Announcements

Sber’s retail customer base grows by 10M with its 2021-2023 strategy

Published

3 years ago

December 14, 2023

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As part of Investor Day, the Sber team reviewed the results of the company’s 2021-2023 Strategy and talked about its new Development Strategy to 2026. As a result of the 2021-2023 strategy, Sber’s retail customer base grew by 10 million to 108 million, while it picked up 500,000 new corporate clients to reach a total of 3.2 million. The team has provided resilience and innovative development by ensuring technological independence and achieving a breakthrough in AI transformation.

The financial goals of Strategy 2026 are return on equity >22% in each year of the Strategy, total capital adequacy ratio Н20.0 >13.3%, and dividend disbursements of 50% of the Sber Group’s net profit. Sber will spend the next 3 years preparing for the transition to a human-centric organization. This complex transformation will impact three key spheres technology with the focus on developing a new generation of AI, business model in all areas, and culture.

In its new strategy cycle, Sber has a special focus on shaping its long-term vision. Technology, above all artificial intelligence (AI), is becoming the key factor defining today’s world and the future. One of the key challenges is to place technology at the service of mankind. Sber’s business model is centred around people, their interests and aspirations. AI is becoming mankind’s personal assistant – expanding everyone’s capabilities and helping people to tap their potential. This represents a step by Sber towards human-centricity.

Taking part in the event were Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Kirill Tsarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Andrey Belevtsev, Senior Vice President, СТО – Head of Technology Block, and Taras Skvortsov, Vice President, Head of Finance Block.

Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank, said, “The consumer model in which the customer is viewed exclusively as a source of income will become a thing of the past. The task of the new business is to help the customer be flexible and adaptive in an unstable world. We need to create tools that will meet and surpass the customers’ expectations. We need to learn to treat each of our customers, every human being, as we would treat ourselves.”

“We want to become one of the first human-centric companies, one that will help people to tap their potential and survive amidst today’s overabundance of technology and information. Artificial intelligence can become a personal assistant to every human being – an assistant in analyzing and processing huge volumes of information, setting goals, and correctly prioritizing and organizing our lives, an assistant which will help to expand people’s capabilities and free them from routine activities,” Herman Gref added.

Alongside its long-term priorities, Sber will devote particular attention to developing and creating best customer experience, improving performance, providing reliable and safe services, and accelerated deployment of AI in every area of the business.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

6 days ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.

Announcements

UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.

Announcements

Dubai Chambers launches one-stop digital platform to help businesses start, grow and expand

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Starting and growing a business in Dubai is set to become easier with the launch of Business in Dubai, a new digital platform by Dubai Chambers that brings together essential corporate services in one place.

Designed as a single gateway for companies, the platform connects businesses with trusted service providers, helping them access everything from financial solutions to technology, marketing and certification services without having to navigate multiple channels.

The initiative aims to simplify business operations while strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.

What does the platform offer?

The Business in Dubai platform currently provides 65 corporate services through seven accredited partners, offering companies a wide range of support as they establish or expand their operations in the emirate.

The services are grouped into four key categories:

Financial services
Marketing and business growth services
Technology services
Testing, inspection and certification services

The current network of partners includes ZENDATA Cybersecurity, FAST Ventures, Mamo, OCTA, SGS Gulf Limited, Vault, and Pemo.

Helping businesses grow

Dubai Chambers said the platform has been designed to save companies time and resources by bringing multiple business services under one digital roof.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating an environment that supports business growth both locally and internationally.

He said the platform will strengthen Dubai’s investment ecosystem by making it easier for companies to access the services they need to scale their operations and contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic development.

Boost for the digital economy

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the platform will particularly benefit businesses operating in the digital economy by simplifying access to trusted service providers.

He added that the initiative creates a more flexible and efficient business environment, enabling entrepreneurs and companies across different sectors to focus on growth rather than administrative processes.

A single digital gateway

By consolidating key business services onto one platform, Dubai Chambers aims to reduce the time and effort companies spend searching for service providers, allowing them to concentrate on innovation, expansion and day-to-day operations.

The launch forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its business ecosystem and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for trade, investment and entrepreneurship.