Related secures $8mln investment from Saudi Equivator to fuel MENA expansion
Mubasher: UAE-based loyalty and rewards company Related has secured an $8 million investment from Saudi premier alternative asset management firm Equivator, according to a press release.
Related will use the new capital to support the launch of AI- and blockchain-powered solutions, boost gamification features, and accelerate its expansion and growth across the Kingdom and the MENA region.
The company will also launch the 'Related Loyalty & Fintech Authority', a new regional forum to advance industry knowledge and policy.
This aims to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a regional and global base for advanced financial technology and customer engagement.
Rabih Farhat, CEO of Related, commented: 'This partnership is more than a transaction; it is a transformation, a joint mission to reshape the future of fintech-powered loyalty solutions in line with the Kingdom's innovation agenda.'
Enes Şehzade, CEO at Equivator, stated: 'Together, we aim to power a new era of data-driven customer engagement and reward invention.'
Meanwhile, Related provides services to over 30 million users across the GCC and Levant, powering loyalty programs for leading institutions in telecommunications, banking, retail, utilities, and entertainment.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Grade A warehouses in high demand as the Kingdom strives to become a global logistics hub: JLL
The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), a key component of Vision 2030, aims to increase the logistics sector's GDP contribution from 6% to 10% by 2030, and localise 70% of the supply chain Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Fuelled by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's logistics and warehousing sector is rapidly expanding, driven by a booming e-commerce market and increasing demand for Grade A warehousing, according to a new JLL whitepaper. The report, titled ' Emerging Trends Shaping Saudi Arabia's Logistics and Warehousing Market,' highlights the key factors driving this growth, along with the challenges and opportunities in powering the Kingdom's ambition to become a global logistics hub. The whitepaper also highlights significant interest and investment from both domestic and international institutional players, recognising the industrial and logistics sectors as key pillars of the Kingdom's economic diversification strategy. This ambitious growth is catalysed by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index, and the NDLP agenda, which aims to boost the sector's GDP contribution and localise 70% of the supply chain. Saudi Arabia is laying the foundation for a robust and efficient logistics ecosystem through substantial investments in transportation infrastructure, streamlined processes, and regulatory frameworks, says the whitepaper. Abhishek Mittal, Head of Industrial Advisory, MENA at JLL said: 'Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub offers unparalleled access to a growing consumer market spanning three continents, making logistics and warehousing vital for high-growth sectors. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is strengthening its logistics infrastructure and transportation network, prioritising sustainability, and building strong local partnerships for seamless global commerce. This agile and resilient network facilitates efficient movement of resources, offering investors significant opportunities to capitalise on reduced costs, efficient supply chains, and increased access to a vibrant and growing market.' JLL's new whitepaper details that among the key drivers fuelling demand for Industrial and Logistics in the Kingdom are the establishment of strategically located Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial cities. While 36 industrial cities offer ready-built factories, warehouses, and logistics facilities, attractive incentives and tax breaks at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), and Jazan Economic City (JEC), are creating clusters of economic activity and driving investment and innovation. This dynamic environment attracts significant capital from global institutional investors, who are moving away from traditional Grade B/C warehouses, which currently comprise about 90% of the market. JLL's whitepaper reveals a noticeable shift towards sophisticated Grade A facilities as global institutional investors across industries, including DP World, Gulf Islamic Investments, Arcapita Capital Company, and AP. Moller–Maersk demands built-to-suit warehouses, cold storage facilities, and last-mile delivery hubs, demonstrating confidence in the Saudi market. The logistics and industrial real estate market is benefiting from Saudi Arabia's position as the largest e-commerce market in the GCC, supported by high internet penetration (97%), a young and tech-savvy population, and a growing consumer preference for online shopping. Modern commerce and e-commerce are expected to contribute around 80% to the retail sector by 2030, stimulating significant demand for modern warehouses, strategically located fulfilment centres, and last-mile delivery hubs. Meanwhile, investment trends in e-commerce warehousing are also shifting with institutional investors and real estate developers focusing on built-to-suit logistics parks catering to e-commerce and retail tenants, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) allocating more capital toward logistics assets. The whitepaper identifies the key industries of food and pharmaceuticals as leading the demand for specialised logistics solutions, including cold chain storage and temperature-controlled warehousing. Saudi Arabia has one of the largest pharma markets in the Middle East, and its healthcare infrastructure is expanding. The Kingdom imports 80% of food, and consumers are increasingly shifting online for grocery and food delivery. These industries require highly regulated and technologically advanced supply chain solutions, unlocking a high-growth opportunity for industrial real estate developers and investors in the specialised logistics sector. While the opportunities are significant, the JLL whitepaper also highlights the challenges facing companies, especially with the broader industry shift towards sustainability. Traditionally energy-intensive, Saudi Arabia's industrial and logistics sectors must align with national sustainability goals under Vision 2030 to reduce environmental footprint and achieve long-term savings. Companies that successfully navigate this transition will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving Saudi market. The unprecedented construction boom in Saudi Arabia, aligned with Vision 2030, has injected around USD 850 billion into the construction industry, presenting unique challenges for global supply chains. To strengthen supply chain resilience, businesses and investors are adopting proactive strategies such as supply chain diversification, investing in local manufacturing to enhance self-sufficiency, implementing best practices to optimise inventory and minimise lead times, and streamlining operations by embracing digitalisation, including RFID tracking and GPS monitoring. Technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and the shift towards local production will be key to long-term sustainability and growth in the Kingdom's industrial and logistics sectors, says the report. New investments in port expansions, rail networks, and industrial zones are also crucial for transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub and supporting the rapid growth of its industrial and logistics capabilities. About JLL For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $23.4 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 112,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. For further information, visit About JLL MEA Across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) JLL is a leading player in the real estate and hospitality services markets. The firm has worked in 35 countries across the region and employs over 2000 internationally qualified professionals across its offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Cairo, Casablanca, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nairobi. For further information, visit Media Contact: Medha Sandrasagara JLL MEA Nisha Celina | Janine Alamir Burson |


Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
What's new in UAE this July: Visa-free travel, remote work, new health law
The UAE is rolling out several important changes this July that could impact every aspect of your daily life, from visa-free travel rules to how you work or run a business. Planning a summer trip? There are new visa rules you might want to know. Running a business? Emiratisation deadlines are here. And if you want to quit cigarettes, you will want to check the latest tobacco-free nicotine pouches that will be available soon. From health regulations to flexible work options and public health updates — here's a quick and easy guide to what's changing this month and how it might affect you. Visa-free travel to Armenia Armenia will offer visa-free entry to residents of the UAE starting July 1. Travellers' residency visas must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Previously, only UAE nationals could travel visa-free to the landlocked country, while residents were eligible for a visa on arrival. The new visa-free policy enables travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It applies to all passport holders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and to individuals holding a valid residency permit issued by any of the six Gulf countries. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Emiratisation deadline Private sector companies employing 50 or more workers have until Monday, July 1, 2025, to meet the mid-year Emiratisation targets. According to a final reminder issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), companies to ensure that at least 1 per cent of their skilled workforce comprises Emiratis for the first half of the year, part of the UAE's strategic national plan to increase Emirati participation in the private sector. Mohre will also check whether companies are meeting other related requirements, including registering Emirati employees with the social security fund and consistently paying the required contributions. Flexible summer schedules in Dubai Starting July 1, government employees in Dubai will shift to a four-day work week or reduced summer hours under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative. The initiative aims to improve work-life balance and productivity, and it will run until September 12, 2025. Employees will be divided into two groups, with the first group expected to work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy Friday as a full holiday. Meanwhile, the second group will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday. This is not the first time such an initiative has been announced. Last year, the Dubai government launched the campaign at 21 government entities from August 12 to September 30. Ajman will implement a new summer work policy for government employees this year, introducing remote work on Fridays and shortened weekly office hours, effective from July 1 to August 22, 2025, on Mondays. All public sector employees in the emirate will work remotely on Fridays, with weekday hours reduced by one hour. Employees will work from 7.30am to 2.30pm, Monday through Thursday. However, government entities have been directed to implement flexible internal arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services. A new UAE law coming into effect on July 29 will legalise the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches. The pouches are small, smokeless products that contain nicotine but no tobacco is being introduced to support individuals looking to quit smoking. Nicotine is an addictive substance. These pouches release dopamine, the 'feel-good hormone', which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, thereby aiding smoking cessation. New health law for Dubai Dubai has enacted a new law to curb the spread of infectious diseases that will come into effect in late July. It aims to minimise health risks by controlling the spread of communicable diseases and regulating travel for individuals with such conditions. Individuals infected with or suspected of having an infectious disease are required to avoid contact that could spread the illness. They must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The law also prohibits concealing infections or spreading them, whether intentionally or unintentionally. School summer holidays Schools in the UAE are gearing up for the long summer holidays, which typically begin in early July and last until the end of August. Most schools follow the academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education or respective educational authorities like KHDA (Dubai) and Adek (Abu Dhabi). As schools across the UAE begin their long summer break, working parents often lookout for summer camps to keep their children productively engaged during the two-month holiday. With families staying in the country to avoid peak travel costs or work commitments, summer camps have become a vital solution, offering children a structured environment to learn new skills and stay active. At the same time, many families also travel abroad to cooler climes, either to escape the sweltering summer heat or to spend time with relatives, making the most of the extended school break. The UAE enforced a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12.30pm to 3pm daily for three months, starting June 15. This midday break initiative, introduced to protect workers during the country's peak summer heat, will continue through July until September 15, 2025. Companies found violating the rule face a fine of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 if multiple workers are involved.


Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Mobily recognized among the world's top 5 telecom operators
Mobily continues to drive strong value creation, positioning itself as a key player in the global telecom landscape. Deployment of AI positioned as an essential driver for operational excellence and competitive differentiation. BCG analysis serves as a guiding framework for telecom leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of an evolving digital ecosystem and capitalize on emerging opportunities for sustainable growth and industry leadership. Riyadh — Saudi Arabia's Mobily has entered the ranks of the world's top 5 telecom operator value creators, according to the Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) 2025 Telco Value Creators Report. The milestone is attributed to $7 billion in value creation from 2020 to 2024, representing a successful transformation driven by digital innovation and strategic positioning. The BCG report, titled "Returns May Be Declining, but Opportunity Is Calling," advocates for transformative growth in the telecommunications sector, despite prevailing industry challenges. According to the analysis, Mobily ranks 4th based on its five-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) from 2020 to 2024, which stands at 19%. This achievement signifies a market capitalization of $11 billion. The competitive edge for six of the top ten telecom performers from emerging markets stems from regulatory conditions and investment approaches that successfully yield a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) outpacing the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) by 60 basis points. Kaustubh Wagle, Managing Director & Partner, BCG said: "Developments in network structures and the introduction of innovative products, driven by the adoption of AI, have paved the way for significant value generation for telecommunications companies such as Mobily. These technological advancements harness AI's capabilities to significantly enhance the telecom sector, marking a pivotal moment for operators globally to re-evaluate their conventional approaches, considering the prospects that lie ahead towards the 2025 outlook. The research shows that by adopting progressive strategies, leading telecom firms illustrate a practical plan for substantial value growth, providing a model for others to follow in achieving success within the current market environment." The report underscores the critical necessity for telecom operators to enhance value generation through a multifaceted approach: optimizing physical and network assets, adopting new cost-efficient network architectures, and innovating with next-generation products and marketing strategies. How GCC Telcos Are Leading the Shift AI and digital services are emerging as pivotal elements in the transformation toward smarter, more efficient enterprises. Investments by operators in automation, customer intelligence, and tailored AI solutions for enterprises underscore this pivotal shift. This is further propelled by strategic alliances with both hyperscale cloud providers and local startups, driving scalable, bespoke enterprise AI solutions. In parallel, sovereign cloud and data security initiatives are important within the GCC region. Operators are forging partnerships with global technology corporations to establish compliant, local cloud infrastructures, reinforcing data residency and sovereignty—critical components for adherence to compliance standards and the monetization of AI and analytics in regulated industries. "For telecom companies, it's crucial to act quickly and with insight, utilizing AI as a key enhancer of innovation, operational effectiveness, and customer interaction. Mobily's success underscores the value of adopting a forward-thinking and innovation-led investment strategy, highlighting the significance of transformative mergers and acquisitions as well as the adoption of cutting-edge marketing strategies,' added David Panhans, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG The deployment of next-generation networks, such as 5G and Open RAN, are geared toward achieving operational efficiencies and incubating new revenue streams, including low-latency services integral to smart city and IoT frameworks. Efforts in edge computing and low-earth-orbit satellite partnerships aim to extend connectivity, granting telcos the opportunity to exploit untapped markets. Regarding monetization, the focus on enterprise modernization, the bundling of AI-driven services, and an infrastructure aligned with AI optimization are key components for maximizing the returns from investment in next-generation technologies. Further investments in next-gen network infrastructures align with the GCC's ambition to advance smart cities and assert digital leadership. The Path Forward: A New Model for Value Creation Telecommunications operators could benefit from a proactive approach to optimizing their strategic assets. This involves the monetization of infrastructural assets and the simplification of business models. By exploring shared-models and cloud-based solutions for non-core assets like fixed-line networks and data centers, telecommunications operators can enhance efficiency. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions are pivotal in solidifying market presence and achieving operational synergies, driving industry consolidation towards increased profitability and market leadership. Cost and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) optimization remains at the heart of this transformative agenda, with AI and automation serving as principal levers. AI enables significant CapEx efficiency through infrastructural innovations such as Open RAN, which mitigates vendor lock-in and lowers associated expenditures while additional network-sharing arrangements can generate substantial annual cost savings. As 5G deployments mature, redirecting cash flows from these efficiencies to facilitate growth or shareholder dividends underscores a disciplined CapEx strategy. The development of next-generation network architecture takes center stage, featuring cloud-native systems, Open RAN, and edge computing. These technologies are essential to reducing costs, fostering technological flexibility, and enabling advanced applications for smart cities and the Internet of Things. In concert with this architectural evolution, sales and marketing strategies are undergoing a transformative shift towards AI-empowered personalization, enhancing interactions across both B2C and B2B domains. The blend of automated and human-driven sales interactions represents a hybrid model where AI-addressable inquiries streamline customer service, reserving high-value interactions for expert human engagement. AI is playing a dual role, reducing operational costs and accelerating growth, enabling personalized consumer offerings and sector-specific B2B tools. The telcos poised for superior performance are those merging these strategies: modernizing network and operational infrastructure, refining asset portfolios to concentrate on areas with the highest potential, and innovating customer engagement through data-driven insights. As per BCG's report, embracing cloud-native technologies, facilitating edge computing for IoT applications, and executing on network-sharing agreements, have clear-cut implications for the evolution of the telecom sector's operational and competitive dynamics. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients with total transformation—inspiring complex change, enabling organizations to grow, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact. To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting along with technology and design, corporate and digital ventures—and business purpose. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, generating results that allow our clients to thrive.