Saudi Arabia

Modern Integrated Solutions Licensed for BNPL by SAMA

SAMA (Saudi Central Bank) has granted Modern Integrated Solutions a license to provide Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment services. The license enables the company to operate as a BNPL provider in the Saudi Arabian market under SAMA's regulatory supervision.

National Nutrition Committee Holds Fourth Meeting in Riyadh

The National Nutrition Committee held its fourth meeting of the third session at SFDA headquarters in Riyadh, chaired by SFDA CEO H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey. The Committee reviewed its strategic performance report covering initiatives, projects, and achievements through Q1 2026, as well as the Saudi Food Composition Tables book developed under the Nutrient Content of Foods initiative. The meeting included representatives from various government and private sector entities.

E-Payments Account for 85% of Total Retail Payments in 2025

SAMA announced that electronic payments accounted for 85% of total retail payments in Saudi Arabia in 2025, up from 79% in 2024. Electronic transactions reached 14.6 billion, compared to 12.6 billion in 2024, reflecting significant growth in national payment systems including mada POS and e-commerce payments.

SAMA Holds First Digital Transformation Committee Meeting with Banking Sector Financial Institutions

SAMA's Digital Transformation Committee held its first quarterly meeting in Riyadh with representatives of licensed financial institutions in the banking sector. The meeting discussed data-sharing frameworks, technical integration, and joint digital channels. Deputy Governor Abdullah I. Alsaleh chaired the meeting, which supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for digital transformation in the financial sector.

SFDA and Mawani Convene 220+ Industry Representatives on Supply Chain Resilience

The SFDA CEO hosted a virtual meeting with over 220 representatives from food, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies to discuss supply chain resilience. Key initiatives highlighted include the 'Fast Track' partnership with Mawani for expedited port clearance and the SFDA-Saudia Cargo collaboration for pharmaceutical logistics. The SFDA also detailed its 24/7 Response Center and expanded inspection capacity at ports of entry.

SFDA, Saudi Innovation Club Sign Digital Transformation MoU

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Innovation Club to advance digital transformation. The agreement focuses on e-service development, user experience optimization, and knowledge exchange to enhance digital capabilities across both organizations. Key cooperation areas include joint programs to foster innovation culture and collaboration on sectors of mutual interest.

SAMA licenses two firms for open banking services

SAMA (Saudi Central Bank) has licensed two firms to provide open banking services in Saudi Arabia. This licensing action expands the ecosystem of authorized payment service providers operating in the country's open banking framework. The newly licensed entities join other permitted fintechs in SAMA's regulatory sandbox and licensed payment service providers.

SAMA launches fintech open banking licensing under Vision 2030

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced the launch of a fintech open banking licensing framework under Vision 2030. The initiative establishes a regulatory pathway for fintech companies to obtain open banking licenses, expanding access to the Kingdom's financial services sector. Licensed entities will operate under SAMA's supervisory rulebook.

SAMA licenses Wukad Solutions finance aggregation services

SAMA (Saudi Central Bank) has granted a license to Wukad Solutions to provide finance aggregation services in Saudi Arabia. This licensing action brings Wukad Solutions under SAMA's supervised entities as a permitted finance service provider. The license is listed in SAMA's official registry of licensed finance entities.

SAMA Licenses Atyoun Payment Services Company

SAMA (Saudi Central Bank) announced the licensing of Atyoun Payment Services Company as an authorized payment service provider in Saudi Arabia. This grants the company official regulatory approval to operate within the Saudi payments sector under SAMA supervision. The announcement updates the public registry of licensed payment service providers in the Kingdom.

SAMA Updates Payment Systems Oversight Framework

SAMA (Saudi Central Bank) has updated its Payment Systems Oversight Framework, replacing the previous version. The updated framework applies to all payment service providers operating in Saudi Arabia, including banks and non-bank payment institutions. Key changes include enhanced requirements for operational resilience, cybersecurity controls, and consumer protection standards in payment services.

Saudi launches food composition database, empowering nutrition awareness

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), through its National Nutrition Committee, launched the Saudi Food Composition Database in collaboration with the Health Sector Transformation Program. The database provides comprehensive nutritional profiles for traditional Saudi foods and local dishes, including calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for digital transformation of health and food sectors.

SFDA CEO Congratulates Saudi Leadership on Eid al-Fitr

The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the Saudi leadership and people. The announcement also highlighted the SFDA's role in ensuring the safety of food, medicine, and medical devices during the Umrah season.

SFDA grants orphan drug designation to Sephience for HPA/PKU

SFDA grants orphan drug designation to Sephience for HPA/PKU

SFDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to Agamree for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has granted Santhera Pharmaceuticals orphan drug designation for Agamree (vamorolone) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This designation allows for a dedicated regulatory pathway for serious or rare diseases but does not constitute formal product registration.

SFDA Grants Breakthrough Designation to Bemlayo for Obesity/Overweight

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has granted Eli Lilly's drug Bemlayo (Orforglipron) Breakthrough designation. This designation expedites the review process for innovative treatments for serious diseases but does not constitute marketing authorization.

SFDA CEO Discusses AI's Role in Drug Development and Regulatory Efficiency

The CEO of the Saudi SFDA highlighted the significant contributions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerating drug development, reducing costs, and enhancing regulatory efficiency for medicines, medical devices, and food products. The SFDA has launched an AI laboratory and developed a digital twin to integrate emerging innovations and streamline approval processes.