Saudi Central Bank Launches Instant Payments System

The Saudi Central Bank launched Thursday the instant payments system. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi Central Bank launched Thursday the instant payments system. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT
20

Saudi Central Bank Launches Instant Payments System

The Saudi Central Bank launched Thursday the instant payments system. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi Central Bank launched Thursday the instant payments system. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) launched on Thursday the instant payments system, effective from Feb. 21.

This follows the successful launch of the first phase of the trial to activate the system with a number of Saudi local banks.

The system will enable financial institutions, companies, and individuals to complete instant transfers among various banks within 24 hours, seven days a week.

The Central Bank stated that the system, developed by Saudi Payments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAMA, will reinforce economic development.

It will also contribute to increasing transparency in payments between companies and individuals, activating innovation in financial services, as well as upgrading services provided to beneficiaries.

The system further increases the effectiveness of financial transactions among all parties in the corporate and retail sectors and enables banking institutions and financial technology companies to improve financial products and manage cash flows in businesses.

The Central Bank's statement emphasized that the system works seamlessly between Saudi banks and financial technology companies, and it helps reduce operational costs and provide innovative solutions to the financial sector.

SAMA will supervise the new system which, it said, would achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 objective in making the Kingdom less dependent on cash.

Two years ago, SAMA, represented by Saudi Payments, inked a deal with Vocalink and IBM to develop the financial sector infrastructure. It expected an increase of digital payments by 15 percent, which will lead to saving SAR16 billion ($4.2 billion) from the cost of cash during the first five years of operation.



ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
TT
20

ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.