A Coastal Culinary Journey Awaits at Zafran Indian Kitchen Across UAE and KSA New Seafood Sensation Menu Will Have You Hooked

New credit solution integrates card issuing and credit ledger management, helping financial institutions in the region reduce complexity and accelerate time to market.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 17 November 2025 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer-processor, has announced the launch of PayCredit, an advanced credit ledger platform designed to help digital banks and financial institutions deliver tailored, feature-rich credit products faster and more efficiently.

The launch comes as the GCC and Saudi Arabia witness rapid growth in digital banking, driven by Vision 2030’s financial sector development program and a growing appetite for flexible credit solutions.

Credit cards remain an essential tool for consumers in managing spending, cash flow, and loyalty programs. However, many legacy systems lack the flexibility required to meet evolving consumer expectations. PayCredit was built from the ground up to address these limitations, offering both revolving and installment credit options, including Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) features that reflect real-world financial behavior.

“We saw that many neobanks and fintechs want to offer credit, but existing systems are either too rigid or rely on outdated infrastructure,” said Rob Macmillan, Group Product Manager at Paymentology. “With PayCredit, we’ve developed a modern, cloud-first credit platform that allows issuers in markets like Saudi Arabia to launch smarter, localized credit products — quickly and without complexity.”

By combining credit ledger management and card issuing capabilities on one platform, PayCredit enables issuers to configure and manage credit programs with greater flexibility — including customized limits, interest rates, billing cycles, and repayment models — all via a secure API. The solution supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, ensuring seamless digital wallet integration for regional users.

Key Features

• Built-in billing cycle logic for accurate interest calculation and real-time balance tracking

• End-to-end credit configuration including custom limits, rates, and repayment structures

• Integrated card issuance with leading digital wallet support

• Flexible installments and cashback rewards powered by real-time data

• Scalable global platform adaptable to regional regulations

• UAT simulation testing for rapid, reliable deployment

“As expectations shift, issuers need infrastructure that can keep pace,” said Jeff Parker, CEO of Paymentology. “PayCredit empowers our clients across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC to launch and scale credit offerings with full control, agility, and transparency.”

Already deployed by leading digital banks globally, PayCredit enables issuers to enter the credit market without building full-scale lending infrastructure — a key advantage for Saudi fintechs and neobanks aiming to expand their offerings in alignment with Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals.

(Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, 13 Nov 2025) – Sony is pleased to announce the release of two new accessories within its Alpha™️ camera range. Catering to the needs of professional photographers who frequently shoot in inclement weather or carry a super-telephoto Alpha lens over long distances, the new accessories provide comprehensive protection for Alpha camera gear. To assist photographers dedicated to outdoor pursuits, a rain cover will be available in Saudi Arabia by mid-December that protects equipment from rain and snow, in addition a soft carrying case that balances protection and mobility for super-telephoto Alpha lenses will also be available.

Rain Cover

The new rain cover is designed to withstand tough conditions and will protect your camera and lens even when shooting in rain or snow. It is made from breathable material (water vapour permeability of 20,000 g/m2/24h or higher)[1] preventing moisture build-up even during long periods of shooting.

The fastening strap makes the cover fast and easy to attach and remove, so you can quickly protect your equipment even in the event of sudden weather changes. When not in use, it can be folded away and stored conveniently in the attached pouch.

It includes a transparent window to ensure visibility of the viewfinder, monitor, and control panel on compatible Sony cameras during use, allowing shooting whilst protecting the equipment.

The rain cover will be available in two sizes large(LCR-EL) and small(LCR-ES) so you can choose the best fit for the lens being used and can be purchased in both black and white. All variations will be available to purchase in KSA for SAR 591.

For more details, please refer to the product page here: https://www.sony-mea.com/en/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-cases-covers-straps/lcr-el-lcr-es

For compatible models, please refer to this page:  https://www.sony.net/dics/raincover/

Soft Carrying Case for Super-Telephoto Alpha Lenses

The new soft carrying case for Super-Telephoto Alpha Lenses has been carefully designed to ensure supreme protection of equipment from dust and scratches. It is designed with a conical shape, making it the perfect fit for storing and carrying compatible Sony lenses, a great addition to the range to support outdoor photography for sports events, bird and wildlife photography.

For easy transportation, it includes both shoulder straps and handles to allow for multiple carrying options, by hand, over the shoulder or crossbody.

The large opening zipper mechanism enables easy lens removal and the internal anti-drop strap secures the lens when the zipper is left open in case of accidental drops.

The new lens case is available to purchase in three sizes, large (LCS-LTL) and medium (LCS-LTM) and small (LCS-LTS) in KSA for SAR 591

For more details, please refer to the product page here: https://www.sony-mea.com/en/electronics/camera-lenses-cases/lcs-ltl-lcs-ltm-lcs-lts

For compatible models, please refer to the following pages:

"LCS-LTL" (Large Size) > SAR 663 https://www.sony.net/dics/lcsltl/

"LCS-LTM" (Medium Size) > SAR 642 https://www.sony.net/dics/lcsltm/

"LCS-LTS" (Small Size) > SAR 591 https://www.sony.net/dics/lcslts/

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About Sony Middle East and Africa:     

Sony Middle East and Africa FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics (Car Audio), broadcasting and professional products and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.     

Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Middle East and Africa leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners. 353 accredited third-party service centres reinforce Sony’s presence in key markets in the region.

Set for Tuesday, 9th December 2025 at The St. Regis Doha, in partnership with Visit Qatar, this prestigious event will spotlight the city’s culinary brilliance, honoring chefs and restaurants in the city of Doha.

A Tribute to Doha’s Culinary Visionaries

The MICHELIN Guide Doha’s latest selection will be revealed at an exclusive press briefing, celebrating the city’s culinary talent and innovation. After the announcement, guests will enjoy a curated reception, providing an opportunity for chefs, industry leaders, and guests to connect and be inspired.

A highlight of the evening is the participation of five acclaimed chefs two from renowned international restaurants and three from the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025 lineup each recognized for their contributions to gastronomy. During the reception, these chefs will present their signature canapés, showcasing their creativity and excellence in a unique chance to experience the artistry behind the MICHELIN Guide’s selections.

• Arbor, Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong l Macau 2025

• La Capinera, One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Italy 2025

• Alba, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025

• Jiwan, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025

• Isaan, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025

Stay tuned for more updates on the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2026 selection.

For high resolution images, please download here.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 10 November 2025: BPG Group, one of the region’s leading integrated marketing communications agencies and a member of the global WPP network, has announced the appointment of Tim Baker as President, BPG Arabia, to lead the agency’s operations and strengthen its digital-first and integrated by intent offering across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tim Baker brings over two decades of unparalleled communications leadership, having architected and scaled some of the most successful digital and integrated agencies across the UK and GCC. His proven expertise in driving growth and innovation positions him perfectly to lead BPG Arabia’s ambitious expansion.  

In his new role, Tim will lead BPG's expansion in Saudi Arabia, enhance integration across strategy, creative, content, PR, social and technology, and work closely with clients to deliver data-driven, digital-first, insight-led communications to support the Kingdom’s ambitions.

Commenting on his appointment, Baker said, "Returning to the region to lead BPG in Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious markets, is incredibly exciting. The Kingdom is rapidly transforming, with creativity and technology converging to offer immense potential for brands and agencies willing to innovate.  

He added, “Ironically, it was digital that brought me to BPG; after posting my career ambitions on LinkedIn, I met Avi Bhojani online the very next day, and within six days, I accepted this new challenge. This remarkable speed and agility in making the offer, directly following our digital connection, truly impressed me. It showcased an agile, forward-thinking management team ready to make quick decisions, precisely what agencies need to succeed in today's dynamic climate. BPG embodies a unique blend, an established reputation and scale, bolstered by WPP, yet with the agility and ambition of a digital-first startup. Meeting the senior management team so quickly confirmed the innovative spirit of the team I'm joining. I am eager to work with BPG Group to further establish our footprint here and deliver our renewed digital-first, integrated solutions for clients across Saudi Arabia.”

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Avi Bhojani, Group CEO, BPG Group, said, “Tim is precisely the entrepreneurial leader BPG needs. As a digital native business builder, his arrival marks a pivotal moment for our Group. His distinguished track record, honed through years of scaling agencies including his time with a WPP sibling agency in

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MENA, makes him the perfect leader to not only elevate our young BPG Arabia practice but also to strategically partner and collaborate with our leadership in UAE and Kuwait. Together, we will contemporize and digitize our 45-year legacy, embedding AI at our core, cementing BPG Group at the forefront of marcom innovation across the region.”

Tim began his career in the UK during the dot-com boom, working with Nestlé UK and Initiative Media London, where he led European strategy for Unilever. In 2005, Tim relocated to Dubai and was responsible for growing Initiative Media across the GCC, before co-founding hug digital in 2010. hug became one of the region's earliest digital agencies as it grew to 200 staff in Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, and India, before being sold to WPP in 2018 and integrated into the AKQA network.

With Tim at the helm, BPG Arabia is poised to accelerate its growth trajectory, combining creativity, data, and technology to enable clients to engage effectively with Saudi audiences in an era marked by innovation and transformation.

BPG Arabia is a dynamic, integrated marketing communications agency with operations in Riyadh and Jeddah. We serve a growing portfolio of clients across these key Saudi cities, driven by a young, motivated, and digital-first team comprising talented Saudi Nationals and Arab expats on the ground. Our local expertise is powerfully amplified by the full-service capabilities of our teams in Dubai and Kuwait, alongside dedicated cloud-based resources in Egypt and Asia, ensuring comprehensive and innovative solutions for our clients.

About BPG Group:

For over four decades, BPG Group (formerly Bates PanGulf) has helped brands transform, succeed, and win in a changing world. A WPP company, our digital-first approach and innovative solutions deliver success for exceptional clients. We bring together global talent, local expertise and future-focused capabilities to craft smart solutions for evolving marketing agendas. Inspired by culture, powered by insights, human by design and integrated by intent – we are BPG.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 10 November 2025: Lean Business Services, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Kingdom’s leading provider of integrated health and wellbeing solutions, has announced its contribution to the implementation of the first phase of the Ministry of Defense's digital health transformation program, which the Ministry recently inaugurated. This phase included the development and launch of the "Sehhatek" application, aimed at the Ministry's personnel and their families, as part of a strategic partnership and joint efforts to build an integrated digital health ecosystem aligned with the objectives of the National Transformation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.

The "Sehhatek" application is the first of the four main tracks of the Ministry of Defense's digital health transformation program. It is part of an integrated system for the program's first phase, which also includes the Center of Excellence, the "Rabt" system, and the "Nphies" platform. The application represents a qualitative leap in healthcare delivery, designed to be a trusted digital gateway that offers beneficiaries an integrated experience combining advanced technology with modern health services.

The application provides Ministry of Defense personnel and their families with advanced and easily accessible health services, supporting the Ministry's efforts to provide a comprehensive health environment. It contributes to simplifying medical procedures and facilitating access to health information, aiming to achieve a healthier and more prosperous society.

Commenting on this partnership and the company's contribution to the Ministry of Defense's digital health transformation program, Eng. Mohanned Al Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer of Lean Business Services, affirmed that this partnership represents a pivotal moment in the company's journey to support digital transformation in the Kingdom's healthcare sector. He stated that it reflects LEAN's commitment to improving the quality of life and achieving well-being for all, noting that these efforts solidify the company's position as a strategic partner in digital health innovation and an active contributor to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Al Rasheed added: "Today at the company, we are building the foundation for an advanced, integrated, and proactive healthcare ecosystem that will be a model for the region and the world". He explained that the collaboration with the Ministry of Defense supports the pioneering of the digital healthcare ecosystem through the design and development of integrated technical solutions that enhance efficiency and innovation, in line with the Ministry's directives.

He indicated that the company's contribution to the Ministry of Defense's digital health transformation program confirms the shared commitment with government entities to establish the Kingdom's leadership in the digital health sector on both regional and international levels, pointing out that the partnership between the Ministry of Defense and Lean aims to achieve further accomplishments in the digital health transformation sector.