• 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
November 24, 2019: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has received a special reception - welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute – at Jeddah’s new Terminal 1. The inaugural flight was operated on Etihad’s Dreamliner with the distinctive Kingdom of Saudi Arabia livery. The reception was followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and was attended ......read more
KSA, 30 October 2019: The recent launch of international tourist e-visas in Saudi Arabia, as part of Vision 2030 initiatives to boost tourism and increase global competitiveness, is set to have a positive long term impact on the Kingdom’s real estate market, outlines JLL’s latest Q3 market reports. In efforts to diversify the economy away from oil the government ......read more
October 22, 2019: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have marked the first anniversary of their commercial partnership by announcing 12 new codeshare routes to key destinations in Asia and Europe. Since signing their agreement in October, 2018, the two airlines have placed ......read more
The “Sport for Peace Awards” project is expected to have extensive global impact. October 02, 2019: Reaching to more countries and international destinations than any other airline in line with its goal to fly every corner of the world, Turkish Airlines carries its active stance in the development of its flight network to collaborating with prominent global brands, ......read more
27, August 2019: Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries that any other airline, continues to enhance its flight network. Flag carrier has launched scheduled flights to Mexico City, the second biggest city of Latin America and capital of Mexico along with Cancún, one of the favorite holiday centers of Central America. The flights to Mexico City and Cancún, ......read more
05, August 2019: Turkish Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines, the largest airlines and flag carriers of their countries, Turkey and Poland, announced today the enhancement of their current codeshare agreement with additional destinations both from Turkish Airlines’ and LOT’s flight network. Through this enhanced partnership, Turkish Airlines and LOT will reciprocally add ......read more
23 July 2019: DUBZ, a leading baggage technology and logistics company and part of dnata, has opened a new ‘check-in station’ in The Dubai Mall, the world’s most visited retail and lifestyle destination, to offer airline passengers another convenient option to take advantage of its innovative services. The station is located in the dnata Travel store ......read more
Saudi, 18 June 2019: Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has decided to expand its existing A320neo Family order from 35 to as many as 100 NEO aircraft including 35 options. The additional firm order takes SAUDIA’s order of A320neo Family aircraft to 65 of which 15 are A321XLRs. The agreement was announced at the Paris Air Show by His ......read more
Responding to the increasing demand on car parking slots during the Hajj and Umrah season, this facility will serve both the property guests and visitors of Makkah Makkah, KSA - 29 May 2019: M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, a 5-star hotel located at the heart of the holy city of Makkah, is pleased to announce that a new cars’ parking facility is now available and ready to serve ......read more
New daily Etihad flights to take place during the last ten days of Ramadan, facilitating travel to Saudi Arabia for the performance of Umrah Dubai, United Arab Emirates - May 27, 2019: Abu Dhabi Airports has welcomed new daily flights from Al Ain International Airport (AAN) to King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, designed to facilitate ......read more
UAE national airline demonstrates commitment to Abu Dhabi’s second largest city with 10 scheduled services May 09, 2019 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways will operate a daily scheduled flight between the oasis city of Al Ain in the UAE and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the last ten days of Ramadan. The airline will operate the flights from ......read more
2019 will see Turkish Airlines expand its extensive flight network with the introduction of 13 new routes including Sharjah and Marrakech which started operations in early April Turkey’s national carrier served a total of 1.58 million passengers in the Middle East during Q1 2019, rising by 2.5 percent since the same period in 2018 The airline also carried a total of 41.698 tons ......read more
Visa Application Center inaugurated in Riyadh by His Excellency, Mr. Gerard McCoy, Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia May 02, 2019: Citizens and expatriate residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can apply for visas to Ireland at the new visa application centers jointly launched by the Embassy of Ireland in Saudi Arabia and VFS Global, the ......read more
Day 3 of the Arabian Travel Market 2019 ended with tremendous success, as expected the day 3 also attracted innumerable travel enthusiast's from the globe to the largest and most awaited yearly event for the travel and tourism industry. ATM 2019 seems promising and would see huge crowd on it's last day tomorrow. Global Innovations, one of the exhibitors for the Travel Technology ......read more
April 30, 2019: The Arabian Travel Market 2019 embarked with tremendous success on its second day. It attracted innumerable travel enthusiasts from different regions of the world to this largest and most awaited yearly event for the travel and tourism industry. ATM 2019 is gaining traction each day with an increased in number of visitors each day. Global Innovations, one of the ......read more
April 28 2019: Travel trade professionals from across the globe arrived in Dubai to witness the region’s leading travel industry event "Arabian Travel market 2019" which kicked off successfully. ATM 2019’s first business day engagements showed promising outcomes with travel trade professionals who showed a renewed interest in Global Innovations, one of the ......read more
The new product, TassPro, will be an exceptional point of sale solution for travel agencies Global Innovations, with its state-of-the-art IT services, is all set to participate in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019. The ATM is a leading international event focused on the travel and tourism industry. Envisaged with a goal, Global Innovations is dedicated to serve with strategy-inspired Travel ......read more
Game-changing, fully-enclosed First Class private suites to debut for first time in the GCC April 14, 2019: In a move to offer a range of experiences and greater choice for its customers travelling for business and leisure, Emirates will be operating its latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with the ‘Game Changer' First Class suites from Dubai to Riyadh starting from 16 ......read more
The Kingdom is the second biggest aviation market in ME 100 million passengers passed through Saudi airports in 2018 The Kingdom working to privatize all 27 existing airports Dammam Airports takes up biggest stand Technology helping streamline business processes Dubai, April 10, 2019: The 19th edition of Airport Show from 29 April - 1 May at the Dubai ......read more
New leisure and tourism facilities forecast to fuel domestic tourism at 8% per year until 2023, says new Arabian Travel Market report 33% of delegates, exhibitors and visitors to Arabian Travel Market interested in doing business with the Kingdom Dubai, UAE, April 10, 2019: Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute $70.9 billion (SAR 263.1 billion) ......read more
[03 April 2019): British Airways has announced it will fly from Dammam to London Heathrow from December 1, 2019. Tickets are on sale now. The route is the first ever direct flight from Dammam to London Heathrow, with flights departing daily. The service will launch as a daily ‘tag’ service via Bahrain. Flights will be operated by a four-class Boeing 777-200 ......read more
SAMI, GACA and Many More to Exhibit at Dubai Airshow Dubai, UAE. 17 March 2019: Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its growing strength in the aerospace industry with participation of its biggest players in the Dubai Airshow in November this year. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) are the latest to announce participation joining the General Authority of Civil ......read more
DUBAI, U.A.E., 14 March 2019: The Emirates A380 drew in more than 3000 visitors in two days at the first ever Saudi International Airshow. The Emirates A380 was the largest commercial aircraft on display at the milestone event. The aircraft received a royal visit from HRH Sultan bin Salman, Chairman of the Board of Saudi Space Agency. HRH was received by Adel Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, ......read more
Event on Record Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 14 March 2019: The eleventh Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) 2019, Saudi Arabia’s leading travel industry show, will be held from March 28-30 at Al Faisaliah Tower Hotel. It is expected to provide business networking opportunities, seminars, ministerial discussions, and highlight the tourism industry’s achievements of the past 12 ......read more
DUBAI, U.A.E., 23 February 2019: Emirates will be showcasing its flagship Airbus A380 for two days at the first ever Saudi International Airshow. The popular double-decker aircraft will be on display on March 12th and 13th at Al Thumamah Airport in Riyadh, giving visitors the opportunity to tour its interior and experience its award-winning products across all classes, including Emirates’ ......read more
It is the first extended stay property for Shaza Hotels and marks the debut of the brand in Riyadh taking its portfolio of operational hotels to three in Saudi Arabia Riyadh: Shaza Hotels, a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, has announced the opening of Shaza Hotel Residences, Riyadh. The property is the first for the brand in Riyadh and its third in KSA. It is also the first extended stay ......read more
14th February 2019 Turkish Airlines, flying passengers to more global destinations than any other airline, preparing for a brand new journey set to be started with its move to its new state-of-the-art home base, Istanbul Airport, continues its partnership with The LEGO® Movie franchise with the recent digital debut, of a new fun and original safety video. It stars characters from the ......read more
January 14, 2019: Turkish Airlines, who has recently announced its passenger and cargo traffic results for December 2018, reached 80.2% load factor in that month. Growth in the number of passengers, revenue per kilometer and load factor, is an important indicator of the continued growing interest in Turkey and Turkish Airlines at the end of the year as well. According to ......read more
January 08, 2019: British Airways’ new year’s resolution is to provide its customers with even more quality and choice in every cabin on every route - with a £6.5bn investment and 19 great reasons to look forward to flying with the airline in 2019. Here are some of the reasons to fly with British Airways this year: The January sale – on ......read more
IMAGES: https://we.tl/t-riYunpUUUZ December 06, 2018: Charm, atmosphere and pure relaxation are guaranteed when visiting Switzerland. Enjoy the Mediterranean flair in Summer while Island hopping in Ascona-Locarno, create your very own watch in Geneva or challenge your taste buds by tasting over 30 different kind of chocolates in Zurich. During the colder months, visit ......read more
14 November 2018: Turkish Airlines, who has recently announced its passenger and cargo traffic results for October, reached 83.4% load factor in that month. On top of the strong base effect of the last year, the growth in the number of passengers, revenue per kilometer and load factor, is an important indicator of the continued growing interest in Turkey and Turkish Airlines in the last ......read more
Codeshare to cover 41 destinations on the two carriers’ networks Etihad Airways Engineering to provide select maintenance services for SAUDIA fleet at Abu Dhabi hub Discussions taking place to explore commercial cargo joint opportunities Plans to offer reciprocal ‘earn and burn’ on frequent flyer programmes October 22, 2018: Etihad Airways, the national ......read more
October 13, 2018: A Saudi delegation from the customs of King Abdul Azziz International Airport in Jeddah highly applauded the high advanced level Dubai Customs has reached. During their visit to the Passenger Operations Department in Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, the Saudi visitors expressed admiration and willingness to benefit from the knowledge and experience Dubai ......read more
September 9, 2018- Elaf Group, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services in the region through its diverse portfolio of world-class hotels, has played a key role in supporting the tourism sector in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) since its establishment. The Group has implemented ambitious strategies and innovative plans, making it one of the ......read more
MEBAA Conference Jeddah Highlights Industry Opportunities Saudi Arabia, 05 September, 2018: The MEBAA Conference Jeddah took place yesterday at the Jeddah Hilton, and brought together the business aviation industry from the region. Speaking at the event, Captain Bander Khaldi, Managing Director, National Aviation Academy, said that Saudi Arabia will require 8800 pilots and 11700 ......read more
Reliable secure communication infrastructure has contributed to a fearless stay of more than two million pilgrims at the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia Dubai, UAE – 2 September 2018: Together with the telecom companies STC Specialized and House of Invention International (HOI) in Saudi Arabia, Airbus has supplied secure communication infrastructure to the ......read more
5 August 2018, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Airports is hosting delegates candidates from the Royal Saudi Air Force at the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) for a series of selected aviation training sessions. The trainee will benefit from knowledge-sharing exercises covering areas related to safety and security, forming part of the close cooperation between the aviation sectors ......read more
July 30, 2018 - The Elaf Jeddah - Red Sea Mall, a part of the Elaf Group, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services in the region, revealed that its Al Danah Ballroom is one of the highly preferred venue for events and weddings--epitomizing the hotel's new standards of excellence and luxury. The Ballroom stands out as one of the most ......read more
Under the patronage and in attendance of His Highness Prince Dr. Turki Bin Saud, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology The initiative identifies and incubates top entrepreneurial talent and ventures from the aerospace and aviation sector Dubai, UAE, July 09, 2018: The winners of the ‘Entaliq in KSA’ initiative have been announced today at a ......read more
Under the patronage and in attendance of His Highness Prince Dr.Turki Bin Saud, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology The initiative identifies and incubates top entrepreneurial talents and ventures from the aerospace sector in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, KSA – 04 July, 2018: Airbus has announced that the closing ceremony of ‘Entaliq in KSA’ ......read more
Saudi Arabia, June 25, 2018: Millennium Hotels and Resorts have furthered their expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the opening of Millennium Madinah Airport. Designed to provide pilgrims and visitors a luxurious accommodation in the city, the 5-star property features 227 magnificent rooms and is located at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport. Situated 30 ......read more
Initial Saudi Group wins Riyadh Airport FM Contract Saudi Arabia, June 5, 2018: This month, leading KSA Facilities Management heavyweight, Initial Saudi Group announced that they have won the FM Cleaning contract for Riyadh Airport, despite stiff competition from at least five other FM companies. Initial Saudi Group have been appointed to take on the responsibility of all cleaning and ......read more
Saudi Arabia, May 23, 2018: Dammam Airports Company (DACO) has awarded a 10-year contract to Serco for the provision of fire and rescue services at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (KFIA), the first Saudi airport to leverage an international service provider’s expertise in firefighting systems. DACO CEO, Mr.Turki Al Jawini, said, “We are delighted to ......read more
Airline selects SITA for cloud support for its 200 offices worldwide across 60 countries JEDDAH – 30 April 2018 – Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has selected SITA to support its strategic expansion plans by introducing modern, world-class IT infrastructure across 200 of the airline’s offices located in 100 cities and ......read more
The Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism announced that its pavilion featuring landmark cultural heritage and natural tourism spots are attracting huge interests from thousands of visitors at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2018, taking place at Al Faisalah Tower Hotel until April 13, 2018. The Ministry noted the positive response from visitors reflect the country’s strategic edge as an ......read more
- Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic and outbound tourism promotion event opens with 300 exhibitors from 55 countries – (Riyadh, 11 April 2018) – Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) 2018, Saudi Arabia’s leading travel industry showcase, opened its doors for the tenth consecutive year in Riyadh yesterday evening, April 10, 2018, with more than 300 exhibitors from 55 countries. The ......read more
The Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism announced that it will participate at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2018 along with leading players in regional and international travel and tourism to showcase the Sultanate’s latest and most competitive tourism projects set as major attractions for Saudi and regional tourists. The travel trade show, which will take place from April 10 to 13, ......read more
March 29, 2018 – Elaf Group, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism, and hospitality services, has inaugurated a qualified female workers supported call center as part of a community communication efforts to provide exceptional hospitalities travel and Sharia-compliant hospitality services as well, to all of its customers, empowering expectation access to, ......read more
March 28, 2018 - The Elaf Group, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services, recently opened a new all-female staffed call center in Jeddah as part of the group's continuing efforts to provide exceptional Shari'a compliant travel, tourism and hospitality services to all its customers. The new facility has been inaugurated to allow ......read more
Results for 2017 Adjusted EBIT increased around 70 percent to some EUR 3 billion Adjusted EBIT margin raised 2.9 percentage points to 8.4 percent Earnings growth primarily driven by the Group’s airlines (including cargo) Revenues up 12.4 percent to EUR 35.6 billion Unit costs further reduced 60 percent higher dividend proposed at EUR 0.80 per share Outlook for ......read more
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