Ismail+ Amara | Giraffy
Ismail Amara

Ismail Amara

Experienced analyst covering telecommunications and financial services in the GCC region.

gir
banking

What Are the Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Everyday Purchases in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s credit card market in 2025 is full of choices for consumers wanting great cash back on daily spending.

Apr 02, 2025
gir
banking

What Are the Top Travel Credit Cards Available in Saudi Arabia?

Travel credit cards are a fantastic way to earn rewards, enjoy travel-specific perks, and get peace of mind when exploring the world.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
banking

Which Credit Card Offers the Highest Cash Back on Fuel and Dining in Saudi Arabia?

Fuel and dining expenses are a major part of everyday life in Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, several leading banks offer credit cards with outstanding cash back rates tailored to these categories.

Mar 26, 2025
gir
banking

Which Credit Card Provides the Best Perks for Frequent Travelers in Saudi Arabia?

For frequent travelers in Saudi Arabia, the right credit card is more than just a payment tool—it unlocks airport luxury, exclusive rewards, and peace of mind on every journey.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn

CALCULATORS

Tools that help with complex money matters

Apr 01, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Budget Calculator (50/30/20 Rule) in Saudi Arabia

The 50/30/20 budget calculator is a simple yet effective tool to manage your finances in Saudi Arabia, where balancing daily costs with cultural obligations and future goals is key.

Apr 03, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Credit Score Estimators in Saudi Arabia

Credit score estimators are invaluable tools that help you gauge your financial reputation in Saudi Arabia, where the SIMAH credit bureau shapes lending decisions.

Apr 05, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Emergency Fund Calculator in Saudi Arabia

An emergency fund calculator is your lifeline to financial security in Saudi Arabia, helping you determine how much cash to set aside for unexpected events like medical emergencies or job loss.

Mar 14, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Investment Return Calculator in Saudi Arabia

An investment return calculator is your tool for forecasting wealth growth in Saudi Arabia, helping you estimate how investments—like stocks or Sukuk—can multiply over time.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Mortgage Calculator in Saudi Arabia

A mortgage calculator is your key to unlocking homeownership in Saudi Arabia.

Apr 01, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Personal Loan Calculators in Saudi Arabia

Personal loan calculators are powerful tools that help you estimate the cost of borrowing in Saudi Arabia, where financial systems blend modern banking with Sharia-compliant principles.

Apr 07, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Retirement Savings Calculator in Saudi Arabia

A retirement savings calculator is your roadmap to a financially secure future, helping you estimate how much you need to save for life after work in Saudi Arabia.

Mar 08, 2025
gir
learn
calculators

Zakat Calculator in Saudi Arabia

A Zakat calculator is an essential tool for Muslims in Saudi Arabia, helping you calculate the mandatory 2.5% charitable contribution on your wealth to purify it and support the community.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn

Personal Finance in Saudi Arabia

Understand where you stand financially and identify the next steps towards achieving financial security tailored specifically for life in Saudi Arabia.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Retirement Planning for Expats in Saudi Arabia

Retirement planning is an essential aspect of financial well-being, yet it can often be overlooked by expatriates living in Saudi Arabia.

Apr 15, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

The Role of Zakat in Financial Planning

Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is more than just a religious obligation—it is a powerful tool for financial planning and social justice.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

How to Use a Financial Advisor in Saudi Arabia

Financial planning is an essential part of achieving long-term stability and growth.

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
money-saving

Money-Saving Tips in Saudi Arabia

Discover the latest tips on how to save money and budget efficiently in Saudi Arabia.

Apr 02, 2025
gir
learn
family-finance

Financial Literacy for Families in Saudi Arabia

Financial literacy refers to understanding basic money management skills—budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for the future.

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
sharia-finance

Sharia-compliant finance

Sharia-compliant finance—often referred to as Islamic finance—adheres to the ethical and legal codes of Islam as derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
tax

Tax Awareness in Saudi Arabia

Economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030 and the government’s drive to broaden revenue streams have made the tax environment more dynamic.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
financial-planning

Financial Planning in Saudi Arabia

Financial planning is the methodical approach to managing one’s finances—from budgeting and saving to investing and insurance.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Debt Management in Saudi Arabia

Discover how to get around and save the most on your debt in Saudi Arabia.

Feb 21, 2025
gir
learn
investing

Personal Investing in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has long been synonymous with oil wealth, yet recent reforms—particularly those under Vision 2030—have aimed to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and diversify the economy.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
saving

Saving Strategies in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s economic environment has evolved significantly over the past few decades.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
budgeting

Budgeting Basics in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia boasts a stable economy underpinned by its oil wealth, yet individuals still face rising living costs—particularly in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Advanced Investment Strategies: Growing Your Wealth in Saudi Arabia

Navigating the financial markets requires both foundational knowledge and a strategic approach, especially in Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving investment landscape.

Apr 03, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Investing Laws in Islamic Finance: A Comprehensive Guide

Islamic finance offers a unique approach to investing, guided by principles rooted in Sharia law.

gir
learn
personal-finance

How to Set SMART Financial Goals in Saudi Arabia

Setting financial goals is essential for building a stable and prosperous future.

Apr 01, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

How Islamic Takaful Differs from Conventional Insurance

Islamic Takaful is a unique alternative to conventional insurance, deeply rooted in Islamic principles and ethics.

Mar 15, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Strategy Works Best?

Debt can be overwhelming, but having a clear plan to tackle it makes all the difference.

Mar 23, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

PERSONAL LOAN

How to choose the right personal loan

Apr 03, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

CREDIT SCORE

Understand how a credit score works

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

MAKING MONEY

Ways to start earning money

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
budgeting

BUDGETING

Calculating a budget that works

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
Budgeting

How to Get Out of Debt in Saudi Arabia: A Step-by-Step Plan

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt in Saudi Arabia, you're not alone.

Mar 25, 2025
gir
learn
Budgeting

Family Budgeting: Managing Finances for a Household in Saudi Arabia

Managing a household budget can feel like a daunting task, especially when balancing the needs of every family member.

Mar 28, 2025
gir
learn
Budgeting

Annual Budgeting and Financial Forecasting in Saudi Arabia

Annual budgeting and financial forecasting are essential strategies for effectively managing your finances throughout the year.

Apr 11, 2025
gir
learn
Budgeting

Zero-Based Budgeting in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide

If you're looking for a budgeting method that offers total control over your finances, zero-based budgeting might be exactly what you need.

Apr 04, 2025
gir
learn
Budgeting

The Envelope Budgeting Method

Managing finances can be challenging, but the Envelope Budgeting Method offers a straightforward and practical solution.

Mar 12, 2025
gir
learn
Budgeting

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Monthly Budget in Saudi Arabia

Managing your finances effectively starts with creating a solid monthly budget.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
budgeting

Emergency Budgeting: How to Adjust Your Finances During Tough Times in Saudi Arabia

Financial challenges can arise unexpectedly, from job loss to sudden medical expenses.

Apr 05, 2025
gir
learn
budgeting

How to Apply the 50/30/20 Budget Rule?

Managing your finances can seem overwhelming, but the 50/30/20 budgeting rule offers a simple yet effective way to handle your money.

Apr 11, 2025
gir
learn
budgeting

How to Save on Everyday Expenses in Saudi Arabia

Saving money in your daily life doesn’t have to be daunting, especially in Saudi Arabia, where a mix of modern conveniences and traditional practices provides plenty of opportunities to cut costs.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

Steps to Fix a Low Credit Score in Saudi Arabia

A low credit score in Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH), can limit your access to loans, increase borrowing costs, or hinder major life goals like buying a home.

Apr 03, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

Building Credit as an Expat in Saudi Arabia

Living as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia offers unique opportunities, but building a credit history can feel daunting.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
Credit Scores

Shariah-Compliant Loans: What You Need to Know

In Saudi Arabia, where Islamic finance is a cornerstone of the financial system, Shariah-compliant loans offer a way to borrow money while adhering to religious principles.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

How to Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio Fast

Your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your available credit that you’re using—is a major factor in your credit score in Saudi Arabia, as tracked by the Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH).

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

Best Tools for Tracking Your Credit Score in Saudi Arabia

Monitoring your credit score is essential for maintaining financial health in Saudi Arabia, where the Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH) oversees credit reporting.

Mar 14, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

Disputing Errors on Your SIMAH Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your SIMAH credit report, maintained by the Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH), is a critical record of your financial history in Saudi Arabia.

Mar 20, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

How to Request and Read Your SIMAH Credit Report

Your SIMAH credit report is a vital tool for understanding your financial standing in Saudi Arabia.

Mar 26, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

Top 5 Factors That Impact Your Credit Score in Saudi Arabia

Your credit score is a critical measure of your financial health, influencing your ability to secure loans, finance a car, or even rent a home in Saudi Arabia.

Mar 28, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

How Vision 2030 Is Changing Credit Access in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 launched in 2016, is revolutionizing the Kingdom’s economy by reducing oil dependency and enhancing financial opportunities.

Apr 11, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

Protecting Your Income During Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty in Saudi Arabia—driven by oil price swings, global slowdowns, or Vision 2030 transitions—can threaten your financial stability.

Mar 18, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

How to Stand Out in Saudi Arabia’s Job Market

Saudi Arabia’s job market is competitive, fueled by Vision 2030’s economic diversification and Saudization policies that prioritize local hires.

Mar 23, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

Understanding Shariah-Compliant Investments in Saudi Arabia

Shariah-compliant investments offer a halal way to grow your money in Saudi Arabia, aligning financial gains with Islamic principles.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

How Saudi Women Can Boost Their Income

Saudi women are stepping into the economic spotlight, empowered by Vision 2030’s push for gender inclusion and a growing range of opportunities.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

Making Money as an Expat in Saudi Arabia

As an expatriate in Saudi Arabia, earning money offers both opportunities and challenges.

Apr 07, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

Top Freelancing Platforms for Saudis and Expats

Freelancing is a flexible, lucrative way to earn money in Saudi Arabia, whether you’re a Saudi national or an expatriate.

Apr 10, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

Starting an Online Business in Saudi Arabia

Launching an online business in Saudi Arabia is a low-cost, high-potential way to earn income, tapping into a growing digital economy.

Apr 11, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

How to Invest in Saudi Real Estate for Beginners

Investing in real estate in Saudi Arabia is a powerful way to build wealth, offering opportunities for rental income, property appreciation, and long-term stability.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

How to Apply for a Personal Loan in Saudi Arabia

Applying for a personal loan in Saudi Arabia can provide quick funds for needs like a wedding, medical costs, or a car purchase, all within a Shariah-compliant system.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

How to Pay Off Your Personal Loan Faster

Paying off your personal loan faster in Saudi Arabia saves you money on profit costs and boosts your SIMAH credit score.

Apr 09, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

Consolidating Personal Loans in Saudi Arabia

Consolidating personal loans in Saudi Arabia can simplify your finances by merging multiple debts into one manageable payment.

Apr 11, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

Using Personal Loans to Boost Income

In Saudi Arabia, a personal loan can be more than just a financial lifeline—it can be a tool to generate income.

Apr 08, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

Understanding Shariah-Compliant Personal Loans

In Saudi Arabia, Shariah-compliant personal loans offer a halal way to borrow money, adhering to Islamic principles that prohibit riba (interest).

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

Getting a Personal Loan as an Expat in Saudi Arabia

Securing a personal loan as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia can fund major expenses—e.g., SR 30,000 for relocation or a car—but comes with unique challenges tied to residency and sponsorship rules.

Mar 29, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

Government-Backed Personal Loans in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, government-backed personal loans provide affordable financing options beyond traditional banks, often tied to housing through subsidies or programs like Sakani.

Apr 01, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

How to Avoid Personal Loan Debt Traps

Taking a personal loan in Saudi Arabia can fund urgent needs—e.g., SR 30,000 for a medical bill—but mismanaging it risks a debt trap, where repayments spiral out of control.

Mar 20, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Buying Your First Home in Saudi Arabia: Navigating Mortgages and Government Assistance Programs

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, especially in Saudi Arabia, where owning property has become more accessible thanks to various mortgage options and generous government programs.

Mar 19, 2025
gir
learn
personal-finance

Avoiding Financial Scams and Predatory Loans: Protect Yourself in Saudi Arabia

Financial scams and predatory lending practices have become increasingly sophisticated, making it essential for consumers in Saudi Arabia to stay informed.

Mar 27, 2025
gir
learn
personal-loan

What to Do If You Miss a Loan Payment in Saudi Arabia

Missing a personal loan payment in Saudi Arabia—e.g., SR 1,000 due on a SR 30,000 loan—can happen due to unexpected setbacks like job loss or medical costs.

Mar 28, 2025
gir
learn
credit-score

How to Maintain a Healthy Credit Score During Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty—whether from global downturns, oil price shifts, or local job market changes—can strain your finances in Saudi Arabia. Discover how credit scores play into that.

Feb 22, 2025
gir
learn
budgeting

Budgeting During Ramadan and Eid in Saudi Arabia

Ramadan and Eid are significant times in Saudi Arabia, marked by spiritual reflection, increased social activities, and higher spending.

Apr 11, 2025
gir
learn
making-money

Navigating Saudi Labor Laws for Entrepreneurs

From Saudization quotas to visa rules, these regulations shape how you hire, operate, and grow.

Apr 11, 2025