaid issuance exceeds 21 million cards, and commercial card usage is rising at around 10% a year, with average spend expected to pass SAR 58,000 per card in 2026.

As this growth continues, issuers entering or expanding in the country need a clear view of how responsibilities are divided between issuers, licence sponsors, programme managers and processors, and how requirements from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and Capital Market Authority (CMA) shape compliance and operational controls. 

The guide - developed in collaboration with Flagship Advisory Partners - sets out these roles and expectations, and explains how domestic rails such as Mada, SADAD and SARIE affect routing, settlement and product design.

The publication sits alongside Paymentology’s expanded on-the-ground presence in Riyadh, announced in September, and forms part of its wider support for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions in digital payments.

Nauman Hassan, Regional Director MENA at Paymentology said: “Saudi Arabia has become one of the most important payments markets in the region, with real scale, sophisticated infrastructure and clear national goals. Many issuers know they want to build here, but the detail of how the market works is not always obvious. This guide brings together the key points: the rules, the partners and the operating choices, so teams can move from a high-level idea to a plan they can execute.”

What the Quick Start Guide covers:

● Market picture: how Saudi Arabia’s card sector is structured, where spend is growing, and how debit, credit, prepaid and commercial cards compare.

● Operating options: the differences between in-house issuing, technical processing, programme management and co-branded approaches, and what each means in practice.

● Roles and regulation: how duties are split across issuers, licence sponsors, processors, programme managers and schemes under SAMA and CMA oversight.

● Local infrastructure: the role of Mada, SADAD and SARIE in routing, settlement, acceptance and product design.

● Roadmap to launch: a checklist and phased path from commercial strategy and partner selection through pilot, optimisation and scale.

Erik Howell, Partner at Flagship Advisory Partners, also commented: “Launching a card product here involves a specific mix of licensing, scheme requirements, operating decisions and the use of local rails. Working with Paymentology, we’ve brought these elements together in a way that helps issuers approach the market with clarity and confidence.”

The Quick Start Guide to Card Programmes in KSA is available to download now at: https://www.paymentology.com/report/issuing-new-card-programmes-saudi-arabia