The Social Development Bank (SDB) has confirmed that it has achieved its stated development goals for 2025, delivering financing worth SAR 8 billion across multiple programmes and beneficiary groups.
According to details shared following the Board of Directors meeting for the fourth quarter of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the bank reported support for 100,000 citizens and businesses through a range of loan offerings.
Financing directed towards entrepreneurs and small and emerging enterprises reached SAR 3.1 billion, extending assistance to 8,000 businesses. A further SAR 2.8 billion was provided to freelancers and productive families, benefitting 65,000 citizens, while social financing totalled SAR 2 billion and supported 35,000 people.
His Excellency opened the meeting by acknowledging national support for the sector, linking recent outcomes to government priorities. He said the achievements reflected the impact of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince. He added: “The Social Development Bank, a key pillar in financing entrepreneurs and small businesses, plays a vital role in empowering the nation’s youth to turn their ideas into productive projects, contributing to a sustainable, innovative economy and advancing the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
Alongside lending, SDB expanded non-financial services, with around 61,000 beneficiaries receiving empowerment and development support. Jada 30, described as the largest business community in the Middle East, widened its presence to 13 branches across the Kingdom, backing 4,300 businesses including 1,300 launched in 2025.
The Dulani Business Center continued advisory work designed to prepare entrepreneurs for growth, while the bank advanced savings initiatives. More than 60,000 new savings accounts were opened under the “Zod Savings” and “Zod Al-Ajyal” programmes, aimed at strengthening financial resilience among individuals and families.
The board reviewed portfolio performance across priority sectors. Allocations to information technology, gaming and esports climbed to SAR 1.3 billion. Meanwhile, the bank’s social responsibility portfolio expanded to SAR 360 million through partnerships with national organisations, supporting projects with community impact.
Commenting on the results, CEO Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamidi said: “The bank’s achievements in 2025 showcase a strong commitment to enhancing developmental impact through expanded partnerships with public and private sectors and the launch of new financing products. It has prioritized promising sectors like financial technologies, gaming, and esports as key drivers of economic diversification and opportunity, aligning with national development priorities and Saudi Vision 2030.”
He added that national backing had strengthened the bank’s influence and growth, saying support from leadership had been central to its work and to “fostering a more diversified and sustainable economy by empowering citizens and encouraging their creativity.”
SDB also highlighted its involvement in major forums and initiatives during the year. It organised the second Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum (DeveGO 2025), attracting 25,000 participants and launching the “Empretec Fellowship” in partnership with UNCTAD. A total of 51 agreements were signed to advance empowerment and growth initiatives.
Elsewhere, the Franchise Go Forum drew regional and international interest, helping entrepreneurs explore opportunities within franchise activities. The bank also worked with the General Entertainment Authority during Riyadh Season 2025 and took part in “Expo Japan” to create wider market access for productive families.
Institutionally, SDB said it had strengthened its standing through multiple awards. It received Level 5 recognition from the EFQM for sustainable performance, retained the Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs award at the G20 YEA Summit in Johannesburg, and earned the WSBI-ESBG Award for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals 2025.
