• From 29 October, the prestigious airline commences operations to AlUla with a direct flight from Doha unlocking increased accessibility to the city’s treasures • Travellers can also connect to AlUla via direct domestic routes via Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and internationally from Dubai all year round   AlUla, the ancient oasis city in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, will now be more easily accessible to global travellers than ever before through the launch of Qatar Airways’ new direct route from Doha.   With tickets on sale now, the prestigious airline commenced operations to AlUla on 29 October, unlocking access to the city and inviting global explorers to immerse themselves in its natural marvels, vibrant calendar of year-round events, and an array of luxurious hospitality options. ......read more

AlUla, Saudi Arabia, October 30, 2023 – AlUla Development Company, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed a hotel management agreement with Six Senses – a luxury resort, spa and hotel operator – to open Six Senses AlUla in Saudi Arabia in 2027. The agreement was signed by Fabien Toscano, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Development Company, and Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses, and in the presence of AlUla Development Company Managing Director Naif AlHamdan during a ceremony at Maraya – Guinness World Record holder of being the world’s largest mirrored building – located in AlUla. Luxury hotel Six Senses AlUla will span across 1,200,000 square meters and will be built within a breathtaking natural oasis adorned with lush palm groves, embraced by dramatic ......read more

Riyadh:  Saudi Arabia, in pursuit of hosting 1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035, has identified the cruise industry as a vital element of its Vision 2030 framework. This aligns with Vision 2030's goals of diversifying the economy and promoting tourism. The increasing popularity of cruises among the under-20 demographic, showing the fastest growth, highlights the demand for innovative onboard experiences. As younger generations embrace cruise vacations, industry leaders like WhiteWater, the leading designer and manufacturer of aquatic amenities, are becoming essential. Their expertise not only aids the expansion of the cruise industry but also aligns with Vision 2030's objectives to enhance tourism and position Saudi Arabia as a premier cruise destination. This collaboration between WhiteWater and the cruise industry ......read more

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, has announced the launch of the master plan for the new Abha International Airport. The new Abha airport aims to embody a consistent architectural identity with the heritage of the Asir region, transforming it into a prominent landmark in the Kingdom. Its terminal area will expand to 65,000 square meters, as planned to complete the first phase by 2028, compared to the current 10,500 square meters of the existing airport. This expansion includes the construction of passenger boarding bridges, self-service facilities for streamlined travel procedures, and high-capacity parking facilities. The design of the new airport will reflect the architectural identity of the Asir ......read more

5 October 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the strong post-pandemic passenger traffic trend continued in August.  • Total traffic in August 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 28.4% compared to August 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 95.7% of pre-COVID levels. • Domestic traffic for August rose 25.4% versus August 2022 and was 9.2% above the August 2019 results. This is largely driven by Chinese domestic demand. • International traffic climbed 30.4% compared to the same month a year ago. All markets saw double-digit percentage gains year on year. International RPKs reached 88.5% of August 2019 levels. “Demand for air travel performed well in August. For the year to date, international traffic has increased by 50% versus last year ......read more

05 October 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be adding further airlines and airline groups as data contributors to its CO2 Connect emissions calculator, hence improving the quality and accuracy of the tool. Respective agreements were signed with Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, LATAM Airlines Group, Luxair and Nile Air during the first World Sustainability Symposium held on 3-4 October 2023 in Madrid, Spain.   “Accessing the most accurate operational data is key to achieving global consistency and alignment in CO2 emissions calculations. Expanding this data pool is essential in providing greater transparency and coherence to passengers and stakeholders alike. This allows for more informed CO2 compensation choices while supporting ESG reporting. In continuously expanding our data ......read more

• Qatar Tourism leads delegation at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, meeting with dignitaries from seven nations including Turkey, Jordan, Spain, China and Uzbekistan. • Qatar Tourism signs MoU with leading Saudi tour operators Al Mosafer and Al Matar to promote Qatar as leisure tourism destination.   On World Tourism Day (September 27) by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Qatar Tourism lead a strong delegation at this year’s host city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, participating in numerous discussions with regional tourism ministers and dignitaries to discuss the rapid development taking place across Qatar’s tourism sector.   As part of the event, Qatar Tourism signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with leading Saudi tour operators, Al Matar and Al Mosafer, to promote Qatar as a ......read more

 Agreement provides blueprint for integrated cultural programme and heritage fellowships  Emphasis on collaboration and co-creation under five-year umbrella partnership  It opens a new chapter in UNESCO-Saudi relationship, which has roots going back 75 years   AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 25 September, 2023: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have signed in July 2023 a pioneering agreement that opens a new chapter for cultural collaboration, chartering the course for a new phase in AlUla’s long history as a nexus for cultural exchange and development.    The agreement was announced at the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee, chaired by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh this month. It launches Phase 2 of the five-year ......read more

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 18 September, 2023 – Emirates has deployed three additional flights to Riyadh to support the influx of travelers to and from the Kingdom over the National Day weekend.   Conveniently scheduled so travelers can make the most of the celebrations, the additional flights will depart Dubai International Airport on 20 September, 21 September and 24 September. All flights will be operated on Boeing 777 aircraft and will run in parallel to Emirates’ existing schedule to the Kingdom.   Connecting travelers from the Kingdom to over 140 destinations on its vast global network via its hub in Dubai, Emirates offers onwards connectivity to North America, Southern Africa and Europe. Renowned for providing a full service offering onboard, Emirates offers passengers regional gourmet meals and over 6,500 ......read more

 Findings published within ‘Revealing Cultural Landscapes in North-West Arabia’ examine the art, rituals, and practices of civilisations that lived in the northern Arabian Peninsula from the Palaeolithic through to Islamic period AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 5 September 2023: Recent discoveries by leading international archaeologists and researchers have helped to shed new light on the complex cultural heritage landscape of ancient AlUla and the wider north-west Arabia region. The findings, presented in the new book ‘Revealing Cultural Landscapes in North-West Arabia’ Supplement to the Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies, vol. 51’, are a compendium of articles edited by Dr Rebecca Foote, Director of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), along ......read more

- The flagship festival returns this year with expertly crafted wellness experiences curated by world-class industry experts for the third time. - The Acclaimed '5 Senses Sanctuary' will take centerstage offering unparalleled sensorial experiences. - This year’s edition will feature a wide variety of programs of holistic workshops and activities inspired by the historical and natural heritage of AlUla.   AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 28th August 2023:   AlUla Moments announced today the return of the much-anticipated AlUla Wellness Festival 2023, taking place from October 19th to November 04th.  The two-weeks flagship festival is dedicated to promoting mind, body, and wellness and offers a diverse array of holistic workshops and activities inspired by AlUla's rich historical and ......read more

 Invited experts from around the world to gather at AlUla, KSA from September 13-15  Multi-sector reflection on how archaeology and cultural heritage can contribute to wider transformational changes in society   ‘Where the world came to meet, and where we will meet again’   AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 11 August 2023: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is gathering international leaders from the fields of archaeology, cultural heritage, media, innovation, entrepreneurship and more for the first-of-its-kind AlUla World Archaeology Summit. From 13 – 15 September at Maraya in AlUla, this invite-only event will feature panels and informal discussions centred on advancing the field of archaeology at a global scale, contributing to further discovery and innovation ......read more

• ‘AlUla Ever’, part of Assouline’s iconic Travel Series, is now available to purchase online and in select bookstores within the GCC • Luxury publisher Assouline takes readers on an immersive journey through AlUla, curated to capture the ancient oasis city’s seamless fusion of old and new AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 3 August, 2023: The historic destination of AlUla in north-west Saudi Arabia has been immortalised in AlUla Ever, the latest release from luxury publisher Assouline. Featuring visually rich stories and compelling narratives, the essence of AlUla is expertly captured and communicated through Assouline’s unparalleled signature style. Released today across the GCC, the new addition to the Assouline’s Travel Series takes readers on an artfully curated journey ......read more

 The 6th Ithra Art Prize worth $100,000 will feature prominently at the 2024 AlUla Arts Festival    DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA, 2 AUGUST, 2023 – The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) are excited to invite entries for the 6th edition of the Ithra Art Prize under a comprehensive partnership to promote and grow the arts and cultural industries across Saudi Arabia. The open call for the prize, which comes with a grant of $100,000, closes on September 30, 2023. The winning artwork will be unveiled during the AlUla Arts Festival in February 2024.    One of the most significant grants in the region, the Ithra Art Prize at AlUla supports the partnership aim to empower the creative sector. This edition will focus on outdoor installation art and sculpture, ......read more

- Dish Dash, Baloo and Kayan are among the stellar line up of regional artists performing at AZIMUTH amplified by MDLBEAST 2023 - Early Bird tickets on sale starting July 21 Here - International headliners to be announced soon    AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 20 July 2023:   AZIMUTH amplified by MDLBEAST, the highly anticipated music event, reveals today an electrifying lineup showcasing the best regional stars including Dish Dash, Baloo, KAYAN and many more.  Taking place on September 21-22 over the Saudi National Day long weekend, AZIMUTH amplified by MDLBEAST will transform stunning and historical AlUla into an exceptional gathering of art, sound and music during an unmissable weekend extravaganza.    Early Bird tickets for the limited capacity two-day festival will be ......read more

• BAC Saudi Arabia is launched following the successful dynamic debut of the Mono R at the March 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah  • Expansion into Saudi Arabia, a strategically pivotal market for BAC, represents the latest stage in the company’s global expansion, having recently appointed brand-new dealership partners in North America and Asia • BAC’s presence in Saudi Arabia is in response to strong demand for the Mono range in the country and across the Middle East • BAC Saudi Arabia will operate out of regional hubs located in the iconic Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh and Jeddah     17 July 2023 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia   Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is continuing to push ahead with its ambitious global expansion roadmap, having today ......read more

Italian Institution, Centro Conservazione E Restauro “La Venaria Reale”, Partners with the Royal Commission for Alula to Develop the Next Generation of Saudi Conservation Science Experts AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 12 July 2023: Centro Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale” (CCR), an Italian conservation institute, has partnered with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the authority driving the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla, to further develop expertise in the restoration and conservation of northwest Saudi Arabia’s incredible cultural heritage. As part of the partnership, a group of 12 young Saudi professionals and new university graduates selected by RCU have travelled from AlUla to Italy for a knowledge exchange programme. The group of 6 women and 6 men will participate in workshops in both ......read more

06 July 2023 -  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2023 global air cargo markets showing weak market conditions. • Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), fell 5.2% compared to May 2022 (-6.0% for international operations).  • Capacity, as measured by available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), rose 14.5% compared to May 2022, primarily driven by belly capacity which increases as demand in the passenger business recovers. Capacity is now 5.9% above May 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.  • Key factors influencing demand include:    o The global manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) indicates an annual contraction of 1.4% in new export orders and a decrease of 5.2% year-on-year in production PMI. This suggests a cooling in global ......read more

21, June 2023 – SITA, the leading IT provider to the air transport industry, has announced the re-election of Dr Omar Jefri, of Saudi Arabian Airlines, as Chair of the SITA Board of Directors.  Dr Jefri was reappointed as a Board Director by SITA’s Shareholders at its Annual General Assembly (AGA) on 14 June 2023. Following his reappointment, the SITA Board met and re-elected Dr Jefri as Chair for a further three-year term.  Dr Jefri has a wide breadth of experience in aviation and academia. With nearly 40 years combined expertise, he includes strategic transformation, corporate management and regulations, IT, and shared services management among his leadership skills. In his academic career he has served as both Assistant Professor and a member of faculty.  The SITA Board supervises the activities of ......read more

AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – June 18, 2023:  A retreat from the heat and busyness of the city awaits in the oasis of AlUla this summer with the ancient desert offering untold stories for visitors.   A hidden gem that promises relaxation, wellness and adventure experiences among the epic landscapes, AlUla is just a short flight away but offers tranquility that feels a million miles away.    Located in north-western Saudi Arabia, AlUla also boasts low humidity and temperatures that are between 5C to 10C cooler than other cities in the gulf region, making it an ideal summer escape.   Visitors can take advantage of less crowds, enticing offers and indulge in a luxurious stay at one of the desert resorts complete with curated cultural experiences, holistic wellness treatments, walkable scenic oases, ......read more

Riyadh:  Smart design is central to any plan meant for boosting profitability or a brand image. When it comes to a water park, a good design increases the length of time the guest stays in the park and boosts its overall profitability, thus enhancing the overall user experience. WhiteWater, the leading designer and manufacturer of aquatic amenities, gathers top experts, including architects, engineers, and mechanical specialists, to help water parks achieve the delicate balance between creativity, safety, and efficiency.  While so doing, WhiteWater values factors like capacity — appealing to diverse demographics — sustainability, traffic flow, guest circulation, and revenue generation. It helps establish a strong foundation for long-term success. These design elements are crucial in shaping the success of a ......read more

11 June 2023 (Riyadh) New Google commissioned research into consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia revealed growing interest in local tourism and expressions of pride in Saudi culture and heritage. The insights, that aim to help businesses have a greater understanding of their customers, were revealed at the Google Marketing Live event in Riyadh, a flagship event showcasing Google’s latest ads product innovations.  An analysis conducted by IPSOS and commissioned by Google, found that people in Saudi Arabia are diversifying expressions of pride in local culture and heritage; with 54% of those surveyed indicating that they express their pride by  buying and using locally made products. The survey also  found that over half of those surveyed attended local cultural events and  almost 60% have traveled domestically ......read more

Designs are finalized and construction is underway for the ambitious luxury resort Built directly into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve, the project follows the AlUla Sustainability Charter with efficient heating and cooling, and zero wastewater   AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 7 June 2023: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has begun construction of its Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. The project will be built directly into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve and aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals for the construction phase and resort operations.    In a ceremony at Sharaan Nature Reserve, RCU signed an agreement with Bouygues Construction, a French engineering group, which will manage construction of the resort through a joint venture ......read more

05 June 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an expected strengthening of airline industry profitability in an upgrade of its outlook for 2023. Highlights include: Airline industry net profits are expected to reach $9.8 billion in 2023 (1.2% net profit margin) which is more than double the previous forecast of $4.7 billion (December 2022). Airline industry operating profits are expected to reach $22.4 billion in 2023, much improved over the December forecast of a $3.2 billion operating profit. It is also more than double the $10.1 billion operating profit estimated for 2022. Some 4.35 billion people are expected to travel in 2023, which is closing in on the 4.54 billion who flew in 2019. Cargo volumes are expected to be 57.8 million tonnes, which has slipped below the 61.5 million tonnes ......read more

4 June 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled a series of roadmaps aimed at providing step-by-step detailing of critical actions and dependencies for aviation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. These roadmaps address aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy considerations leading to net zero.   With the adoption of a Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) at ICAO’s 41st Assembly, governments and industry are aligned to reach the same net zero CO2 emissions goal by 2050. As policy initiatives lay the foundation on which many of the needed innovations and actions will rest, these roadmaps will be a critical reference point for policy makers.    “The roadmaps are the first detailed assessment of the key steps necessary to ......read more

• Activities range from night hikes, stargazing and tours of heritage sites Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town • AlUla boasts low humidity and cooler temperatures, making it a perfect summer getaway AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – May 24, 2023: The vibrant holiday destination of AlUla is gearing up to offer visitors an exceptional summer experience. The ancient city is brimming with an exciting range of activities and events, including immersive tours of its historic monuments, majestic landscape, serene hikes amid rocky outcrops, and magical stargazing opportunities. Located in north-western Saudi Arabia, AlUla boasts low humidity and temperatures that are between 5C to 10C cooler than other cities in the region, making it an ideal escape for travellers in search of a unique experience and some ......read more

Will launch more than 260 new digital services within two years RIYADH, Monday, May 23, 2023: SAUDIA, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed an agreement with global professional services firm Accenture paving the way for a digital transformation program that will make the airline’s guest experience seamless and highly personalized while improving operational efficiency. Through this agreement, SAUDIA will use artificial intelligence technologies to significantly enhance its digital infrastructure and build more than 260 new digital and electronic services in two years. SAUDIA’s guests will be able to enjoy more personalized services and a smooth travel experience possible across the entire travel cycle, from ticket search and booking to check-in, and from in-flight services to post-sale ......read more

 AZULIK AlUla Resort will feature 76 luxury villas launching by 2027  Designed in line with the AlUla Sustainability Charter, the resort will connect guests with surrounding natural and human heritage  The development will drive socioeconomic benefits including more than 300 new jobs   AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 22 May 2023: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will develop a new resort within the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan, designed in harmony with the natural environment and aligned with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative, and Vision 2030.   The AZULIK AlUla Resort is a stunning eco-luxury property in the Nabatean Horizon District of the JTT masterplan, tucked into canyons near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley ......read more

Saudi Arabia, 4 May 2023: Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for AlUla has chosen Egis, the multidisciplinary engineering and operations company, to undertake several projects related to the development of the Private Aircraft Terminal, otherwise known as a Fixed Based Operator or FBO, at AlUla's International Airport.  This new project is a continuation of the collaborative work between RCU and Egis which began last year with the opening in November of a new airport hangar for private aircraft. Built in line with clean energy standards, the 3,000sqm hangar is equipped with ground flight and engineering crews and can also provide long-term parking services. Egis’ current scope of work is divided into two components: expansion of the existing hangar, to provide the necessary storage, maintenance and operations ......read more

• 127 commercial aircraft delivered in Q1 2023 • Revenues € 11.8 billion; EBIT Adjusted € 0.8 billion • EBIT (reported) € 0.4 billion; EPS (reported) € 0.59 • Free cash flow before M&A and customer financing € -0.9 billion • Guidance unchanged   04 May 2023 – Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) reported consolidated financial results for its First Quarter (Q1) ending 31 March 2023.   “The first quarter confirmed strong demand for our products, particularly for commercial aircraft. We delivered 127 commercial aircraft, which is reflected in the Q1 financials. The quarter also benefited from a good performance in Helicopters,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to face an adverse operating ......read more

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 27 April 2023: From April 26th to May 13th AlUla is set to come alive with the AlUla Skies Festival, a celebration of the sky’s wonders and a showcase of the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, a photography or cultural enthusiast, the festival has something to offer for everyone.  Here are the top ten unmissable activities during the AlUla Skies Festival.   1. Soar high with hot air balloon rides One of the main highlights of the AlUla Skies Festival is the opportunity to take a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of AlUla. The untethered hot air balloon tour is set to take visitors on a 45-minute ride through AlUla’s clear morning skies capturing the unique rock ......read more

13 April 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ratification of the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), a move that will strengthen the global legal deterrent against unruly and disruptive passenger incidents onboard flights.  “IATA welcomes the leadership shown by the UAE in ratifying MP14. Not only will this give the UAE authorities important new powers in dealing with unruly passengers that land in the country, but as a major aviation market and ICAO Council member, it will also encourage other States to ratify MP14. Ensuring greater international harmonization and strengthening the legal deterrent against unruly and disruptive passengers who pose a threat to passenger and crew wellbeing and safety onboard is a priority for the entire airline industry,” ......read more

#SecureLandCommunications #CritComms #F1Jeddah Jeddah, KSA -   20 March 2023 – Airbus rolled out its mission-critical solutions in the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as the motorsport spectacle’s official secure communication technology provider.   Deployed in the vital points of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit were Airbus TMR880i, THR880i, TH1N, and TH9 Tetra radios and RCS9500 Radio Dispatch Console. Providing secure collaboration and connectivity between organisers and security teams, the technologies were pivotal to safeguarding the people and the venue whilst guaranteeing seamless on-site race activities and operations.  Selim Bouri, Vice-president for Airbus Secure Land Communications in Africa, Asia and the Middle East said: “Clear, concise and secure communication is an important ......read more

08 March 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2023 global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand declined as economic headwinds persist.    • Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), fell 14.9% compared to January 2022 (-16.2% for international operations).  • Capacity (measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, ACTK) was up 3.9% compared to January 2022. This was the first year-on-year growth in capacity since October 2022. International cargo capacity increased 1.4% compared to January 2022. The uptick in ACTKs reflects the strong recovery of belly capacity in passenger airline markets offsetting a decline international capacity offered by dedicated freighters.  • Several factors in the operating environment ......read more

• The Dubai-based carrier adds two new destinations to its network with the launch of flights to Al Qaisumah and Neom and resumes flights to Jizan and Najran Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 03 March 2023:  flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has announced today the launch of four destinations in Saudi Arabia. This includes the start of flights to Neom from 16 March, Najran from 18 March, Al Qaisumah from 21 March and Jizan from 26 April. Earlier this year, the airline also resumed its operations to AlUla with a twice-weekly service from 12 January. Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “flydubai remains committed to opening up underserved markets and so we are pleased to offer our customers more options for travel with the launch of these four destinations. As Saudi Arabia continues on its ......read more

Launches New Premium Experience Campaign featuring the actor DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has launched a new brand campaign in collaboration with world-renowned Indian actor, Deepika Padukone. The campaign launch is the culmination of the airline's endeavour to redefine Qatar Airways Premium experience, particularly through showcasing the world-class Qsuite along with the unparalleled surroundings of The Orchard, which are core to Hamad International Airport’s expansion. The timeless acoustic track ‘Ain’t Nobody’ accompanies the campaign that connects Padukone’s journey with Qatar Airways to a new level of luxury and elegance. She encapsulates the premium experience available to customers of Qatar Airways, transiting through the best airport in the world, Hamad International Airport. Qatar ......read more

Riyadh, KSA - 28 Feb 2023: Riyadh Airports Company (RAC), which operates and manages King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), has announced the successful trial of Smart Path, a facial recognition technology, at International Terminal 2 in partnership with the air transport technology company, SITA. The technology, which was tested at check-in counters and boarding gates recognizes the passengers’ digital identity when stepping up to the camera. The facial image is directly linked to the passengers’ physical passport and travel documents at check-in. This allows them to be identified at security or boarding by simply taking a picture.  This trial is part of RAC’s effort towards digitally transforming King Khalid International Airport into a smart airport in the future in compliance with the standards of ......read more

26, February 2023:  Creating a new milestone in its network expansion strategy, Oman’s value-for-money airline SalamAir has announced direct flights to two new destinations Mashhad in Iran and Almaty in Kazakhstan. Mashhad is the third destination in Iran for the airline, with flights to Shiraz and Tehran already in its network, and Almaty is the airline's first entry into Kazakhstan. Weekly flights from Muscat to Mashhad and Almaty are scheduled for starting from February 21 and 1st July 2023 respectively. These two routes serve a high demand for medical, business, and leisure tourism. The new flights will also offer convenient connections to the SalamAir network. Speaking of the two new routes, Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said, “Iran has been one of the key focus markets for us, and we are pleased ......read more

The national airline celebrates its first flight to Medina, expanding affordable, hassle-free travel for tourists and residents in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia  16, February 2023, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, has commenced operations on the new route of Medina, a centre of Islamic culture. The new destinations further strengthen regional connectivity with high quality point-to-point travel on WIZZ’s convenient flight schedule. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 219 *. Medina, a historical city of religious significance, boasts breath-taking views and architecture. Known as ‘The Enlightened City’, Medina is home to Al Masjid an Nabawi, the Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) ......read more

• ADU is the first academic institution in the world to take this initiative  • Trained GPT-3 will revolutionize the way ADU-related inquiries and services are delivered   Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 February 2023: In a continues bid to integrate breakthrough solutions and tap into the potential of the groundbreaking GPT-3 technology, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) to become the first educational institution in the world to train GPT-3 on its data and services. The integration of the technology seeks to better support students, faculty and staff through providing enhanced and efficient services while setting a new standard for education technology.  By leveraging the power of GPT-3, ADU will support data-driven decision-making, enhance learning outcomes and promote the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) ......read more