Saudi Central Bank Launches Gov’t Banking Services Platform ‘Naqd’

Saudi Central Bank (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Central Bank (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Central Bank Launches Gov’t Banking Services Platform ‘Naqd’

Saudi Central Bank (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Central Bank (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) introduced “Naqd,” a government banking services platform that enables government agencies to conveniently access their accounts at the central bank and carry out financial transactions securely on a digital platform.
This initiative is part of the central bank's strategy of providing banking services to government agencies and supporting digital development. It aims to digitize the financial operations services of government agencies on their accounts at SAMA through a unified and secure digital platform.
It also facilitates access to account information at all times, enables the management of these accounts, and provides instant monitoring of transactions to and from government agencies’ accounts.
The platform aims to offer electronic banking services that support government financial transactions, improve the user experience, enhance efficiency and productivity in financial transactions using the latest technologies, and reduce the time required to complete government banking procedures.



Riyadh, Washington Bolster Strategic Space Partnership

US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
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Riyadh, Washington Bolster Strategic Space Partnership

US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)

The Saudi Space Agency said that Saudi Arabia and the United States signed on Tuesday a strategic cooperation agreement focused on the exploration and peaceful utilization of outer space.
The agreement aims to enhance US-Saudi cooperation in the field of space and scientific exploration, increase joint investment in various commercial activities.

“The space sector in the Kingdom receives significant interest, support, and empowerment from the wise leadership, recognizing it as the next trillion-dollar economy and a sector that stimulates innovation and inspires generations," the Agency said in a statement.

"Through its ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its position in the world of space and the industry of its technologies,” it stated.
The agreement outlines areas of joint work between the two parties, which include space and earth sciences, aeronautics, space missions, education, and many other areas of mutual interest.
Commenting on this step, the Chairman of the Saudi Space Agency, Abdullah Alswaha, stated that “the agreement represents a turning point in the Kingdom’s journey towards building a strong and prosperous space sector."
The CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, underscored the significance of this strategic partnership in identifying areas of mutual interest and fostering collaborative endeavors.