New Developments in Sweida's Relations with Damascus Government
April 6, 2025, 12:37 pm

New Developments in Sweida's Relations with Damascus Government

تطورات جديدة على خط السويداء مع حكومة دمشق

In a significant step reflecting the evolving relationship between the new Syrian administration and the Druze-majority province of Sweida, Mustafa al-Bakur, the governor of Sweida and a representative of the Damascus government, visited the three spiritual leaders of the Druze community, Hikmat al-Hajri, Hamoud al-Hanawi, and Yusuf Jarbou’a, to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

According to the Sweida Media Center, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri expressed his trust in Governor Dr. Mustafa al-Bakur during the reception, considering him a vital link between the local residents and the government in Damascus. He emphasized the importance of empowering youth and providing them with suitable opportunities, urging everyone to support them, especially those with high academic qualifications, asserting that this represents a positive vision for the nation’s future.

Photos of al-Bakur’s visit alongside his accompanying delegation to meet with the spiritual leaders circulated on social media platforms, reflecting the community's engagement with this visit.

Suwayda Governor Dr. Mustafa Al-Bakour meets with Suwayda sheikhs where he visited Qanawat House and met with Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. He then visited Suwayda city and met with Sheikh Youssef Jarbou, then visited Sahwat Al-Balata House and met with Sheikh Hamoud Al-Hanawi. This was within the framework of congratulating them on Eid Al-Fitr.

📌Suwayda Media Center quoted Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri as saying: "We trust Dr. Mustafa Al-Bakour, he is the link between us and the government in Damascus."

This visit comes after a series of varied statements following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, where disagreements over the integration of Sweida Province into the state have taken center stage in discussions, with efforts underway to find a formula that satisfies both parties.

The province of Sweida in southern Syria remains a part of the complex Syrian landscape, with deeply intertwined issues that range from its sensitive geographical location to its sectarian uniqueness as a predominantly Druze province with a Christian minority.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.