Americana in Adnoc stations, Local firms awarded gravel sites, Fintech Arib raises USD 23.5 mn

Grab a bite while at Adnoc service stations

Americana Restaurants will roll out up to 200 dining outlets across Adnoc Distribution service stations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, according to a press release (pdf). The partnership, inked between the restaurant operator and Adnoc Distribution, brings Americana’s portfolio of 12 global brands into Adnoc’s fuel retail network across the three markets.

For Americana Restaurants, the agreement opens access to high-traffic roadside and service station locations across regional markets, supporting network expansion beyond traditional malls and high-street sites. The company currently operates around 2.7k restaurants.

For Adnoc, the agreement supports its push to grow non-fuel revenue as it works toward doubling non-fuel transactions by 2030. The segment has already become an important earnings driver, with non-fuel gross income rising more than 14% y-o-y in 2025.

Industry Ministry taps local firms for Al Saman gravel mining projects

The Industry and Minerals Resources Ministry awarded 11 local companies mining sites in the Eastern Province’s Al Saman Crushers Complex, state news agency SPA reports. The sites, covering a combined area of 9 sq km, are designated for gravel extraction to support construction and development projects, as the Kingdom looks to secure raw materials for its infrastructure pipeline.

Fintech Arib secures USD 23.5 mn backing from Merak Capital

Saudi fintech Arib raised USD 23.5 mn in a funding round led by Merak Capital, according to a press release. The round also included shariah-compliant Murabaha financing facilities. Arib said the proceeds will be used to upgrade its technology infrastructure, expand operations, and roll out new financing products targeting consumers and businesses.

About Arib: Founded in 2018 by Omar Alhammad, Mohamed Dessouky, and Waleed Talaat, Arib operates an online financing marketplace that connects users with banks and licensed lenders, allowing customers to compare and apply for financing offers digitally. Arib previously raised USD 2.3 mn in a seed round in 2022, also led by Merak Capital.

Connecting Yanbu, Jeddah, Ain Sokhna, and Aqaba

Folk Maritime has launched its Red Sea Express shipping service in Yanbu’s King Fahad Industrial Port, connecting the port to Jeddah Islamic Port, Egypt’s Ain Sokhna Port, and Jordan’s Aqaba Port, according to a statement from Mawani. The service has a 1.1k standard container capacity.