Saudi Awwal Bank signs on as mentor in the MEP Sustainability Champions Program

09/07/2025 04:26 AST

Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), one of the leading banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced its participation in the Sustainability Champions Program of the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP). The official signing ceremony took place on May 28, 2025, at SAB Tower, marking a key milestone in SAB's commitment to sustainability.

The signing ceremony marked the beginning of a strategic collaboration focused on sustainability. Senior executives from SAB and the participating mentees, who attended the event, emphasized the shared commitment to advancing sustainability across key sectors.

The MEP Sustainability Champions Program, initiated by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, aims to enhance sustainability performance across key sectors by partnering with organizations that demonstrate leadership and a commitment to sustainable practices. As a mentor in the program, SAB will utilize its extensive experience and resources to support and guide its mentees on their sustainability journeys.

As part of its role, SAB will mentor a select group of prominent organizations in the MEP Sustainability Champions Program, including Dallah Healthcare Company, Rawabi Holding Company, Middle East Paper Company, and City Cement Company. This initiative marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance sustainability practices across key sectors and achieve Vision 2030 goals.

Tony Cripps, Managing Director of SAB, said: "Sustainability is no longer a choice-it's a responsibility. Through our partnership with the MEP Sustainability Champions Program, SAB is taking tangible steps to build the knowledge infrastructure around sustainability and contribute to the Kingdom's goals. We are proud to be part of this forward-looking initiative, which aligns with our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and our commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth."

SAB continues to demonstrate its leadership in sustainability through its comprehensive ESG strategy. The bank is actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable economic development in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Through its partnerships with governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Economy and Planning, SAB plays a key role in driving forward the Kingdom's sustainability aspirations, contributing to long-term, positive environmental and societal impacts.

Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom, with a history in Saudi Arabia spanning over 90 years. Over the past nine decades, it has been an active partner in supporting the Kingdom's economic growth and social development.

SAB is a leading corporate and institutional international bank in the Kingdom with a top Wealth & Personal Banking proposition. SAB is also a leader in trade finance, foreign exchange, debt wholesale banking, digital service innovation, and ESG, in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.

SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury. The bank's paid-up capital is SR20.5 billion, following its legal merger with Alawwal Bank on 14th March 2021, when it was formerly known as the Saudi British Bank (SABB). SAB operates under the supervision and regulation of the Saudi Central Bank, and is a partner of the HSBC Group.

Saudi Gazette