Governors of Arab Banks Discuss Cross-Border Payments

Governors of Arab banks meet at a roundtable meeting on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Governors of Arab banks meet at a roundtable meeting on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Governors of Arab Banks Discuss Cross-Border Payments

Governors of Arab banks meet at a roundtable meeting on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Governors of Arab banks meet at a roundtable meeting on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Merits of using digital currencies in cross-border payments, specifically inter-Arab payments, were discussed on Monday by governors of Arab banks at a roundtable meeting on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia.

Many central banks in the Arab world have the infrastructure that enables them to launch digital currencies, especially the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

GCC member states have proved they possess the tools and expertise needed in implementing digital currency programs. This was indicated by a survey conducted by the Arab Monetary Fund.

The survey found that 76% of 17 Arab central banks are studying the possibilities of issuing CBDCs.

In a speech at Monday's event, Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) Governor Fahad Al-Mubarak highlighted the need of the financial sector tapping into all information technology, including artificial intelligence and digitization.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution brought about emerging technologies and innovative work models that could help the financial sector reduce costs and offer better service, Al-Mubarak pointed out.

Urging the central banks to make better use of the new technologies to revitalize the Arab economies, he said these banks should take stock of the distinctive needs and characteristics of each country while issuing digital currencies.

He also suggested analyzing the possible impacts of issuing a digital model of sovereign currencies and conducting the necessary tests with a view to better understanding of future policies and legislations.

Abdulrahman Al Hamid, who currently serves as Director General Chairman of the Board in the Arab Monetary Fund, noted that there is an accelerating pace of digitization of financial services.

Digitization, according to Al Hamid, is largely driven by innovation in financial infrastructures, the use of distributed records technology, and the provision of various aspects of digital currencies to central banks.



Saudi Arabia Expands Homeownership Eligibility in Government Housing Projects

A project by the Saudi Ministry of Rural Affairs and Housing. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A project by the Saudi Ministry of Rural Affairs and Housing. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Expands Homeownership Eligibility in Government Housing Projects

A project by the Saudi Ministry of Rural Affairs and Housing. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A project by the Saudi Ministry of Rural Affairs and Housing. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved a new decision allowing the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing to sell residential units within its housing projects to individuals who are not beneficiaries of government housing support. Real estate experts view the move as a strategic shift that boosts the flexibility of public asset management and maximizes the use of available housing stock.

The decision is expected to boost supply, improve market balance, and promote sustainability in the housing sector.

According to Abdulrahman Al-Tawil, Deputy Minister for Residential Supply Stimulus and Real Estate Development, the decision aims to broaden access to homeownership by including new population segments. Families and individuals who do not qualify for housing support will now be able to purchase units or relocate between homes in new suburban developments overseen by the ministry.

Single individuals and those who previously received loans from the Real Estate Development Fund will be eligible to buy homes in projects launched within the past two years. However, non-beneficiaries will purchase units at market rates, while support recipients will continue to receive financial assistance.

Al-Tawil emphasized that each project will initially offer a four-month window of exclusive sales to support beneficiaries before opening to the wider public.

The move is also designed to align housing supply with urban demand. Al-Tawil cited over 100,000 housing units currently available in Riyadh, offering a range of ownership options that address diverse needs.

Real estate appraiser Eng. Ahmed Al-Faqih believes the decision will have a significant impact on the market by strengthening housing supply and supporting price stability.

The entry of the National Housing Company into the private market adds a new, competitive dynamic that developers must consider when pricing their products, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

This competition, he said, will not only influence pricing but also encourage developers to prioritize quality—an essential goal of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Real estate expert Saqr Al-Zahrani also praised the decision. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said it addresses the issue of unsold inventory and offers homeownership opportunities to underserved citizens. He highlighted its potential to generate non-oil revenue and support long-term project sustainability without compromising the priority status of current beneficiaries.

Expanding ownership eligibility could help close gaps in the real estate market, especially in cities where ownership remains low, he added, while expecting the decision to encourage innovation in housing development and financing, further stimulating competition between public and private sectors.

On the issue of housing inflation, Al-Zahrani noted that increasing actual supply will reduce speculative activity and promote more disciplined pricing. This is especially critical for middle-income buyers who face volatility in the current market.

Effective implementation of the policy, supported by clear regulations and transparency, will be vital to achieving its intended outcomes, he remarked.