Saudi Arabia Works on Strengthening Legislation Frameworks to Combat Money Laundering

The 14th Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (CAML) seminar was held on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 14th Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (CAML) seminar was held on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Works on Strengthening Legislation Frameworks to Combat Money Laundering

The 14th Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (CAML) seminar was held on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 14th Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (CAML) seminar was held on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi authorities have been keen on strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks to combat money laundering crimes, confirmed Deputy Governor for Supervision at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) Yazeed AlSheikh.

Speaking at the 14th Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (CAML) seminar in Riyadh, AlSheikh reaffirmed that the Kingdom attaches great importance to combating financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing.

The deputy governor stressed that money laundering crimes and their accelerating developments constitute one of the major challenges facing the international community and governments worldwide.

It also negatively impacts the stability of financial and economic systems, explained AlSheikh, highlighting how this also threatens international peace and security.

AlSheikh stated that holding the CAML seminar reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations.

The seminar presents an appropriate opportunity for practitioners working in concerned authorities, financial institutions, and specific non-financial businesses and professions to learn about the best international experiences and practice in the field, added AlSheikh.

The exchange of experiences will strengthen and build the technical and knowledge capabilities of practitioners in the Kingdom, he reaffirmed.

Moreover, AlSheikh highlighted several important issues related to legislation and challenges related to combating proliferation financing and Internet fraud crimes.

CAML is organized by SAMA, Anti-Money Laundering Permanent Committee (AMLPC) and Refinitiv (An LSEG Business) and is held under the patronage of Ayman Alsayari, Governor of SAMA.

The annual event welcomes several regional and international speakers from Financial Institutions, Regulators, Technology firms and Advisory Groups. It is recognized as a valuable platform for an exchange of ideas and information between the Kingdom’s business leaders, financial institutions and local professionals.

CAML, in five sessions, tackled the topics including the latest global regulatory developments, the latest challenges in proliferation financing, cyber-enabled fraud crime, financial inclusion, and outsourcing AML activities.



Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday 

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
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Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday 

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)

The third edition of the “Mirkaz ABalad AlAmeen”, a leading platform for exchanging opportunities in Makkah, will kick off on Sunday, under the theme “Makkah Inspires the World.”

The platform, organized by the Holy Makkah Municipality, will feature 15 exceptional Ramadan evenings focused on dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector engagement.

Makkah Mayor Musad Aldaood said the platform redefines development from Makkah, where faith meets inspiration and values are transformed into a comprehensive civilizational experience.

He noted that the initiative reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and showcases Makkah to the world as a living model of creativity, leadership, and innovation.

The upcoming edition will host more than 65 speakers, including executive leaders and decision-makers from across all three sectors, alongside futurists, entrepreneurs, and leading voices in culture and inspiration from artists, writers, media professionals, and innovators.

The program targets 12 key sectors: technology and digital transformation, financial investment, communications and media, real estate development, transport and logistics, banking services, youth and sports, tourism and culture, hospitality and catering, Hajj and Umrah, the third sector, and healthcare.


Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line 

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
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Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line 

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) granted on Thursday a unified license to international shipping line Global Shipping Line (PIL), officially recognizing it as an authorized foreign investor to operate maritime agencies in the Kingdom's ports, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The license is issued in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Maritime Agency Services, reflecting Mawani's commitment to boosting the efficiency of the maritime sector and improving the quality of operational services provided at ports.

It aims to attract global expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer within the Kingdom, aligning with international best practices in the maritime transport industry.

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector.

PIL, which operates from its regional headquarters in Riyadh, manages operations in 29 countries.

The move strengthens the Kingdom's position as a crucial logistics hub, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, while attracting more international shipping lines. It reinforces Saudi Arabia's role as a key link among three continents.


IMF: Restoring Lebanon's Economic Growth Will Require Comprehensive Reforms

FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo
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IMF: Restoring Lebanon's Economic Growth Will Require Comprehensive Reforms

FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo

Lebanon's economy has shown resilience despite conflicts in the region, with tourism fueling a bit of a rebound, but restoring growth will require comprehensive reforms, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.

IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack said the global lender remains engaged in complex discussions with Lebanese ‌authorities following their ‌request for an IMF-supported ‌program ⁠in March 2025. The ⁠IMF sent a staff mission to Beirut earlier this month, said Reuters.

The talks have been focused on two big issues, she said, citing the need for banking sector restructuring and a medium-term fiscal ⁠strategy. "The economy has shown resilience ‌despite the impact ‌of conflicts in the region. It has had ‌a bit of a rebound ‌on the back of tourism from the strong diaspora," Kozack said.

"But at the same time, really restoring strong and sustainable growth will ‌require a comprehensive set of reforms to tackle some of the ⁠structural ⁠weaknesses that have really hampered Lebanon's economic performance for many years," she said. Reforms also are needed to attract international support to help Lebanon address its substantial reconstruction needs.

Kozack said Lebanon needs an updated medium-term fiscal framework that includes concrete measures to mobilize additional revenues for much-needed capital spending, as well as a sovereign debt restructuring to restore debt sustainability.