Saudi Social Development Bank Surpasses $43.2 Billion in Total Financing

24/04/2025 04:40 AST

The Saudi Social Development Bank has announced that its total financing since inception has exceeded SAR162 billion (USD43.2 billion), benefiting more than 10 million citizens and playing a vital role in the Kingdom's social and economic transformation.

The announcement was made by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Bank's Board, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, during the bank's 53rd anniversary celebration held on Monday in Riyadh.

The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and marked the launch of the "Jada 30" initiative.

Prince Faisal commended the bank's achievements over the past five decades, highlighting its impact in empowering citizens and advancing national development goals in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

In turn, Al-Rajhi emphasized the bank's ongoing commitment to supporting development pathways and empowering individuals and communities. He reaffirmed the bank's role as a key driver of financial and social inclusion across the Kingdom.

As part of the celebration, the bank unveiled "Jada 30," a new initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship and support small and emerging businesses. Bank CEO Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Humaidi described it as a strategic leap forward in enhancing the entrepreneurial environment.

"Jada 30" transforms traditional bank branches into dynamic development hubs and business incubators, aimed at nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative provides a comprehensive range of services - including financing, training, and mentorship - to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses.

Since its launch, "Jada 30" has hosted in Riyadh more than 300 startups and supported over 5,800 participants, underscoring its tangible impact on youth empowerment and the promotion of a self-employment culture.

The event also witnessed the signing of several key development agreements, including a partnership with the General Authority for Awqaf and the Charitable Associations Support Fund to establish a SAR50 million financing portfolio to boost the nonprofit sector.

Further, the bank signed two agreements with Arab National Bank and Banque Saudi Fransi to create a combined SAR100 million in financing portfolios aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises.

Additional agreements were inked with Alinma Bank and Arab National Bank to launch a new Freelance Work Card, offering freelancers greater access to banking services and financing options.

Asharq Al Awsat