Ajman Bank Achieves AED 145 Million Profit Before Tax in Q1 2025, Reflecting 24% Growth

 Ammar Bin Humaid chairs the board meeting

 

Ammar bin Humaid: The strong financial performance of Ajman Bank is evidence of the success of our strategic initiatives and resilience of the national economy.

 

18 April 2025

 

His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Board of Ajman Bank, chaired the bank’s board meeting, also attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department of Ajman and Vice Chairman of the Bank’s Board.

 

During the meeting held at Ajman Ruler’s Court, the board discussed several financial and administrative matters, reviewed routine business activities, and issued its decisions accordingly.

 

Ajman Bank achieved a “Profit Before Tax” of AED 145 million in Q1 2025, reflecting a 24% increase. The Bank reported the Net Operating Income of AED 199 million, up by 2% for Q1 2025, reflecting continued strength in core business performance with continued focus on strong recoveries, cost rationalization, increasing efficiencies through digitization and automation of IT infrastructures. These strong results are underpinned by a robust balance sheet growth, with Total Assets reaching AED 25 billion (up by 7%), Customer Deposits rising to AED 21 billion (up by 8%), and Total Shareholder Equity standing at AED 3.1 billion (as compared to 2024 year end).

 

The Bank’s capital position and asset quality continue to demonstrate solid improvement year-on-year as well as on a sequential quarterly basis. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 18.2% with Tier 1 Capital at 17.0%.Return on Shareholder Equity (ROE) was reported at 17.4% (up by 161 bps), while Return on Assets (ROA) stood at 2.3% (up by 49 bps). The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Ratio improved to 9.7% (from 9.9% as of 2024 year end).

 

His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of Ajman Bank, said, “The progress of Ajman Bank reflects the strength of our vision for Ajman’s future and the pivotal role financial institutions play in shaping resilient and inclusive economies. As the banking sector continues to evolve, Ajman Bank stands at the forefront—guided by sound governance, national values, and a commitment to responsible growth. This achievement is not only a reflection of performance, but of purpose. I commend the Board, management, and every member of our team whose dedication and professionalism continue to drive our journey forward and contribute to the broader success of the United Arab Emirates.”

 

Mr. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, stated, “Ajman Bank’s Q1 2025 results reflect the strength of our ongoing transformation and our ability to deliver consistent, value-driven performance. We remain focused on creating long-term value for our shareholders while continuing to invest in innovation, human capital, and customer-centric solutions. Our commitment to speed, service, and specialization continues to shape a bank where customer experience, innovation, and impact are at the core of everything we do. I am deeply grateful to our Board of Directors, our exceptional team, and our valued customers for their continued trust and loyalty. We are also proud to contribute to the growth of the resilient and dynamic UAE economy, which continues to offer a strong foundation for sustainable progress. Together, we are shaping an institution that is agile, responsible, and fully aligned with the future of Islamic finance.”

 

With a solid and strengthening financial foundation, continued momentum in its transformation journey, and the support of a resilient UAE economy, Ajman Bank is well-equipped to maintain its growth momentum and deliver sustainable profitability throughout 2025 and the years ahead.

Economic Integration Committee reviews latest developments in the enhancement of economic legislation to bolster competitiveness of the UAE’s business environment

 

Latest meeting chaired by H.E. Bin Touq evaluates progress made by the UAE Circular Economy Council

 

 

Abu Dhabi, 18 April 2025:

The Economic Integration Committee held its third meeting for the year 2025, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. It was attended by H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, along with the directors general of the Economic Development Departments across the UAE.

The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the advancement of several economic laws and their significance in enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE’s business environment and supporting its transition towards a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation. Additionally, it assessed the progress made by the Committee in implementing the outcomes and recommendations from the second meeting of 2025.

H.E. Bin Touq stated that the UAE, thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, has made significant strides in building an advanced economic legislative framework characterized by flexibility and stability. This ensures an ideal and attractive economic environment for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners from around the world, boosting national economic growth.

In this context, His Excellency highlighted the key role played by the Economic Integration Committee in continually enhancing the UAE’s economic legislation and policies, adopting innovative national initiatives, and enhancing cooperation and coordination with partners at both federal and local levels. These efforts have ensured greater alignment and coherence across the country’s legislative and regulatory landscape, given that the UAE has introduced over 30 economic laws and resolutions in the past four years.

The Minister of Economy said: “The UAE is ushering in a new phase focused on strengthening the competitiveness of its legislative environment in line with global best practices. This follows the Cabinet’s approval of an integrated smart legislative system to guide the development of legislation and regulations across the UAE Government. Powered by artificial intelligence and advanced digital solutions, the system has enhanced the Committee’s capabilities in proposing and developing economic legislation and policies, assessing their real-time impact on the business community, and streamlining coordination with relevant stakeholders in the country.” His Excellency explained that the new system will play a key role in achieving the national target outlined in the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which is to make the UAE the first globally in developing proactive legislation for new economic sectors by the next decade.

Other topics discussed by the Committee include developments in the legislative and executive framework for regulating and protecting competition in the UAE. Emphasis was placed on the importance of organizing workshops and seminars in collaboration with relevant local entities to raise awareness on the importance of enforcing competition laws and policies across various economic sectors and preventing monopolistic practices. These efforts are aimed at achieving economic balance in the market and protecting consumer rights.

Furthermore, the latest Committee meeting reviewed the progress made by the UAE Circular Economy Council so far, most notably the adoption of 22 circular economy policies across four main sectors: manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transport. It also includes the establishment of the Circular Economy Policy Committee and the formation of partnerships with the UAE private sector to drive growth in sustainable technologies, clean energy, and waste management. The Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of these policies and accelerating the transition to a circular economy model, which will help secure a more prosperous future for current and future generations while advancing the nation’s vision to become the world’s most prosperous society by the next decade.

APSEZ acquires 50 MTPA capacity NQXT Australia, accelerating path to 1 billion tonnes p.a. by 2030

NQXT is a highly efficient and cash generating asset that will consolidate APSEZ's presence along the East-West trade corridor, in line with its global expansion strategy

Cargo Increase	EBITDA Increase	EV/ EBITDA Multiple
35 MMT NQXT throughput - FY25	A$ 228 Mn NQXT - FY25	A$ 3,975 Mn NQXT Enterprise Value
+ 7.8 % to APSEZ's FY25 Crago	+ 6.9 % to APSEZ's Dec'24 TTM EBITDA EBITDA	17x EV/EBITDA Multiple Based on FY25E

Editor's synopsis

• North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) is a critical export gateway for producers in resource-rich Queensland, Australia and has current capacity of 50 MTPA.
• NQXT has an identified pathway and capability to grow throughput up to 120 MTPA to meet the global demand for Queensland's high quality resources including for potential green hydrogen exports.
• NQXT handled its all-time high cargo at 35MMT in FY25.
• APSEZ will benefit from incremental EBITDA margin in excess of 90%.
• NQXT EBITDA to grow to A$ 400 million within 4 years.
• NQXT lease has a long remaining life of 85 years until year 2110.
• As part of a non-cash transaction, APSEZ will issue 14.38 crore equity shares under preferential allotment route to the seller, which will result in a net increase of 2.13% in promoter group holding.
• The transaction will further enhance APSEZ's global transport and logistics footprint and fast track it's journey to handle 1 billion tonnes per annum by 2030.
• NQXT comes with an excellent ESG track record with minimal environmental footprint, diverse workforce, strong safety standards, 50% operational spend with local and regional suppliers.

AHMEDABAD, India, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), India's largest integrated Transport Utility company has approved the acquisition of Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH), Singapore from Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore (CRPSHPL). CRPSHPL is a related party.

APPH holds the entities which own and operate the North Queensland Export Terminal, a dedicated export terminal with a current nameplate capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The terminal is located at the Port of Abbot Point, approximately 25 km north of Bowen, in North Queensland on Australia's east coast.

The transaction will be completed on a non-cash basis. APSEZ will issue 14.38 crore equity shares to CRPSHPL, in exchange for acquisition of 100% interest in APPH. This is based on enterprise value of NQXT of A$ 3,975 million. As part of the transaction, APSEZ will also assume other non-core assets and liabilities on APPH's balance sheet, which APSEZ will realize within a few months of the acquisition (zero net impact on the transaction valuation). APSEZ's leverage will remain at similar levels post the transaction.

Speaking on the acquisition, Mr. Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, said, NQXT's acquisition is a pivotal step in our international strategy, opening new export markets and securing long-term contracts with valued users. Strategically located on the East-West trade corridor, NQXT is poised for robust growth as a high-performing asset, driven by increased capacity, upcoming contract renewals in the medium term, and the potential for green hydrogen exports in the long term. We are targeting EBITDA growing to A$ 400 million within 4 years. I am proud to welcome NQXT to our 'Growth with Goodness' initiative, as it exemplifies our commitment to high standards in environmental, social, and governance practices."

About NQXT

NQXT, is a natural deep-water, multi-user export terminal with a nameplate capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum. NQXT is located in the Port of Abbot Point, approximately 25 km north of Bowen, in North Queensland on Australia's east coast. The Port of Abbot Point (within which NQXT is located) has been declared as a Strategic Port and a Priority Port Development Area by the Queensland Government¹. NQXT is under a long-term lease from the Queensland Government and is a critical infrastructure asset supporting Australia's significant resource industry. NQXT provides strategic access to currently eight major customers under long term "take or pay" contracts. NQXT's operations contributed A$ 10 billion to Queensland's Gross State Product and facilitated 8,000 jobs across mining and other industries².

During FY25, NQXT had a contract capacity of 40MMT and handled all-time high cargo volume of 35MMT. The weighted average mine life the NQXT's current users is c. 60 years. Cargo from NQXT was exported to 15 countries including 88% to Asia and 10% Europe. NQXT posted FY25E A$ 349 million revenue and EBITDA of A$ 228 million (incremental EBITDA margin in excess of 90% for APSEZ, excluding pass-through O&M cost included in the revenue).

Key rationale for the NQXT acquisition

• A fully operational multi-user export facility which provides strategic access to resource producing customers, with demonstrated operating history of over 4 decades.
• High quality customer base which operate in the Bowen and Galilee mining basins and produce high-quality metallurgical and energy coal for export to over 15 countries globally.
• Poised for EBITDA growth on the back of growing contracted capacity, renewal of existing contracts and further group synergies under APSEZ's global transport and logistics platform.
• Strategic fit with APSEZ's strategy of global expansion and leverage on the potential for future green hydrogen exports from the Port of Abbot Point, in line with the Queensland Government's strategy.

ESG

Since the commencement of operations in 1984, NQXT has been on a journey of continuous improvement and sustainability. With zero reportable environmental incidents during FY25, zero fatalities, and a lost time injury frequency rate of 1.7, operations at the terminal have delivered excellent safety standards. The business has been extensively involved in community development with 50% of FY25 operational spend with local and regional suppliers and A$ 2.4 million spent since 2017 on community initiatives in Bowen and Collinsville. Over 5% of the terminal's workforce identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, higher than proportion of First Nations people in the Australian population. 

Transaction Advisors

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas acted as legal counsel for APSEZ. Ashurst acted as International legal counsel for APSEZ. GT Valuation Advisors Private Limited acted as the Registered Valuer and Grant Thornton Bharat LLP conducted desktop financial review. SBI Capital Markets Limited also acted as an independent valuer, including for RBI / FEMA compliances.

The transaction is subject to requisite approvals, including from Reserve Bank of India (RBI), shareholders, Foreign Investment Review Board of Australia and is expected to close in two quarters.  

Frimex Expands in Saudi Arabia with New Riyadh Office Driving Strategic Growth and Investments

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 16, 2025 – Frimex Investment (Frimex), the investment arm of the Hayel Saeed Anam Group (HSA Group) at Jeddah City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since more than 45 years, has officially opened its new Riyadh office, marking a major step in its expansion and showcasing its long-term commitment to economic growth and Vision 2030. Enhancing operational efficiency, meeting evolving market demands, and strengthening collaboration with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies. The new office will also reinforce Frimex’s role in driving diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.

 

Since its establishment in 1979, Frimex has been a trusted partner in the Kingdom’s market, through diversified sectors such as Manufacturing, Trading and services. In collaboration with leading Saudi partners, Frimex operates a diverse leading investments portfolio, including OKAM, a leader in food distribution and marketing; NBCC, a key manufacturer of biscuits and snacks producing brands such as Teashop, Memories, Abu Walad and Al Batal. NFIC, known for its Luna brand; and UWC, specializing in 3PL logistics and supply chain solutions. Moreover, Frimex maintains a strong presence in technology through TechnoVal, a fast-growing company within the region specializing in SAP, OpenText and AI. In addition, to trading in Animal Feed through UFC, and packaging solutions through UCIC, all leading companies within the region.  Frimex also fully owns AITC, a new venture leading FMCG company, further strengthening its position in the FMCG sector; and SFRD, a real estate company.

 

Frimex Chairman and HSA Board Member, Mr. Ibrahim Hayel Saeed, stated:
"The inauguration of our Riyadh office reflects Frimex’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s flourishing economy and its ambitious Vision 2030. For over four decades, we have been a trusted player in the Kingdom’s various business industries, and this milestone further solidifies our role in driving innovation, fostering sustainable growth, and building enduring partnerships. We cultivate relationships anchored in our core values of innovation, hard work, transparency, and a shared vision for success."

The grand opening was attended by HSA Group Chairman, Mr. Abdul Jabbar Hayel Saeed, along with distinguished board members, members of the Owners’ Council, and Frimex’s key executives, underscoring the strategic importance of this expansion.

Arthur D. Little: Saudi Arabia Positioned to Lead $8 Billion Feeder Shipping Boom

 

• Saudi Arabia is positioned to capture up to 45 percent of Red Sea and 35 percent of Gulf feeder trade as regional volumes rise to 41 million TEUs by 2030.
• Feeder shipping delivers returns on assets of 17 to 23 percent, outperforming other logistics sectors and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s growth priorities.
• The 8 billion dollar feeder market across MEEAT and South Asia centers on Saudi Arabia, with geography, infrastructure, and policy all aligned.
• Red Sea container volumes are set to nearly double by 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a key East West logistics hub.

 

 

 

Saudi Arabia, April 16 2025: As global logistics undergo rapid transformation, new research from Arthur D. Little (ADL) positions Saudi Arabia as a future powerhouse in feeder shipping, a high-potential segment of maritime trade set to grow to $451 billion globally by 2030. The Middle East, East Africa, Turkey (MEEAT), and South Asia region alone is forecast to account for $8 billion of that total, making it one of the most strategically valuable feeder markets in the world.

 

At the heart of this regional surge is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to ADL’s latest Viewpoint, Unlocking Opportunities in the Feeder Shipping Sector Saudi ports are poised to capture up to 45 percent of Red Sea feeder trade and 35 percent of Gulf trade, driven by infrastructure investment, geographic advantage, and Vision 2030's logistics transformation agenda. Red Sea throughput alone is projected to nearly double from 12 million TEUs in 2021 to 23 million by 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a linchpin for intra-regional and East–West container movement.

 

Feeder shipping, the practice of transporting containers between smaller regional ports and major global hubs, is attracting growing interest from operators and investors due to returns on assets of 17 to 23 percent. This performance significantly outpaces returns in other freight and logistics segments such as rail, trucking, and traditional maritime transport. While historically overlooked, the sector has become an increasingly vital part of the global shipping ecosystem.

 

“Saudi Arabia sits at the intersection of macroeconomic shifts in global trade, regional port infrastructure growth, and heightened investor appetite for logistics assets that deliver strong, stable returns,” said Paolo Carlomagno, Partner at Arthur D. Little “Its ability to combine geographic proximity to high-growth corridors with government-backed investment strategies creates a uniquely scalable feeder shipping environment that few markets globally can match.”

 

ADL’s analysis outlines a phased strategy for capturing this opportunity. New entrants to the Saudi market are encouraged to adopt asset-light models, chartering vessels and building lean, responsive operations before scaling through asset ownership and deeper integration with major liners, freight forwarders, and regional exporters. This approach helps reduce capital risk while allowing operators to adapt quickly to demand and align with specific Saudi trade flows in the Red Sea, Gulf, and Arabian Sea.

 

“Saudi Arabia offers a rare combination of volume potential, policy alignment, and port readiness that makes it a natural launchpad for feeder shipping operations,” said Alexandre Sawaya, Principal at Arthur D. Little, Middle East. “The Kingdom is no longer a peripheral player in maritime trade. It is fast becoming a focal point for regional connectivity and a strategic base for operators seeking scale and resilience.”

 

The report also highlights feeder shipping’s compatibility with Saudi Arabia’s environmental priorities. Feeder vessels, being smaller and more agile, are easier to retrofit for clean fuels such as methanol, biodiesel hybrids, or hybrid-electric propulsion. This flexibility supports the Kingdom’s goals to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2060.

 

With container volumes rising, infrastructure expanding, and consolidation accelerating across the shipping landscape, ADL concludes that Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of growth in feeder shipping.

السعودية في الصدارة: تقرير جديد من آرثر دي ليتل يتوقع طفرة بـ 8 مليارات دولار في قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد

 

• تستعد المملكة العربية السعودية للاستحواذ على ما يصل إلى 45% من قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد بالبحر الأحمر، بالإضافة إلى 35% من تجارة سفن الروافد بمنطقة الخليج مع تزايد عدد الحاويات النمطية إلى 41 مليون حاوية بحلول 2030.
• تتراوح عائدات قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد على الأصول بين 17 و23%، متفوقاً على قطاعات الخدمات اللوجستية الأخرى وهو ما يتماشى مع أولويات النمو في المملكة العربية السعودية.
• تحتل المملكة العربية السعودية صدارة منطقة الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا وجنوب آسيا في سوق خدمات سفن الروافد البالغ قيمتها 8 مليارات دولار، وذلك بسبب الموقع الجغرافي المتميز للمملكة وتوفر البنية التحتية الحديث ومواءمة السياسات المتبعة.
• من المتوقع أن يتضاعف حجم مناولة الحاويات في البحر الأحمر بحلول 2030، مما يعزز من دور المملكة العربية السعودية كمركز لوجستي رئيسي يربط الشرق بالغرب.

 

الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية، 16 إبريل 2025: في ظل التغيرات المتسارعة التي يشهدها قطاع الخدمات اللوجستية العالمي، كشف أحدث تقارير آرثر دي ليتل، شركة الاستشارات الإدارية الرائدة على مستوى العالم، عن الدور المحوري المتوقع للمملكة العربية السعودية في قيادة نمو قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد، الذي يعد من القطاعات الواعدة والمتوقع أن يصل حجمه عالمياً إلى 451 مليار دولار بحلول عام 2030. كما تشير التوقعات إلى استحواذ منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشرق أفريقيا وتركيا وجنوب آسيا على 8 مليارات دولار من هذا النمو، مما يجعلها واحدة من أهم الأسواق الاستراتيجية لهذا القطاع على مستوى العالم.

 

تتصدر المملكة العربية السعودية هذا النمو الإقليمي- وفقاً لتقرير آرثر دي ليتل الأخير بعنوان "إطلاق العنان للفرص في قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد" حيث تستعد الموانئ السعودية للاستحواذ على ما يصل إلى 45% من تجارة خدمات سفن الروافد بالبحر الأحمر، بالإضافة إلى 35% من تجارة خدمات سفن الروافد بمنطقة الخليج، مدفوعة بالاستثمار في البنية التحتية، والموقع الجغرافي المميز، وأهداف رؤية 2030 الرامية إلى تطوير القطاع اللوجستي. كما يُتوقع أن يتضاعف حجم مناولة الحاويات في البحر الأحمر وحده تقريباً من 12 مليون حاوية نمطية (سعة عشرون قدماً) في 2021 إلى 23 مليوناً بحلول 2030، مما يعزز من دور المملكة كمركز رئيسي لحركة الحاويات على الصعيدين الإقليمي والعالمي.

 

 

 

يحظى قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد، المعني بنقل الحاويات بين الموانئ الإقليمية الصغيرة والمراكز العالمية الرئيسية، باهتمام متزايد من المشغلين والمستثمرين نظراً لعائداته المرتفعة على الأصول، التي تتراوح بين 17% و23%. وهو الأداء الذي يتجاوز بشكل كبير عائدات قطاعات الشحن والخدمات اللوجستية الأخرى، مثل النقل بالسكك الحديدية، والنقل البري باستخدام الشاحنات، والنقل البحري التقليدي، وعلى الرغم من عدم الاهتمام بهذا القطاع في السابق، إلا أنه أصبح الآن عنصراً حيوياً متزايد الأهمية في منظومة الشحن العالمية.

 

وفي سياق متصل صرح السيد/ باولو كارلوماغنو، الشريك لدى آرثر دي ليتل: "تتمتع المملكة العربية السعودية بموقع استراتيجي عند ملتقى التحولات الاقتصادية الكلية في التجارة العالمية، فتمتاز ببنية تحتية متطورة من الموانئ الإقليمية، وتشكل محط اهتمام المستثمرين بالأصول اللوجستية ذات العوائد القوية والمستقرة. كما أن قدرتها على الاستفادة من قربها الجغرافي من ممرات النمو السريع، إلى جانب استراتيجيات الاستثمار المدعومة من الحكومة، من شأنها أن توفر بيئة متميزة وقابلة للتوسع والنمو في قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد، متفوقة بذلك على أغلب الأسواق العالمية".

 

يقدم تحليل آرثر دي ليتل سالف الذكر استراتيجية متدرجة للاستفادة من هذه الفرصة، مُشجعًا المستثمرين الجدد على السوق السعودي على تبني نماذج عمل ذات أصول منخفضة، عن طريق استئجار السفن وإنشاء عمليات تشغيلية مرنة وسريعة الاستجابة، قبل التوسع في امتلاك الأصول وتحقيق التكامل الأعمق مع شركات الشحن البحري الكبرى، ووكلاء الشحن، والمصدرين الإقليميين. هذا وتسهم تلك الاستراتيجية في تخفيض المخاطر المالية، وتمكين المشغلين من التكيف السريع مع حجم الطلب ومواءمة عملياتهم مع مسارات التجارة السعودية المحددة في البحر الأحمر والخليج العربي وبحر العرب.

 

 

 

وبدوره صرح السيد/ ألكسندر صوايا، المدير لدى آرثر دي ليتل الشرق الأوسط قائلاً: "تتمتع المملكة العربية السعودية بمزيج فريد من الإمكانات الضخمة، والسياسات المتوائمة والموانئ عالية الجاهزية، مما يجعل منها نقطة انطلاق مثالية لعمليات تقديم الخدمات لسفن الروافد. فلم تعد المملكة طرفاً ثانوياً في التجارة البحرية، بل أصبحت مركزاً محورياً للربط الإقليمي وقاعدة استراتيجية للمشغلين الذين يسعون إلى التوسع في أعمالهم والتكيف مع تغيرات السوق".

 

 

ومن جانب آخر، يؤكد التقرير كذلك على توافق قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد مع الأولويات البيئية للمملكة العربية السعودية، فصغر حجم سفن الروافد ومرونتها، من شأنه أن ييسر إعادة تأهيلها للعمل بالوقود النظيف مثل الميثانول، والديزل الحيوي الهجين، أو أنظمة الدفع الكهربائية الهجينة. كما يسهم هذا التنوع في دعم أهداف المملكة الساعية إلى خفض الانبعاثات الكربونية بنسبة 25% بحلول 2030 والوصول إلى صافي انبعاثات صفرية بحلول 2060.

 

 

وفي ظل الزيادة المستمرة في أحجام الحاويات، والتوسع في البنية التحتية، وتسارع عمليات الاندماج في قطاع الشحن، فقد أشار تقرير آرثر دي ليتل إلى مكانة المملكة العربية السعودية الفريدة التي تؤهلها إلى قيادة المرحلة التالية من مراحل نمو قطاع خدمات سفن الروافد.

 

لمزيد من التفاصيل حول نتائج التقرير يرجى الضغط هنا.

Sadq Raises SAR 5.5 million in Pre-Series A Round Led by "X by Unifonic Fund" to Accelerate Growth in the Kingdom’s Digital Authentication Sector

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 15 April 2025- Sadq, the leading Saudi platform for digital signatures and integrated workflow authentication solutions, has announced the successful close of its Pre-Series A funding round, raising SAR 5.5 million. The round was led by X by Unifonic Fund, with participation from a group of investors and a strategic investment from Unifonic. This investment marks a significant step in cementing Sadq’s leadership and innovation in the Kingdom’s fast-growing digital authentication sector.

Founded in 2022 by Abdullah Allahuo and Salem Al-Badawi, Sadq has quickly emerged as a trusted name in the Kingdom’s digital transformation landscape. The company first gained traction through a seed round led by Sanabil 500 in 2023 and later achieved a major milestone by obtaining the Digital Trust Services License from the Digital Government Authority (DGA) — a regulatory breakthrough that elevated Sadq's legal credibility and enabled its adoption across public and private sectors.

“This investment comes at a pivotal time as Saudi Arabia witnesses a transformative shift in the digital trust landscape,” said Abdullah Allahuo, Co-Founder and CEO of Sadq. “It enables us to enhance our technology, forge strategic partnerships, and attract top-tier talent — reinforcing our position as a key provider of secure and legally recognized digital signature solutions. Obtaining the DGA license was a turning point, significantly increasing the credibility of our platform and elevating the legal weight of digitally signed documents, especially under Article 58 of the Saudi Evidence Law.”

Ayman Hamdan, Founding Partner of X by Unifonic Fund, added: “Sadq is uniquely positioned to lead the digital trust ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The company holds tremendous potential to transform the way digital authentication and signatures are managed. Through this funding round, we are proud to support Sadq’s journey as it scales its service offerings, strengthens its market presence, and innovates across the digital trust space. As a fund, we are deeply committed to driving digital transformation by backing B2B SaaS companies that deliver mission-critical solutions for evolving markets.”

Salem Al-Badawi, Co-Founder and CTO of Sadq, said: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come. This new funding will allow us to further strengthen our robust, multi-layered technical infrastructure, enabling us to scale with agility and respond efficiently to growing demand. We’ve also integrated advanced auto-scaling systems, portable and consistent deployment environments, and global-grade security protocols — all of which ensure our platform is resilient, reliable, and secure against cyber threats. Our partnership with Unifonic will help us continue expanding our service portfolio in the digital authentication space.”

Ahmed Hamdan, CEO and Co-Founder of Unifonic, noted: “This strategic investment reinforces the role of both Sadq and Unifonic in shaping the Kingdom’s emerging digital trust and identity ecosystem. Through our close collaboration, we aim to drive innovation and set new standards for secure digital transactions across all sectors in Saudi Arabia.”

Fast-growing UAE AI start-up AIREV secures investment from Ireland’s Venturewave Capital

- Irish venture private equity firm invests in AIREV as part of Series A raise

- AIREV’s On-Demand is one of the world’s first AI operating systems

- On-Demand offers hardware providers opportunity to monetize infrastructure

 

Abu Dhabi, 15 April, 2024: AIREV, the UAE artificial intelligence start-up that is one of the fastest-growing AI companies in the Gulf region, has secured investment from Irish-based venture private equity firm Venturewave Capital. The capital injection will be deployed to support AIREV’s rapid growth trajectory as it scales one of the world’s first AI operating systems – ‘On-Demand’. The deal with Venturewave Capital, which is active across diverse asset classes in Europe, US, ASEAN and the Middle East, will enable On Demand to access new opportunities and specifically expand to new market territories from UAE and Ireland.

 

With over 4 million AI-first users worldwide, and backed by Core 42, a G42 company, AIREV continues to refine its revolutionary agentic AI Operating System, On-Demand. Designed to power the post-Artificial General Intelligence/Artificial Super Intelligence economic shift, On-Demand allows users to build their own AI applications by combining the world’s leading large language models with hundreds of agents and AI tools. The platform democratizes advanced AI technology, simplifying the user experience, and empowering rapid innovation in generative AI products.

 

AIREV already has commercial deployment agreements with computer systems and components supplier Panchea and AI systems and technology solutions provider AIdeology (an Nvidia Elite Partner), and is in commercial and R&D discussions with Fortune 500 semiconductor companies. Over 60,000 users have already adopted the new platform, which offers access to inference capabilities across leading models, including those from OpenAI, Google's Gemini, Meta's Llama, and Arabic language model Jais—developed by Inception, a G42 company. Over 300 specialized agents are available on its marketplace, and the site also seamlessly integrates with major ERP and CRM systems like Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics. On Demand is capable of running on all hardware systems, enabling hardware providers to monetize usage of their infrastructure by linking the computational activity of users to revenue generated.

 

The signing of the funding agreement was witnessed by HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, and HE Niamh Smyth TD, Ireland’s Minister for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation.

 

Minister Niamh Smyth TD stated: "Venturewave Capital’s investment in AIREV highlights Ireland’s role as a connector of global tech innovation. AIREV’s work in Artificial Intelligence – from education to healthcare - exemplifies technology’s power to transcend markets."

 

Muhammad Khalid, AIREV’s Founder and CEO, said: “With On-Demand, companies can create the right AI for them – quickly, easily and affordably. Think of it as an App Store for AI, but with unseen levels of optimization and personalization. VentureWave Capital recognised that the platform can be transformative for businesses and that our team - young, dynamic, agile and nimble – possess the necessary expertise to develop a blockbuster product with the potential to disrupt the global AI ecosystem. Since we launched On-Demand, we have seen amazing early growth, and built an incredible community of global users. We look forward to working alongside VentureWave Capital and all our partners to expand the market for highly tailored, powerful AI solutions for developers and enterprises.”

 

Alan Foy, Executive Chairman and Founder, Venturewave, added: "VentureWave Capital is delighted to finalise this strategic investment in AIREV, a UAE-based AI company rapidly emerging as a global leader in transformative AI solutions. AIREV is committed to global expansion from the UAE in partnership with Ireland. The excellent team is developing technologies that not only expand human potential but also address real-world challenges across sectors such as education, healthcare, and energy."

 

As well as On-Demand, AIREV, which was formed in 2023 by Muhammed Khalid (CEO), Dr Youssef Youssef (COO) and Kayaan Unwalla (CSO), includes other next generation AI-driven businesses including viral edtech platform School Hack.

شركة الذكاء الاصطناعي الإماراتية الناشئة (AIREV) تحصل على استثمار من "فينتشرويف كابيتال" الأيرلندية

• شركة الاستثمار الخاص الأيرلندية تستثمر في AIREV ضمن جولة تمويل من الفئة A
• نظام "عند الطلب" من AIREV أحد أوائل أنظمة تشغيل الذكاء الاصطناعي في العالم
• يتيح نظام "عند الطلب" لمزودي الأجهزة فرصة تحقيق الدخل من البنية التحتية

أبوظبي، 15 أبريل 2024: حصلت AIREV، الشركة الإماراتية الناشئة في مجال الذكاء الاصطناعي، والتي تُعدّ من أسرع شركات الذكاء الاصطناعي نمواً في منطقة الخليج، على استثمار من شركة "فينتشرويف كابيتال" الأيرلندية للاستثمار الخاص. وسيتم استخدام هذا التمويل لدعم مسار النمو السريع لشركة AIREV في إطار سعيها للتوسّع في نظام "عند الطلب"، وهو واحد من أوائل أنظمة تشغيل الذكاء الاصطناعي في العالم. ومن شأن هذه الصفقة مع "فينتشرويف كابيتال"، التي تعمل في فئات أصول متنوعة في أوروبا والولايات المتحدة ورابطة دول جنوب شرق آسيا والشرق الأوسط، أن تسمح لنظام "عند الطلب" بالوصول إلى فرص جديدة، وتحديدًا التوسع في أسواق جديدة في الإمارات العربية المتحدة وأيرلندا.

ومع استقطابها لأكثر من 4 ملايين مستخدم عالمي للذكاء الاصطناعي، وبدعم من شركة "كور 42" التابعة لـ G42، تواصل AIREV تطوير نظام تشغيل الذكاء الاصطناعي "عند الطلب". ويهدف هذا النظام إلى دعم التحول الاقتصادي في مرحلة ما بعد الذكاء الاصطناعي العام/الذكاء الاصطناعي الفائق، ويتيح للمستخدمين بناء تطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي الخاصة بهم من خلال الجمع بين نماذج اللغات الكبيرة الرائدة عالميًا ومئات الوكلاء وأدوات الذكاء الاصطناعي. كما تُتيح المنصة نشر تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي المتقدمة، مما يُبسط تجربة المستخدم ويمكّن الابتكار السريع في منتجات الذكاء الاصطناعي التوليدي.

وقد أبرمت AIREV بالفعل اتفاقيات نشر تجارية مع شركة Panchea، مورّد أنظمة ومكونات الحاسوب، وشركة AIdeology، مورّد أنظمة وحلول الذكاء الاصطناعي والتكنولوجيا (شريك النخبة لشركة Nvidia)، وتُجري حاليًا مناقشات تجارية وبحثية وتطويرية مع شركات أشباه الموصلات المدرجة ضمن قائمة Fortune 500. وقام أكثر من 60 ألف مستخدم باعتماد المنصة الجديدة، التي تتيح الوصول إلى إمكانيات الاستدلال عبر نماذج رائدة، مثل نماذج من OpenAI وGemini التابع لـ "غوغل" وLlama التابع لـ "ميتا"، ونموذج اللغة العربية Jais الذي طورته شركة Inception التابعة لـ G42. كما يتوفر أكثر من 300 وكيل متخصص في سوقها، ويتكامل الموقع بسلاسة مع أبرز أنظمة تخطيط موارد المؤسسات وإدارة علاقات العملاء مثل Salesforce وSAP وMicrosoft Dynamics. وتعمل منصة "عند الطلب" على جميع أنظمة الأجهزة، مما يسمح لمزودي الأجهزة بتحقيق الدخل من استخدام بنيتهم ​​التحتية عبر ربط النشاط الحسابي للمستخدمين بالإيرادات المُحققة.

وشهد توقيع اتفاقية التمويل معالي الدكتور ثاني الزيودي، وزير دولة للتجارة الخارجية، ومعالي نيام سميث، وزيرة الترويج التجاري والذكاء الاصطناعي والتحول الرقمي في أيرلندا.

وقالت معالي نيام سميث: "إن استثمار “فينتشرويف كابيتال” في AIREV يؤكد على دور أيرلندا كحلقة وصل في مجال الابتكار التكنولوجي العالمي. كما أن عمل AIREV في مجال الذكاء الاصطناعي – ابتداء من التعليم إلى الرعاية الصحية – يجسّد قدرة التكنولوجيا على تجاوز الأسواق".

ومن جهته، قال محمد خالد، المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة AIREV: "تتيح منصة ’عند الطلب‘ للشركات ابتكار الذكاء الاصطناعي المناسب لها بسرعة وسهولة وبتكلفة معقولة. إذ يمكن تشبيهها بمتجر تطبيقات للذكاء الاصطناعي، ولكن بمستويات غير مسبوقة من التحسين والتخصيص. وقد أدركت فينتشرويف كابيتال أن هذه المنصة قادرة على إحداث تحول جذري في الشركات، وأن فريقنا - الشابّ والديناميكي والمرن - يمتلك الخبرة اللازمة لتطوير منتج رائد قادر على إحداث نقلة نوعية في منظومة الذكاء الاصطناعي العالمية. فمنذ إطلاقنا لمنصة "عند الطلب"، شهدنا نمواً مبكراً مذهلًا وبنينا مجتمعاً عالمياً رائعاً من المستخدمين. ونتطلع إلى العمل مع فينتشرويف كابيتال وجميع شركائنا لتوسيع سوق حلول الذكاء الاصطناعي الفعالة والمصممة خصيصًا للمطورين والشركات".

وقال آلان فوي، رئيس مجلس الإدارة التنفيذي ومؤسس فينتشرويف: "يسرّ فينتشرويف كابيتال إتمام هذا الاستثمار الاستراتيجي في AIREV، الشركة الإماراتية المتخصصة بمجال الذكاء الاصطناعي والتي تبرز سريعاً كشركة رائدة عالميًا في حلول الذكاء الاصطناعي التحويلية. وتلتزم AIREV بالتوسع العالمي انطلاقاً من دولة الإمارات بالشراكة مع أيرلندا. كما يعمل فريقها المتميز على تطوير تقنيات لا تقتصر على توسيع الإمكانات البشرية فحسب، بل تعالج أيضًا تحديات العالم الحقيقي في قطاعات مثل التعليم والرعاية الصحية والطاقة".

 

يذكر أن AIREV تأسست عام 2023 على يد محمد خالد (الرئيس التنفيذي) والدكتور يوسف يوسف (مدير العمليات) وكيان أونوالا (مدير الاستراتيجية). وإلى جانب منصة "عند الطلب"، تدير الشركة أعمالًا أخرى قائمة على الذكاء الاصطناعي من الجيل التالي، ومنها منصة School Hack التعليمية واسعة الانتشار.