Swvl to Provide Last-Mile Shuttle Services for SAB Bank Following Riyadh Metro Launch

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Swvl Holdings Corp (“Swvl” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SWVL), a leading technology provider of enterprise and government mobility solutions, is collaborating with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB Bank) to launch its last–mile shuttle operations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This initiative builds on the successful launch of the Riyadh Metro and aims to bridge first– and last–mile connectivity gaps, ensuring seamless access for SAB employees to the city's new metro system.

SAB Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading financial institutions, is leveraging Swvl’s first– and last–mile shuttle services to streamline employee commutes. Swvl provides shuttle buses that connect SAB employees to and from the nearest metro stations, ensuring a smooth and enhanced transportation experience.

Powered by Swvl’s proprietary technology, the first– and last–mile shuttle services are designed to address critical connectivity gaps between business hubs and metro stations. By integrating virtual stops, Swvl brings commuters closer to Riyadh Metro stations, eliminating the inconvenience of long walks and ensuring a smooth transition to and from the metro. This service plays a crucial role following the metro launch, as it enhances accessibility, encourages public transport adoption, and provides a reliable, convenient alternative to private vehicles.

The Riyadh Metro has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in the city's urban mobility transformation. The phased launch began on December 1, 2024. This comprehensive network encompasses six lines, covering a total of 176 kilometers and featuring 85 stations, including four main stations. The Riyadh Metro is designed to provide a sustainable, reliable, and efficient alternative to private vehicles, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity across the capital.

Mostafa Kandil, CEO of Swvl, stated: “We are proud to support Riyadh’s transformation into a world–class urban center through this collaboration with SAB Bank. By addressing the critical first– and last–mile challenges, Swvl provides commuters with smarter and more accessible mobility solutions.”

About Swvl

Swvl is a leading provider of technology–driven mobility solutions for enterprises and governments. Its technology enhances transit system efficiency, delivering safer, more reliable, and sustainable transportation solutions.

For additional information about Swvl, please visit www.swvl.com.

Forward–Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward–looking statements'' relating to future events. Forward–looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward–looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events and other statements that are not historical facts. For example, Swvl is using forward–looking statements when it discusses the continued provision of shuttle buses to SAB employees and the ability to provide commuters with smarter and more accessible mobility solutions. These statements are based on the current expectations of Swvl’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward–looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Swvl. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Swvl’s business, and actual results may differ materially. In addition, forward–looking statements provide Swvl’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Swvl anticipates that subsequent events and developments could cause Swvl’s assessments and projections to change. However, while Swvl may elect to update these forward–looking statements in the future, Swvl specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward–looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Swvl’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon any forward–looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Swvl undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20–F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which is available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and in subsequent SEC filings.

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‘The Election Is Just Another Tool to Keep Lukashenko in Power for as Long as Possible’

By CIVICUS
Dec 23 2024 –  
CIVICUS discusses the ongoing crackdown on civil society in Belarus with Natallia Satsunkevich, human rights defender and interim board member of the Viasna Human Rights Centre.

Belarusian authorities have stepped up arrests in a bid to stifle any remaining opposition to President Alexander Lukashenko, who is seeking a seventh term in the January 2025 presidential election. Over 1,200 people have been detained since the end of September, many for participating in online chats that have been used to organise protests since the 2020 election. The authorities describe these as part of an extremist network. Some of those arrested have been charged with conspiracy to seize power, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. Around 1,300 political prisoners are currently being held in overcrowded prisons, while opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya remains in exile.

Natallia Satsunkevich

How has the political atmosphere changed in the run-up to the presidential election?

As the presidential election approaches, the authorities have intensified their crackdown on civil society and political opposition. This isn’t new – repression has been escalating since the protests following the 2020 stolen election – but in recent months it has taken an even darker turn.

One of the regime’s main tools is the criminalisation of independent organisations and media. Viasna, for example, has been declared an ‘extremist formation’. This means anyone who interacts with us – whether by sharing information, giving an interview or offering support – risks being arrested and prosecuted. This level of repression has created a climate of fear where people are too afraid to speak out about human rights abuses or take part in activism.

There has also been an increase in arrests, house searches and interrogations. Many of those arrested during the 2020 protests are still in prison and new arrests are taking place almost every day. The political opposition inside the country has been effectively silenced, with most of its leaders imprisoned or driven into exile. It’s clear that Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime is determined to hold onto power at all costs.

Is there any question of the outcome being at stake?

Unfortunately, no. Elections in Belarus are so heavily manipulated that they’re little more than formalities to legitimise Lukashenko’s rule. We’ve been monitoring and campaigning for free and fair elections for years, along with groups like the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, but at the moment those conditions simply don’t exist.

The opposition has been completely sidelined. Many of its leaders are either in prison or have fled the country. Alternative candidates aren’t allowed to run, and any form of opposition campaigning is banned. The state-controlled media is completely one-sided, constantly pushing the narrative that Lukashenko has overwhelming public support, while silencing anyone who disagrees.

With no transparency or accountability, the outcome is already decided. This election is just another tool to keep Lukashenko in power for as long as possible.

What are the likely post-election scenarios?

After the election, things are likely to stay much the same. The regime is likely to continue its authoritarian rule and we have little hope for immediate change.

For Belarus to move towards democracy, the first step would be to release all political prisoners. Almost 1,300 people, including opposition leaders, activists and journalists, are currently behind bars on politically motivated charges. They should be allowed to participate in the political process.

The government must also end its campaign of repression. Widespread arrests, searches, interrogations and torture have created an atmosphere of fear that stifles any form of dissent. Reform of the police and judicial systems is essential to address this.

Belarus also needs genuinely free and fair elections. This means opposition candidates should be able to campaign openly and people must be able to vote without fear of retribution.

Finally, accountability for human rights abuses is crucial. Those responsible for torture, unlawful detention and silencing dissent must be held accountable. This is vital for restoring trust and building a democratic future.

How can the international community support democratic transition?

The international community has been a lifeline for the Belarusian people, and this support must continue. Financial aid and solidarity from democratic states, particularly the European Union and the USA, have enabled many activists, including myself and others who’ve had to leave Belarus for our own safety, to continue our work.

Public condemnation of the regime’s actions also helps. Even if it doesn’t lead to immediate change, it shows Belarusian people and the government that the world is watching and reminds the authorities that actions have consequences.

It is also important to seek accountability through international legal mechanisms. Since we can’t hold perpetrators to account inside Belarus, it is essential to seek justice outside the country. States such as Lithuania and Poland have already begun investigating crimes committed by the regime and have referred cases to the International Criminal Court. These efforts show that there is a global determination to hold those in power to account.

The crisis in Belarus must be recognised as an international issue and kept on the international agenda. The United Nations has described the regime’s actions as crimes against humanity, making it clear this is not just a domestic matter: it’s an international crisis that demands international attention and action.

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SEE ALSO
Belarus: ‘Despite the repression, we haven’t halted our work for a single day’ Interview with Marina Kostylianchenko 16.Dec.2023
Belarus: ‘There is a pro-democracy civil society that opposes the war and advocates for democratic reforms’ Interview with Anastasiya Vasilchuk 22.Mar.2023
Belarus: a prison state in Europe CIVICUS Lens 15.Mar.2023

 


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Preliminary Injunction Issued in favor of 2ONE® Nicotine Pouches Against Zone Pouches – Imperial are enjoined from engaging in any future sales of the [Zone] product bearing the Bullseye Mark or any colorable imitation or mark confusingly similar product connected with oral nicotine

LAKE TAHOE, Nev., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 2ONE Labs and Performance Plus Marketing ('PPM') have been granted a favorable Preliminary Injunction (‘PI’) Order relating to the ongoing trademark dispute [...] Read more »

Trapped on a Runaway Train: Looking Back on 2024

By Farhana Haque Rahman
TORONTO, Canada, Dec 23 2024 - Do you sometimes feel like a hamster on its wheel, or perhaps stuck on a runaway train hurtling towards the abyss? Whatever metaphor one might choose for our world looking back on [...] Read more »