Network International is making bold strides in Saudi Arabia , driven by ambitious goals and a vision for the future . For our cover story this month Al-Dahmash , Managing Director for KSA at Network International , reveals the company ’ s dynamic strategy , unique market positioning , and how it is perfectly aligned with Saudi Arabia ’ s transformative Vision 2030 . Discover how Network International is set to redefine the payments landscape in the Kingdom on page 48 .

The contribution of SMEs to nonpetrochemical GDP in GCC nations varies . In the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), it hovers around 60 %; in Saudi Arabia , it is around 30 %; in Qatar it is 16 %. And SME contribution to employment tends to be even greater . All these nations have their eyes on similar horizons – sustainable economic growth , knowledge-based societies and globally competitive industries – and they know that smaller businesses have a pivotal role in achieving these ambitions . It follows that banks can do much to support these up-and-comers . Sara Hoteit , Regional Manager , Middle

East at Backbase , explores how digital lending empowers GCC banks to capture the SME market by offering personalised , efficient financial solutions , driving growth and fostering long-term relationships . Read more on page 17 .

What can other industries and leaders learn from the FinTech landscape in the Middle East ? We hear from three experts on what they consider the greatest lessons from the region on page 25 .

A new report from Appsbroker & CTS revealed businesses use less than two-thirds of their ‘ data brain ’, showing that lack of timely and accurate data is leading to missed reporting deadlines , customer complaints and bad decisions . We get insights from Chris Gorton , EMEA Managing Director and Senior Vice President at Syniti ; Jason Beckett , Head of Technical Sales EMEA and CTO at Hitachi Vantara ; and Rajesh Ganesan , President of ManageEngine , on page 32 .

Chainalysis research reveals crypto criminals laundered US $ 22.2 billion in 2023 . The vast majority ( 72 %) of illicit funds were sent to just five off-ramping services as criminals sought to convert illegal crypto earnings into fiat currencies . Learn more on page 39 .

We also have a range of ‘ Intelligent ’ pages , which feature the latest strides in the cloud , security , mobile , software , Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence space .

I hope you enjoy this issue and if you would like to contribute to any future editions then please do not hesitate to contact me .

Ellen Flannery , Editor

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