Bieber: GoDaddy supports entrepreneurs’ digital dreams

Aug 14, 2024

Kholoud Hussein 

 

With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and fostering digital growth, Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy, leads GoDaddy's initiatives to support small businesses in their journey toward online success. 

 

In an exclusive interview with Sharikat Mubasher, Bieber will delve into how GoDaddy transforms digital dreams into reality for entrepreneurs around the globe, particularly in Saudi Arabia. As a frontrunner in the digital solutions market, GoDaddy offers a comprehensive toolkit that enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to establish and grow their online presence. 

 

We will explore the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the region, how GoDaddy is addressing them through innovative solutions and partnerships, and the company's commitment to leveraging emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing to enhance the entrepreneurial experience. 

 

Can you tell us about GoDaddy's main business and how it helps entrepreneurs?

At GoDaddy, we're in the business of turning digital dreams into reality. Our focus is providing a complete toolkit for businesses to thrive online. This includes everything from securing the perfect domain name – think of it as your digital address – to building beautiful, functional websites that truly represent your brand.

 

But we don't stop there. We also offer hosting and security solutions to help keep your website running smoothly, professional email services to give your business that extra touch of credibility, and a range of digital marketing tools to help you reach your audience effectively.

 

For our Saudi entrepreneurs, whether you're a small bakery in Al-Khobar looking to take orders online, a boutique in Riyadh aiming to showcase your latest fashion, or a tech startup in Jeddah ready to make waves, we've got solutions tailored for you. Our goal is to simplify the online journey, making it accessible and manageable for small businesses without the need for advanced technical abilities. With small and medium businesses (SMEs) accounting for 99.41% of the private sector in Saudi Arabia and contributing significantly to the economy, we understand the crucial role they play and are dedicated to supporting their growth.

 

What makes GoDaddy stand out from other companies in your field?

What we believe truly sets GoDaddy apart is our commitment to our customers' success. We don't just sell products; we build relationships and partnerships with our customers. This commitment manifests in several ways that make us unique in the industry.

 

We pride ourselves on our localized approach. For instance, our Arabic Website Builder is a testament to our commitment to the Middle Eastern market. It's designed with the nuances of the Arabic language and culture in mind, ensuring that local businesses can create websites that truly resonate with their audience.

 

We also go beyond just providing online tools – we're committed to education and empowerment. Our extensive library of resources, tutorials, and webinars is designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage of their online journey. Whether you're just starting out and need to understand the basics of online presence, or you're looking to scale your e-commerce operations, GoDaddy has the knowledge and resources to guide you, along the way. Our recent surveys show that 87% of Saudi small business owners believe digitization is crucial, and we are here to help facilitate that transformation.

 

How is GoDaddy supporting growth in Saudi Arabia?

The Kingdom's Vision 2030 has set an inspiring roadmap for digital transformation. One of our key initiatives in the region is our partnership with Monsha'at Academy. Through this collaboration, we're offering specialized digital skills training tailored to the needs of Saudi entrepreneurs. These courses cover everything from the basics of establishing an online presence to advanced e-commerce strategies.

 

Our Arabic Website Builder, as mentioned above, is another significant way we're supporting growth in Saudi Arabia. We understand that language plays a crucial role in effective online communication. That's why we've launched this tool specifically for the Arabic-speaking market. It allows businesses to create professional, culturally relevant websites easily, helping them connect more effectively with their local audience.

 

Our 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Survey revealed that 93% of Saudi entrepreneurs feel confident in using AI technology for their business, and 87% acknowledge the importance of digitization. These findings inform our strategy as we continue to enhance our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of Saudi businesses.

 

How does GoDaddy keep up with the fast-changing digital world?

Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape is a challenge we embrace with enthusiasm at GoDaddy. Our approach to innovation is multi-faceted and deeply rooted in understanding both technological advancements and our customers' evolving needs.

 

A great example of how we're embracing new technologies is our integration of AI into our products. We've recently introduced AI-powered tools like our Generative AI Prompt Library, which helps small businesses create engaging content for their websites and social media platforms. This tool is helpful for entrepreneurs who might not have the time or resources for extensive content creation. According to our survey, 97% of small businesses in Saudi Arabia believe AI can positively impact their bottom line, and we're providing the tools to make that belief a reality.

 

We're also evolving our website-building tools to incorporate the latest design trends and functionalities. For instance, we're adding new templates and features that allow businesses to create mobile-responsive, visually appealing websites that meet current user expectations. Using tools like GoDaddy Studio, powered by AI, easily creates content that elevates and helps small businesses sell their brand on social media and across their online presence.

 

Can you share any recent partnerships or investments GoDaddy has made in Saudi Arabia?

Our initiatives in Saudi Arabia reflect our commitment to the Kingdom's entrepreneurial ecosystem and our belief in the immense potential of Saudi small business owners.

 

Our partnership with Monsha'at Academy stands out as a significant milestone. This collaboration is all about empowering Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital skills to help them succeed in today's economy. Through this partnership, we're offering specialized courses that cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of website creation to advanced e-commerce strategies. These courses are tailored to the unique needs of the Saudi market, considering local business practices, consumer behaviors, and cultural nuances.

 

Our participation in local events and initiatives is another form of investment we're making in Saudi Arabia. For example, our involvement in Biban 23, one of the largest entrepreneurship events in the Kingdom, allowed us to connect directly with Saudi entrepreneurs, understand their needs, and showcase how our solutions can help support their growth.

 

What challenges does GoDaddy face in Saudi Arabia, and how are you addressing them?

Like any market, Saudi Arabia presents its own unique set of challenges, but we see these as opportunities to innovate and better serve our customers. One of the primary challenges we face is raising awareness about the importance of a strong online presence, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many business owners in Saudi Arabia are experts in their fields but may not fully grasp the potential impact digital tools can have on their growth. That is why we launched our extensive educational initiatives in partnership with Monsha'at Academy. In addition to the courses that explain the benefits of going digital in practical, relatable terms, we also produce localized content – blog posts, webinars, and social media campaigns – that showcase success stories of Saudi businesses that have thrived online to help inspire others.

 

Another challenge is the varying levels of digital literacy among entrepreneurs. To tackle this, we've focused on making our products as user-friendly as possible. Our Arabic Website Builder, for instance, was designed with an intuitive interface that allows even those with limited technical skills to create professional-looking websites. We also offer extensive customer support in Arabic language, ensuring that help is available when needed.

 

These challenges are not roadblocks, but we see these as stepping stones in our journey to empower Saudi entrepreneurs. By addressing them head-on, we're not only improving our services but also contributing to the overall growth of the digital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

 

How is GoDaddy using new technologies like AI and cloud computing?

At GoDaddy, we're always excited about leveraging new technologies to help enhance our offerings and make life easier for our customers. AI and cloud computing are two areas where we're making significant strides.

 

We've recently introduced several AI-powered tools that are transforming how small businesses manage their online presence. One of our most exciting innovations is the Generative AI Prompt Library. This tool helps entrepreneurs create engaging content for their websites and social media platforms quickly and easily. It's particularly useful for business owners who may not have the time or resources for extensive content creation. By simply inputting a few key details about their business, they can generate professional, relevant content that resonates with their audience.

GoDaddy is also using AI to enhance our customer service. Our AI-powered chatbots can handle basic queries and guide customers to the right resources, allowing our human support team to focus on more complex issues. This results in faster response times and more efficient problem-solving for our customers.

 

Moving on to cloud computing, this technology is at the core of our hosting services. We leverage cloud infrastructure to provide scalable, reliable hosting solutions that can grow with our customers' businesses. This means that whether you're a small startup or a rapidly expanding enterprise, our cloud-based hosting can accommodate your needs without interruption.

In the realm of e-commerce, our cloud-based solutions enable businesses to handle large volumes of transactions securely and efficiently, even during peak shopping periods. This scalability is crucial for businesses participating in major shopping events or experiencing rapid growth.

 

Security is another area where we're leveraging both AI and cloud computing. We use AI algorithms to help detect and deter security threats in real-time, while our cloud infrastructure allows us to implement robust security measures across our entire network.

 

What recent projects has GoDaddy launched in Saudi Arabia?

Entrepreneurs can utilize our Arabic Website Builder which includes more locally relevant templates, featuring designs that resonate with Saudi consumers and support local aesthetic preferences. We've also improved the Arabic content creation features, making it even easier for businesses to create engaging, SEO-friendly content in Arabic.

 

In response to the growing e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia, we've launched a series of e-commerce workshops. These hands-on sessions guide entrepreneurs through the process of setting up an online store, managing inventory, processing payments, and marketing their products effectively. We've seen great enthusiasm for these workshops, especially from traditional retailers looking to expand into the digital space.

 

GoDaddy has also participated in key entrepreneurship events across the Kingdom, including Biban 23 which has allowed us to engage directly with the Saudi business community, understand their needs firsthand, and showcase how our tools and solutions can support their growth. 

 

How does GoDaddy approach social responsibility in Saudi Arabia?

At GoDaddy, our approach to social responsibility in Saudi Arabia focuses on empowering local communities through education and entrepreneurship. This commitment is closely aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, particularly in fostering digital transformation and supporting SMEs.

 

One of our key initiatives is our partnership with Monsha'at Academy, where we offer free digital skills training to aspiring entrepreneurs across the Kingdom. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from basic digital literacy to advanced online business strategies, helping individuals start and grow their businesses.

 

What's GoDaddy's long-term vision for Saudi Arabia and the Middle East?

GoDaddy supports local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. We aim to be more than just a service provider – we want to be a trusted partner in every entrepreneur's journey, from the moment they conceive their business idea to when they're ready to scale globally.

 

GoDaddy continues to offer easy to use and affordable online tools and solutions, along with expert customer care and guidance, to help Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region, along their journey of business growth.  

 

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Latest Experts Thoughts

HealthTech innovations: How AI and digital tools revolutionize healthcare in Saudi Arabia

Noha Gad

 

Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), significantly transform the healthcare sector globally by improving diagnostics, treatment precision, patient monitoring, and healthcare delivery. Saudi Arabia is one of the leading countries that harnesses these technologies to modernize its healthcare system and increase accessibility. 

The Kingdom invests heavily in digital healthcare to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, potentially unlocking as much as $27 billion by 2030. This includes advancements in telemedicine, electronic health records, and other digital health technologies.

The Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of privatization and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving healthcare transformation. By fostering collaboration, these approaches contribute to achieving the digital health goals outlined in Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision for the future.

The Saudi healthcare sector is witnessing unprecedented privatization, with over 290 hospitals and 2,300 health institutions transitioning into private operations. By 2030, private sector involvement is expected to grow from 25% to 35%, unlocking fresh capital inflows and efficiency improvements, according to recent insights into the Saudi healthcare market by Eurogroup Consulting.

Digital transformation continues to accelerate in Saudi Arabia, with $1.5 billion invested in telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and electronic health records (EHR). These innovations are reshaping healthcare accessibility, allowing remote consultations to flourish and minimizing hospital congestion. AI-powered automation also optimizes treatment plans, improving patient outcomes and reducing administrative burdens. 

Additionally, the mental health market in the Kingdom is undergoing a remarkable transformation, triggered by a mix of government reforms, social awareness, and growing private investment. According to Eurogroup Consulting, the mental health market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.23% from 2025 to 2033. This growth reflects a broader shift in the Kingdom’s healthcare priorities, where mental wellness is increasingly seen as fundamental to social stability and productivity.

 

Telemedicine innovations in Saudi Arabia

Telemedicine emerged as a vital component in transforming healthcare delivery across Saudi Arabia, enabling patients to access medical care remotely through digital platforms. This technology breaks down geographical barriers, bringing expert consultations and continuous care to rural and underserved regions, which traditionally struggled with limited healthcare infrastructure.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption by mandating remote care solutions to reduce infection risks while maintaining healthcare access. This surge highlighted telemedicine’s potential to alleviate hospital overcrowding, enhance patient convenience, and reduce healthcare costs.

A recent report released by Ken Research showed that the Saudi telemedicine market is valued at $1.2 billion, driven by the increasing adoption of digital health solutions, rising healthcare costs, and the need for accessible medical services, especially in remote areas. It highlighted that Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the telemedicine market due to their advanced healthcare infrastructure, high population density, and significant investment in health technology. 

Another report by Grand View Horizon anticipated the telemedicine market in the Kingdom to reach a projected revenue of $ 2.3 million by 2030, showing a CAGR of 18.4% between 2025 to 2030.

AI-driven telemedicine platforms in Saudi Arabia integrate AI into telehealth to enable proactive health management, optimize clinical workflows, and support early disease detection. Seha Virtual Hospital, launched by the Ministry of Health (MoH) as part of the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), is a notable example. Being the first virtual hospital in the Middle East, Seha offers a full spectrum of telehealth services, including emergency and critical consultations, specialized clinics, multidisciplinary committees, supportive medical services, and home care services, empowering the best health consultants and practitioners in micro and rare specialties using the latest medical technologies.

Another example is Sanar, an MoH-licensed medical platform that offers comprehensive medical services including telemedicine consultations and home medical services. Other key players in the Saudi telemedicine sector include Cura, Vezeeta, MedIQ, Altibbi, Labayh, and more.

Overall, telemedicine innovations in Saudi Arabia focus on combining AI capabilities with digital platforms to offer accessible, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare, ultimately cementing the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in AI-powered telemedicine and digital health solutions.

 

AI-driven diagnostics

In recent years, AI has redefined various sectors, notably healthcare. One of the most promising applications of AI is in diagnostics, where it enhances the accuracy and speed of identifying health conditions. In Saudi Arabia, AI diagnostics contribute to advancing the medical field, becoming a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy and improving public well-being through high-tech healthcare solutions.

With Saudi Arabia pledging massive investments in AI to improve its healthcare services, the AI diagnostics market in the Kingdom is projected to reach $204.9 million by 2030, marking a CAGR of 36.5%.

A recent study by Research and Markets indicated a favorable view of AI in healthcare among respondents in Saudi Arabia, with many disagreeing that AI diminishes the value of the medical profession. Half of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that AI contributes to reducing errors in medical practice.   

AI diagnostics analyze medical data more consistently and accurately to address human errors in diagnosis, which may lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or even unnecessary procedures. 

AI systems can operate tirelessly and remain unaffected by fatigue or cognitive biases, which can affect even the most skilled healthcare professionals.

AI and robotics are expected to contribute over $135 billion to the national economy by 2030. AI diagnostics are vital to this transformation, aligning with the Kingdom’s strategic goals to diversify away from oil dependence and develop knowledge-based industries. 

Although AI diagnostics offers many advantages, they come with several challenges. One of the major challenges is that implementing these technologies requires substantial investments in infrastructure, including high-performance computing systems and secure data networks.

Specialized training is also required to help health care professionals work effectively alongside AI systems, while patients and providers alike must adapt to this new approach to medical care. 

Key players in the AI diagnostics sector in Saudi Arabia include SDM, a health tech startup specializing in AI-driven diagnostics for various and chronic diseases, and Nuxera AI, a Saudi-headquartered AI company that empowers doctors and healthcare providers by streamlining workflows, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing patient care.  Another example is the Amplify AI company, which integrates AI into thermal imaging to enable fast, accessible, and objective diabetic foot screening. 

 

Mental health solutions and digital well-being tools

The Saudi mental health market is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by a mix of government reforms, social awareness, and growing private investment. With mental health services being considered as a vital part of national well-being, the market is anticipated to hit $8.9 billion by 2033, showing a CAGR of 5.23% from 2025 to 2033. This growth reflects the shift in the Saudi healthcare priorities, where mental wellness is increasingly seen as fundamental to social stability and productivity.

The Saudi government made significant reforms to drive this transformation and modernize the healthcare sector by integrating mental health into primary care systems, ensuring accessibility and reducing stigma. This approach promoted new regulations, awareness campaigns, and funding programs aimed at promoting mental well-being as part of the country’s holistic health agenda.

The MoH launched the ‘Innovate for your health’ initiative, in partnership with the Digital Government Authority, to raise community awareness about the importance of mental health and to improve the quality of life among youth and society as a whole.

Additionally, digital well-being tools, such as applications and interactive platforms, were designed to monitor and improve mental health by reducing digital addiction and associated risks such as anxiety and loneliness.

O7 Therapy is another notable example of mental health platforms in Saudi Arabia. it offers a network of over 180 qualified Arabic-speaking therapists, benefitting people across 110 countries. Since its inception, the platform has provided more than 60,000 therapy hours. It helps users to find the right therapist whose approach aligns with the user’s needs and preferences.

 

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is witnessing a significant transformation, backed by emerging technologies and strategic reforms under Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s heavy investments in AI, telemedicine, and digital health platforms are revolutionizing healthcare delivery by enhancing diagnostics, improving treatment precision, enabling remote access, and optimizing patient outcomes. Privatization and PPPs are pivotal in this transformation, attracting fresh capital and fostering innovation that aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a regional leader in advanced healthcare. 

Breaking into the Big Leagues: How Startups Can Sell to Corporates

Ghada Ismail

 

For many startups, landing a corporate client feels like a milestone. That moment when you go from scrappy beginnings to playing in the big leagues. It’s a sign that your idea works, your team delivers, and your brand is ready to stand alongside the giants.

But selling to corporates isn’t easy. It’s not just about having the best product or a breakthrough solution. It’s about trust, timing, and understanding how big organizations make decisions; slowly, carefully, and through layers of approval.

So, how do you step into this whole new level?

 

1. Understand the Corporate Mindset

Startups move fast, break things, and learn on the go while corporates don’t. They move through committees, compliance checks, and procurement gates. It’s not resistance to innovation; it’s rather risk management.

If you understand that, you’ll pitch differently. Corporates aren’t just buying creativity; they’re buying reliability. They want to know that working with you won’t introduce risk but instead remove it.

Show them how your solution makes their life easier: maybe it improves efficiency, reduces cost, or helps meet a strategic goal. Speak to what they value most.

 

2. Build Credibility Before You Pitch

Corporates rarely gamble on unproven startups. Before you knock on their door, make sure your reputation walks in first.

Collect small wins like pilot projects, testimonials, measurable results. Publish case studies that show your solution actually works in the real world. Even a few solid success stories can shift you from “risky startup” to “reliable partner.”

 

3. Start Small..Think Pilot Projects

When it comes to big clients, it’s often smarter to start small. A well-scoped pilot project is your best entry point.

It lets the corporate test your solution without major commitment and gives you a chance to prove value quickly. More importantly, it helps you find internal champions; people inside the company who’ve seen your results firsthand and can advocate for expanding your partnership.

 

4. Speak Their Language

Tech founders love talking about innovation, features, and performance. Corporates care about outcomes; efficiency, compliance, and return on investment.

Reframe your pitch around results. Instead of saying, “We use AI to automate processes,” say, “We cut processing time by 40%.”

Numbers and business impact speak louder than buzzwords. Keep it simple, clear, and outcome-driven.

 

5. Leverage the Right Platforms

You don’t have to break into corporates alone. Many are actively looking for startups to collaborate with — through innovation programs, accelerators, and ecosystem partnerships.

Government initiatives and national programs are designed to connect startups with large organizations. They give you access to mentorship, exposure, and opportunities to co-develop solutions that align with corporate needs.

These platforms not only open doors but also lend credibility proving that your startup is part of an ecosystem corporates already trust.

 

6. Build Relationships, Not Just Deals

Corporate sales are rarely quick wins. They’re marathons, not sprints. Deals take months, sometimes longer. But the wait pays off when it’s built on genuine relationships.

Don’t disappear between meetings. Keep in touch. Share updates about your growth, your new features, your latest achievements. Stay visible without being pushy.

Over time, these touchpoints build familiarity, and familiarity builds trust. When the timing is right, you won’t be a stranger pitching a product; you’ll be a known, credible partner.

 

7. Play the Long Game

Selling to corporates takes patience. There will be delays, revisions, and more paperwork than you ever thought possible. But once you’re in, the rewards are worth it: steady revenue, stronger credibility, and access to larger markets.

Every corporate deal you close becomes a signal to others that you can deliver at scale. It’s not just a contract; it’s a stepping stone to the next opportunity.

 

Wrapping Things Up…

Breaking into the corporate world isn’t about being the loudest startup in the room; it’s about being the most dependable, adaptable, and value-driven.

If you can combine startup agility with corporate reliability, you won’t just sell to big companies; you’ll grow with them. And that’s how small innovators become big players.

Invisible payments: seamless shopping, frictionless finance, and effortless experiences

Noha Gad

 

The global digital payments landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation in recent years, revolutionizing the way consumers and businesses transact. Recent reports by Statista anticipated the total transaction value in the digital payments market to hit $38.07 trillion by 2030, with a CAGR of 13.6% between 2025 and 2030. Mobile Point-of-Sale (PoS) payments, which represent the largest share in the digital payments market, are projected to achieve a total transaction value of $12.56 trillion in 2025.

The transformation in the digital payment market mirrors the growing preference for faster, frictionless payment methods, supported by innovations in AI for fraud detection and the integration of payment technologies into everyday life. 

Within this transformative digital payment environment, invisible payments emerged as the next significant leap, allowing purchases to be billed automatically based on user behavior or context. 

 

What are invisible payments?

Invisible payments refer to transactions that happen seamlessly in the background, without requiring consumers to physically interact with a payment terminal or even consciously initiate the payment. They are designed to eliminate the traditional manual steps involved in making payments, such as clicking, entering card details, or scanning QR codes, leveraging emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI, biometrics, and pre-registered payment accounts.

These payments offer consumers a frictionless experience, enabling them to enjoy services or purchase products without explicit payment actions at the point of sale (PoS).

 

How do invisible payments work?

Invisible payments are enabled through cutting-edge technology that links the user's payment method with specific triggers, such as location, biometric authentication, or device sensors. This swift process includes: 

  • Setup and registration. Consumers register their payment details once, often during account creation on the service platform or application.
  • Contextual triggers. Once set up, the system activates based on contextual cues such as entering a store, picking items, or starting a ride. Then, sensors, cameras, and IoT devices detect user actions or presence, while AI algorithms analyze this data in real time.
  • Authentication methods. Biometric authentication or device-based authentication is often used to confirm the user’s identity with high confidence.
  • Automatic billing. The system automatically processes the payment in the background, charging the user's pre-registered account without any further manual input.​
  • Confirmation and sending receipts. A digital receipt is sent post-transaction, providing transparency while maintaining the seamless experience

 

Benefits of invisible payments

Invisible payments offer several benefits for both consumers and businesses, ultimately enhancing the payment experience through seamless technology integration. For consumers, invisible payments offer:

-Convenience and speed. By eliminating manual entry of payment details and physical actions, invisible payments allow consumers to pay effortlessly, speeding up checkouts in retail, ride-sharing, and online shopping environments.

-Enhanced customer experience. This type of payment enables customers to enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience.

-Improved security. Invisible payments safeguard transactions and minimize errors and fraud risks by leveraging biometrics, encryption, tokenization, and automated fraud detection.

 

For businesses, invisible payments offer:

-Faster payments and improved cash flow. These payments enable businesses to receive funds quickly and manage cash flow more effectively.

-Enhanced operational efficiency. Automation reduces the manual workload around payment processing and invoicing, saving time and resources.​

-Robust relationships with suppliers. Faster and accurate payments strengthen trust and partnerships with suppliers.

 

By integrating with IoT devices, mobile applications, and wearables, invisible payments are expected to expand their reach, enabling innovations beyond subscriptions or retail checkout. This transformation will significantly redefine the way consumers interact with commerce in everyday life, making payments a fully automated and invisible part of the experience.

Technological advancements will play a crucial role in shaping the future of invisible payments. For instance, AI-powered payment orchestration will optimize authorization in real-time, enhancing approval rates and reducing friction during checkout, while biometric authentication, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, will replace passwords and PINs, offering faster, safer payments.

Finally, invisible payments are anticipated to support a borderless financial ecosystem, making cross-border transactions as seamless as domestic ones, backed by the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and regulatory advancements.

Pant: Schneider Electric backs Saudi Green Vision with AI-Powered Energy and Sustainability Solutions

Manish Pant, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Schneider Electric

 

Manish Pant, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Schneider Electric, affirmed in exclusive statements to Sharikat Mubasher that the company’s global presence spans more than 100 countries and includes a workforce of approximately 150,000 employees. He stated that Schneider Electric’s mission is to create a positive impact by empowering individuals and organizations to achieve the optimum use of energy and resources, linking economic growth with sustainability.

 

Pant revealed that the company’s global revenues reached €19.3 billion during the first half of this year, adding that Schneider Electric allocates around 5% of its annual revenues to research and development to strengthen its innovation capabilities and ensure the sustainability of its solutions.

 

He emphasized that the Saudi market has been one of the company’s key strategic markets for over 44 years, noting that the Kingdom is taking confident strides toward a more sustainable future through resource diversification, accelerated digital transformation, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Pant highlighted that Saudi Arabia aims to generate 50% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, alongside major investments in carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency, afforestation, and smart cities — all of which are reshaping the Kingdom’s energy landscape to become more flexible and efficient.

 

Pant remarked that Schneider Electric is proud to be a strategic partner of the Kingdom on this journey, providing advanced digital services, AI-powered data centers, smart building systems, and climate-friendly industrial solutions that reduce emissions and enhance resource efficiency, enabling industries, cities, and households to achieve higher levels of sustainability.

 

He also revealed ambitious expansion plans for the company in Saudi Arabia, which currently serves more than 8,000 clients through a range of assets and industrial facilities. These include the Dammam factory spanning 15,000 square meters, a preparation facility in Dammam, the Riyadh factory covering 13,450 square meters, and another preparation facility in Riyadh. The company will also open a new factory at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), covering 20,000 square meters, scheduled for inauguration in the coming period to serve both Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

Pant noted that the new factory has obtained the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, achieving a 34% reduction in carbon emissions and energy savings of up to 33%.

 

He further stated that Schneider Electric operates a 7,000-square-meter distribution center in Riyadh serving more than 200 local partners, as well as a research, development, and innovation center in Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) in collaboration with Aramco. The company also has four legal entities in the Kingdom, with a localization rate exceeding 40%, and a regional training academy for the Middle East and Africa based in Riyadh.

 

Pant added that Schneider Electric has invested more than €50 million in its expansion plans in Saudi Arabia over the past five years and currently employs 700 people in the Kingdom. He highlighted that eight new products have recently earned the “Made in Saudi” mark, bringing the total number of locally manufactured products to over 20, with plans to increase production lines to 32 by 2030. The company also aims to export up to 20% of local production to regional markets, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a central industrial hub.

 

Regarding the Schneider Electric Innovation Summit, held recently in Riyadh in its second edition, Pant said the event serves as a leading platform to showcase the latest solutions in electric mobility, resilient infrastructure, smart buildings, advanced industries, and water resources management. He noted that hosting the summit again in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s leadership in energy transition, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

 

Pant added that the summit highlights innovation and digitalization as key drivers of Saudi Arabia’s goals for economic diversification, industrial growth, and global competitiveness. He concluded by affirming that technology and innovation are two core pillars of Schneider Electric’s strategy in Saudi Arabia and globally. Integrating AI- and IoT-based digital solutions, he said, enables the Kingdom to build more efficient and sustainable systems across cities, industries, and homes alike. Pant noted that the company’s achievements in Saudi Arabia have strengthened its standing as one of the world’s most globally integrated yet locally rooted companies. Saudi experiences, he added, contribute to developing globally scalable solutions and position the Kingdom as a role model to follow for innovation and sustainability.

Al-Saadoun: Tarmeez Capital facilitates over SAR 2 bn in lending programs in 15 months

Kholoud Hussein

 

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its journey toward Vision 2030, fintech innovation has emerged as a critical driver in reshaping access to capital, democratizing investment, and strengthening the Kingdom’s financial sector. With sukuk issuance reaching record levels and digital platforms reducing barriers for both corporates and individual investors, the ecosystem for Islamic finance is undergoing a profound transformation.

Within this evolving landscape, Tarmeez Capital has positioned itself as a frontrunner. Licensed by the Capital Market Authority and founded in 2022, the Saudi fintech is redefining how businesses—from large corporates to SMEs—secure financing. By leveraging technology to issue sukuk faster, more transparently, and in full compliance with Shariah principles, Tarmeez Capital bridges a critical gap in the Kingdom’s corporate debt market.

In this exclusive interview with Sharikat Mubasher, Nasser Al-Saadoun, Founder and CEO of Tarmeez Capital, sheds light on its business model, the impact it is making on companies and investors, and its role in enabling Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for Islamic and sustainable finance.

 

Please can you give us an overview of Tarmeez Capital. What is your business model, and when was it founded? 

We are a Saudi-based fintech company licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), reshaping access to finance in Saudi Arabia through fast, inclusive, and fully Shariah-compliant solutions. We founded Tarmeez Capital in 2022 with a clear purpose: to close the financing gap facing many businesses by connecting growing companies with the capital they need to thrive. We issue sukuk to fund enterprises across the Kingdom and operate a pioneering, people-first digital platform that seamlessly enables purpose-driven investors to participate in these issuances. 

Our technology enables sukuk issuance up to seven times faster than traditional channels, allowing companies to secure funding in as little as 10 days with repayment terms up to 10 years. We have facilitated over SAR 2 billion in lending programs, achieved a 459 percent increase in sukuk issuances over the last 15 months, and built a community of over 180,000 retail and institutional investors.

 

Which type of companies does Tarmeez Capital provide Islamic financing to? How do you select your portfolio to lend to? 

Tarmeez Capital supports companies across sectors, from established corporates like Red Bull Mobile and Red Sea International to SMEs. Our portfolio selection is guided by rigorous credit screening powered by AI-driven data analytics, our Shariah committee’s oversight, and a focus on businesses that contribute to Vision 2030 goals. We have a zero percent default rate, reflecting our robust due diligence and the quality of our portfolio.

 

What are the benefits for your users (companies seeking financing & institutional investors)? 

Traditional sukuk issuance often takes months and is limited to large corporations. With Tarmeez Capital, companies of all sizes can receive tailored, fast, and ethical capital - allowing them to seize growth opportunities. This year, Red Sea International, for example, used our sukuk offering to avoid costly project delays with rapid funding that kept engineers and factory teams on schedule. 


Through our digital platform, our investor community can gain access to transparent, Shariah-compliant returns of around 13.5 percent annually, compared to 7.3 percent for real estate and 8.5 percent for stocks. Our real-time digital dashboards and low minimum investments enable anyone to support transformative projects with ethical impact.

 

How does Tarmeez Capital position itself within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving corporate debt landscape, especially under Vision 2030?

We bridge a critical gap by digitizing sukuk issuance for companies of different sizes. There is a clear demand in the Kingdom for fast, digital, and value-driven funding. Our seamless digital process positions us perfectly amongst Saudi Arabia, tech-savvy population. We focus on advancing funding for sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and education, etc.– all of which are aligned with Vision 2030. Our business model also supports SMEs, which are projected to contribute 35 percent of total GDP by 2030.  

 

What role do fintechs such as Tarmeez Capital play in broadening access to capital markets and investment opportunities? 

Fintechs like Tarmeez Capital make Shariah-compliant finance accessible to more Saudi businesses and individual investors alike. Our digital investment platform has been built to reduce the cost, complexity, and friction traditionally associated with debt capital markets. Our focus on creating a streamlined, user-friendly experience has contributed to the impressive growth of our investor community to date, a trend that we anticipate continuing.

Our platform empowers investors to invest small amounts into sukuk that back local companies. For example, people can now support projects like RASF’s Deem townhouses or Qudra’s solar rollout. This democratization of capital fuels entrepreneurship, spreads wealth creation, and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s Financial Sector Development goals.

 

Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a global hub for Islamic finance, driven by accelerating sukuk issuance. How do you see this sector expanding in the next 5 – 10 years, and what role will Tarmeez Capital have? 

We expect Saudi Arabia’s sukuk market to continue its rapid growth. Global sukuk issuances reached USD 199 billion in 2023 and show no sign of slowing. Tarmeez Capital will play a central role in this transformation by making Shariah-compliant financing faster, more accessible, and more transparent for corporates and investors alike. Our tech-driven scalability and proven track record, including the lowest default rate among comparable private debt platforms in Saudi, position us as a national leader and partner of choice as the sector matures.

More broadly, we see Islamic finance moving firmly into the mainstream. Younger investors are seeking ethical, impact-oriented investments that reflect their values while delivering competitive returns. Islamic finance, built on principles of justice, risk-sharing, transparency, and social responsibility, is perfectly aligned with this shift. Unlike conventional debt, it prohibits interest (Riba) and emphasizes asset-backed, productive investment, making it inherently transparent, value-driven, and sustainable.

Saudi Arabia is set to become a global hub for Islamic and sustainable finance, issuing billions in ESG-linked sukuk and leveraging its Vision 2030 ambitions for inclusive, long-term growth. Platforms like Tarmeez enable everyday citizens to invest ethically, help finance the development of their communities, and support a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits everyone.

 

In a region where regulatory dynamics are evolving quickly, especially for technology, how do you assess and manage regulatory risk?

Compliance is incredibly important. Our independent Shariah committee and close partnership with the Capital Market Authority help ensure we always meet the highest standards. Beyond regulation, we also use data and advanced AI to monitor the health of every investment, so that we can detect potential risks early and manage them carefully. This thorough approach allows us to grow sustainably and responsibly.

 

Many startups struggle to scale beyond the early-growth phase. Are there any patterns you have observed that block Saudi startups from becoming regional or global players?

A recurring challenge is facilitating access to capital that matches the vast ambitions of our most exciting startups. Too often, high-potential companies are held back by the rigidity of traditional lending. However, fintechs such as Tarmeez Capital enable companies to grow with the speed and flexibility they need to succeed regionally and globally.

 

Looking ahead over the next 3 - 5 years, what role do you see Tarmeez Capital playing in shaping the MENA innovation ecosystem?

We see ourselves becoming a vital catalyst for Shariah-compliant investing and capital raising in the region, and expanding our platform’s reach through smarter infrastructure, new products, and better user experiences. Our ambition is to continue to support founders in securing funding quickly and ethically, unlocking new ventures and supporting economic growth. 

We aim to grow Tarmeez Capital’s investor community, creating a powerful and self-sustaining cycle of growth, opportunity, and shared success. 

 

Finally, what advice would you give to Saudi companies that are looking for alternative forms of financing? 

Our advice is simple. Explore forms of accessing finance outside of the conventional channels. Innovative, Shariah-compliant solutions like Tarmeez Capital offer speed, flexibility, and alignment with your values. Whether you are rolling out solar power across commercial properties like Qudra Energy or delivering affordable homes like RASF Real Estate, this is your moment to embrace a new path to financing that will help you grow and contribute to the future of the Kingdom. Choosing providers who understand the local market and comply fully with Islamic principles will ensure financing that is both responsible and sustainable, setting businesses on a path to long-term success.

 

Throughout the discussion, Tarmeez Capital emphasized its mission of making Shariah-compliant financing faster, more inclusive, and more impactful for both businesses and investors. By digitizing sukuk issuance, expanding access to ethical investment opportunities, and ensuring robust compliance, the company is reshaping the role of fintech in Saudi Arabia’s financial sector. As the Kingdom positions itself as a global hub for Islamic finance, Tarmeez Capital aims to serve as both a catalyst and partner—empowering companies to grow responsibly while giving investors the tools to align financial returns with ethical values.