UAE: New Smart System to Combat Illegal Financing

The development of the Fawri Tick system aligns with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF. WAM
The development of the Fawri Tick system aligns with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF. WAM
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UAE: New Smart System to Combat Illegal Financing

The development of the Fawri Tick system aligns with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF. WAM
The development of the Fawri Tick system aligns with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF. WAM

UAE’s National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations announced in its sixth meeting, the launch of ‘Fawri Tick’, a smart system developed by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR.

"Fawri Tick is under the supervision and management of the sub-technical committee comprising of members of the National Committee and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation," Emirates News Agency, WAM, quoted the UAE Central Bank as saying in a statement on Tuesday.

The development of the Fawri Tick system aligns with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, and the relevant Security Council requirements to undertake necessary actions towards illegal financing.

Fawri Tick, is a unified system that integrates and aggregates various Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing, AML/CFT, cases across federal and local authorities, facilitates communication among all relevant authorities allowing necessary actions and decisions for the relevant case to be implemented in a very short timeframe.

Abdulhamid M. Saeed Alahamadi, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations Committee, said: "The launch of Fawri Tick system reflects our efforts and commitment towards achieving the National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism.”

“The smart platform allows the UAE to apply strict control measures to respond effectively to financial crimes and more importantly eliminate them in a timely manner. The UAE remains committed to applying best in class technology to address the menace of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing crimes."

Commenting on the launch, Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR, said: "Today’s announcement marks a major milestone for the UAE in its ongoing efforts to combating money laundering and eradicating terrorism sources.”

“FANR, being a member in the sub-committee to combat financing of terrorism, financing of illegal organizations and proliferation financing, is delighted to work with federal and national stakeholders to develop such a smart platform. FANR employed both its mandate as a nuclear regulator and its innovative technologies, in cooperation with subcommittee members, to develop the platform to provide timely information and measures. Collaboration is of paramount importance for FANR to achieve UAE goals. Fawri Tick platform is the fruit of the cooperation that will serve such a critical sector."



Saudia Soars to 17th in Global Airline Rankings Amid Bold Transformation

A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)
A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)
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Saudia Soars to 17th in Global Airline Rankings Amid Bold Transformation

A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)
A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)

In a remarkable leap forward, Saudia has climbed to 17th place in the 2025 Skytrax ranking of the world’s best airlines, marking a significant improvement from its 82nd position in 2016.

The achievement comes as the global aviation sector grapples with mounting challenges, including supply chain disruptions, fluctuating demand, and the pressures of infrastructure development.

The milestone reflects the success of Saudia’s comprehensive transformation strategy aimed at strengthening its global standing and enhancing passenger experience. For the fourth consecutive year, the national carrier has also earned the title of the “World’s Most Improved Airline”, underscoring its sustained trajectory of growth and improvement.

Skytrax, a leading international airline and airport rating organization, bases its rankings on strict criteria, including both in-flight and ground service quality. Its annual awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Eng. Abdullah Al-Shahrani, General Manager of Communication and official spokesperson for Saudia Group, confirmed that the airline is undergoing a sweeping upgrade of its fleet interiors.

A multi-year program to refurbish cabins in both Business and Economy classes is set to begin later this year and conclude by 2027.

In line with its push toward digital innovation, the airline has launched a pilot version of an AI-powered virtual assistant. This new platform is designed to streamline travel by integrating services such as bookings, hotel accommodations, ground transport, and entertainment.

Digital Transformation

Saudia’s transformation is not limited to passenger comfort. Al-Shahrani detailed a complete overhaul of the airline’s digital infrastructure, including instant booking for delayed or canceled flights, a digital wallet, and a reimagined booking, payment, and refund system. Most notably, refund processing times have been reduced from 40 days to under one minute.

Operationally, the airline continues to set high standards. In March 2025, Saudia recorded a 94.07% on-time arrival rate and 94% on-time departure rate, placing it among the top 10 most punctual carriers worldwide.

Strategic Growth Amid Global Challenges

Despite global and regional headwinds, including the need for large-scale infrastructure upgrades to host future mega-events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudia is moving forward with bold expansion plans.

According to Al-Shahrani, the airline now operates flights to more than 145 international destinations, while positioning Jeddah as a major global air hub. This expansion is supported by the broader Saudia Group, which includes specialized subsidiaries in aircraft maintenance, training, and ground handling services.

As the Kingdom’s national carrier, Saudia plays a central role in advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The airline is actively contributing to the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to attract 330 million visitors annually, serve 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and connect Saudi Arabia to over 250 global destinations. Additionally, the plan targets 4.5 million tons in annual air cargo capacity by 2030.

Looking ahead, Saudia is embarking on one of the largest fleet expansions in its history. By 2032, the airline expects to receive more than 118 new aircraft, including 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Earlier this year, the carrier signed a landmark deal with Airbus to purchase 105 new A320neo aircraft, the largest such order in Saudi aviation history.

In April 2025, Saudia further bolstered its future capabilities with a new order for 20 wide-body Airbus A330neo aircraft, of which 10 will be operated by its low-cost subsidiary, Flyadeal.