Saudi Alawwal Bank Announces Name, Visual Identity Change

Two years after the merger between SABB and Alawwal Bank

Saudi British Bank (SABB) has rebranded as SAB – الأول. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi British Bank (SABB) has rebranded as SAB – الأول. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Alawwal Bank Announces Name, Visual Identity Change

Saudi British Bank (SABB) has rebranded as SAB – الأول. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi British Bank (SABB) has rebranded as SAB – الأول. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Deriving its name from the date of its establishment of the first bank in the country, the Saudi British Bank (SABB) announced on Tuesday the change of its commercial name, and the re-launch of its new identity under the name SAB – الأول.

This comes two years after successful merger and integration process between SABB and Alawwal Bank, which lasted for 18 months, during which the two merged entities continued to operate under the name of the Saudi British Bank (SABB).

SAB – الأول said it will operate as Saudi Alawwal Bank after obtaining the necessary regulatory and shareholders approvals.

Lubna Olayan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, emphasized the continuation of achieving growth and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the key sectors of the Saudi economy.

She added that the bank would benefit from “the almost 100-year history of Alawwal Bank and its predecessors… and the dedicated support that SABB has had from HSBC Group over 45 years”, to continue to take advantage of this prestige and extended banking experience.

Tony Cripps, the bank’s managing director and CEO, said in a statement a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat: “Our new name reflects our commitment to creating one of the most modern and forward-thinking banks globally, a bank that supports future thinking and confidence in Saudi Vision 2030.”

SAB – الأول said incorporating “Alawwal”, which means first in Arabic, into the bank’s new identity reflects a long history since 1926, starting with financing the first car import deal in the 1930s, the first credit card issuance in the 1980s, and the first Saudi stock fund for banks in 2001, as well as the first “green” deposit in 2022, along with a commitment to planting one million trees, in line with the bank’s aspirations in the field of environmental, social and corporate governance practices.

SAB – الأول’s paid-up capital is SAR 20.5 billion, after the legal merger with Alawwal Bank in March 2021.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
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Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.