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Barq surpasses 7m users in first year of launch, with SR73bn worth transactions

Barq surpasses 7m users in first year of launch, with SR73bn worth transactions
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Updated 02 August 2025

Barq surpasses 7m users in first year of launch, with SR73bn worth transactions

Barq surpasses 7m users in first year of launch, with SR73bn worth transactions

In a development that reflects the Kingdom’s rapid shift toward a cashless economy, Barq, a digital payments application, has recorded exceptional performance in its first year of operation. The number of its users has surpassed 7 million, representing 150 nationalities from around the globe. The app has encompassed a wide range of digital payments and money transfers, contributing effectively to advancing the Kingdom’s non-cash economy objectives.

In its first year, Barq issued more than 6.5 million digital payment cards, enabling users to conduct their transactions with ease and security. The app offers banking services through an advanced digital platform tailored to meet the needs of individuals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, providing innovative payment solutions under a license granted by the Saudi Central Bank.

Since its launch in July last year, the app has processed over 500 million financial transactions, with a total transaction volume reaching SR73 billion ($19.4 billion), cementing its position as the fastest-growing digital wallet in the Kingdom and one of the leading success stories in the digital financial transformation aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Barq has also strengthened its international presence through strategic partnerships, facilitating payments for visitors and residents from outside the Kingdom. This initiative supports the digital tourism sector and contributes effectively to the objectives of the Financial Sector Development Program and Vision 2030, by fostering a digitally empowered society and an innovation-driven economy.

With a clear vision for empowering individuals and businesses, Barq continues to shape the digital payments landscape in the Kingdom, playing a vital role in realizing the Vision 2030 aspiration of building a thriving cashless society.


Delta to make Riyadh–US a major new corridor

Delta to make Riyadh–US a major new corridor
Updated 05 November 2025

Delta to make Riyadh–US a major new corridor

Delta to make Riyadh–US a major new corridor

ºÚÁÏÉçÇø is rapidly advancing its goal to become a global hub for air connectivity and logistics under Vision 2030. The Kingdom surpassed its initial tourism milestone under Vision 2030 and has now raised its target to 150 million visits by 2030. This growth underscores a need for more direct, premium long-haul capacity. Authorities highlight record growth in international arrivals and increased travel spending as momentum drivers. 

Delta Air Lines recently announced a new direct route from Atlanta to Riyadh as part of its entry into the Saudi market. The airline aims to integrate the Kingdom into one of the world’s most extensive networks from the US. 

ºÚÁÏÉçÇøâ€™s aviation strategy aims to reach 330 million passengers, serve more than 250 destinations, and handle 4.5 million tons of air cargo by 2030, reinforcing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to boost the sector’s contribution to the GDP. An expanding Riyadh hub, bolstered by Delta’s operational scale and reliability, positions the Kingdom as a leading gateway connecting three continents. For Delta, launching service to Riyadh is a significant step toward its ambition to become a leading premium global airline, with a particular focus on connecting the world and bringing travelers to dynamic, rapidly developing destinations rich in culture. 

This development enhances the Riyadh-US corridor by providing greater frequency, connectivity, and a premium travel experience tailored to the region’s rapidly growing demand for both passenger and commercial traffic on both sides of the Atlantic. 

The new non-stop flight, starting in winter 2026, will operate three times weekly on Delta’s Airbus A350-900. It will be one of Delta’s longest at over 7,000 miles and will link US passengers to Riyadh with seamless one-stop access to 150+ destinations. It also offers Saudi travelers a direct gateway to explore the US.

Delta views this expansion not only as a strategic gateway into the Middle East, but also as a marker of the next phase in its global expansion. Last year, Delta laid the groundwork through a strategic partnership with Saudi carrier Riyadh Air, which set the stage for codesharing, loyalty integration, and potential collaboration in maintenance and training. Delta Air Lines will be Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, and Riyadh Air will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh. 

Delta has earned recognition from aviation analytics firm Cirium for operational excellence, finishing 2024 as North America’s most on-time airline and earning the Platinum Award. The carrier operates more than 5,000 daily flights to over 300 destinations worldwide, providing the Kingdom with an established distribution network from the US and beyond.