The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is advancing a broad regulatory push aimed at strengthening transparency, affordability, and stability across the kingdom’s financial sector.

Through the issuance of a new fees framework for financial institutions and updated implementing regulations governing finance companies, the central bank is signaling a sharper focus on consumer protection, digital adoption, and sustainable sector growth. The latest announcements underscore SAMA’s role as supervisor and regulator while aligning financial services more closely with market efficiency and customer confidence today online.

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The authority announced the issuance of the “Fees Guide for Financial Institutions’ Services,” which will replace the currently applicable “Banking Tariff” once it enters into force. Issued as part of SAMA’s supervisory and regulatory mandate, the guide is designed to protect customers of financial institutions while improving clarity around pricing structures, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The Fees Guide aims to enhance financial inclusion by enabling access to financial institutions’ services and products at reasonable and fair fees, while raising levels of disclosure and transparency to strengthen confidence in the financial sector. It also supports digital transformation by encouraging the delivery of services through electronic channels and reinforces customer protection standards across the sector.

Key amendments include reductions in the maximum fees charged for several financial services provided to customers. These include administrative fees for certain financing products, reissuance of mada cards, international purchase and cash withdrawal transactions, and financial transfers from bank accounts and electronic wallets.

The guide applies to all financial institutions subject to SAMA’s supervision and regulation, including payment companies offering a wide range of financial services. It represents the first edition in terms of the financial institutions covered and the third edition for the banking sector. The Fees Guide for Financial Institutions’ Services is available through SAMA’s Rulebook on its website.

Updated regulations strengthen finance sector oversight

SAMA also announced the issuance of the updated Implementing Regulation of the Finance Companies Control Law, reinforcing its oversight of the finance sector and its commitment to stability and growth. The updated regulation is intended to regulate the requirements for practicing all financing activities, while modernizing key provisions affecting licensed entities.

The updates include revisions to the aggregate finance amount offered by finance companies, changes to bank guarantees required for licensing applications, and amendments to provisions related to related parties. They also address procedures for handling cases involving the expiration of licenses granted to finance companies, providing clearer regulatory guidance for the market.

As part of the update, SAMA repealed the Rules Regulating Consumer Microfinance Companies and the Rules of Engaging in Microfinance Activity, while amending the Rules of Licensing Finance Support Activities. The central bank previously published a draft of the updated implementing regulation, inviting comments and feedback from the public and sector experts. Feedback received during the consultation process was reviewed and reflected in the final version, underscoring SAMA’s consultative approach to regulatory reform. Both documents are available on SAMA’s website.

Pakistan kicked off a televised auction for state carrier Pakistan International Airlines PIAHa.PSX on Tuesday as the government attempts to push through a long-delayed reform demanded by the International Monetary Fund.

Bids for a majority stake in PIA are scheduled in two phases, with submissions due around 10:45 a.m. (0545 GMT) and a public bid-opening ceremony later in the day, officials said.

The auction is Pakistan’s second attempt at selling the once storied flag carrier after televised bidding last year collapsed when a solitary offer fell far below the government’s reference price, derailing what would have been Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades.

Three domestic bidders are expected to participate in Tuesday’s auction after the military’s Fauji Fertilizer withdrew from the process, Privatisation Minister Muhammad Ali told digital media outlet Nukta in an interview last week.

Jebel Jais, the UAE’s premier mountain destination, has temporarily suspended all operations to carry out comprehensive safety inspections and maintenance following the significant weather conditions experienced across the region between December 17 and 19.

In the aftermath of the recent rainfall, targeted maintenance is required in several areas of the mountain to address standing water and ensure all facilities meet Jebel Jais’ stringent safety standards. As a precaution, temporary road closures and essential maintenance works are currently in place. All attractions and services will remain closed until further notice, allowing specialist teams to conduct thorough inspections and safety assessments in line with the destination’s commitment to public safety and operational excellence.

The temporary closure applies to all experiences at Jebel Jais, including the Jais Flight Zipline, 1484 by Puro, Red Rock BBQ, Via Ferrata, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, and yoga sessions at Jais Viewing Deck Park.

Visitors have been advised not to camp in wadis during the current period of unsettled weather. Recent rainfall has also led to standing water in certain areas, increasing the risk of shifting rocks and slippery surfaces. While hiking and climbing zones have not been formally closed, specialist teams are actively assessing conditions. Hikers and climbers are urged to exercise caution and avoid affected routes where necessary.

Reopening will take place in phases, with each area carefully reviewed and upgraded to ensure the highest safety standards are met. Although winter is traditionally the peak season for Jebel Jais, the decision to pause operations has been taken with visitor wellbeing as the primary consideration. Guests are encouraged to follow official Jebel Jais channels for updates as maintenance progresses and attractions gradually reopen.

Donald Bremner, CEO of Marjan Lifestyle, said: “At Jebel Jais, responsible tourism means putting people, nature and safety first. Our mountains are one of the UAE’s most powerful natural assets, and protecting both our visitors and this environment is essential to ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come. Taking a cautious, phased approach allows us to maintain the highest standards while preserving the authentic mountain experiences that defines Jebel Jais.”

The safety and wellbeing of guests remains the top priority, with maintenance teams continuing work on site. Once enhancements are safely completed, visitors will have ample opportunity to enjoy the remainder of the Jebel Jais 2025/2026 season, where life comes together in the mountains.

Reflecting its commitment to strengthening operational safety and efficiency, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the deployment of advanced drone technology to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels, in collaboration with metro operator Keolis MHI.

The move marks a significant shift in inspection practices and signals a new phase of innovation, excellence, and digital advancement across Dubai Metro operations, according to an RTA media report.

The introduction of drone technology represents a fundamental change in how tunnel inspections are conducted. By replacing traditional, time-intensive inspection methods, the initiative delivers faster, safer, and more accurate outcomes while minimising operational disruptions. The technology allows inspectors to access areas that were previously difficult to reach, improving both inspection coverage and data quality.

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Dawood Alrais, director of Rail Maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, highlighted the measurable impact of the initiative. He said the use of drone technology has resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in inspection duration, while significantly enhancing operational safety and overall inspection performance.

“Certain tunnel areas previously posed accessibility challenges and required advance entry arrangements,” Alrais said. “Today, drone technology allows these areas to be inspected with ease, offering a wider field of vision and the ability to capture high-resolution imagery that enables more detailed and accurate analysis.”

Enhancing safety and data-driven maintenance

Beyond efficiency gains, the technology substantially reduces human risk by limiting the need for manual access to confined or complex tunnel environments. Alrais noted that the impact of drones extends further through automated data collection and the generation of digital inspection reports, which support improved maintenance planning and faster, more informed decision-making.

He added that the initiative also lays the groundwork for the future use of artificial intelligence to analyse captured imagery, reinforcing RTA’s long-term focus on digital transformation and predictive maintenance.

Aligning with national and strategic priorities

The drone inspection programme aligns closely with RTA’s 2024–2030 strategy, which places sustainability, innovation, and service excellence at its core. It also supports the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, aimed at strengthening the country’s position among the world’s most innovative nations through the adoption of advanced technologies across key sectors.

Vikas Sardana, acting managing director of Keolis MHI, said the company is proud to support RTA’s vision for a smarter, safer, and more efficient transport system. He emphasised that the adoption of new technologies enhances operational performance while prioritising workforce safety and setting modern benchmarks for rail system excellence.

As Dubai continues to lead the transition toward smart mobility, the integration of drone technology into metro operations underscores the emirate’s commitment to smart infrastructure, advanced safety standards, and technology-driven excellence. The initiative demonstrates that Dubai Metro is not only keeping pace with global innovation but is actively contributing to shaping the future of urban rail operations.

Boeing has announced the appointment of Fahad Al Mheiri as vice president for the Middle East Gulf and North Africa, effective January. Al Mheiri joins the aerospace major from Raytheon Emirates, where he most recently served as managing director, bringing extensive executive leadership experience and deep regional expertise to the role.

Based in Dubai, Al Mheiri succeeds Kuljit Ghata-Aura, who has transitioned into a new executive position within Boeing. In his new role, Al Mheiri will focus on advancing Boeing’s strategic priorities and strengthening partnerships across the region, in alignment with national strategies aimed at developing and expanding the aerospace sector. Boeing’s operations in Saudi Arabia will continue to be overseen separately by Asaad Aljomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia.

“Fahad’s extensive aerospace experience and his strong relationships in the region will enable us to continue to build on our 80-year legacy across the Middle East Gulf and North Africa, one of the world’s most thriving aerospace markets,” said Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global. “We thank Kuljit for his contributions to the company and are pleased to welcome Fahad to the Boeing team as we continue to invest in the region and deliver to our customers.”

Boeing currently employs more than 700 people across the Middle East and North Africa and serves over 30 commercial customers alongside 12 armed forces in the region. The company also sources materials and components from key strategic partners across MENA, including UAE-based firms Strata and EPI.

An Emirati national, Al Mheiri holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and has built a distinguished career spanning the energy, space, and defence sectors. His experience in managing complex operations and driving growth is expected to further strengthen Boeing’s collaboration with regional stakeholders and support the company’s continued investment in local infrastructure, research, and innovation.