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
7 February 2023: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that 2022 full-year demand for air cargo took a significant step back from 2021 levels but was close to 2019 performance. • Global full-year demand in 2022, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was down 8.0% compared to 2021 (-8.2% for international operations). Compared to 2019, it was down 1.6% (both global and international). • Capacity in 2022, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was 3.0% above 2021 (+4.5% for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels, capacity declined by 8.2% (-9.0% for international operations). • December saw a softening in performance: global demand was 15.3% below 2021 levels (-15.8% for international ......read more
7 February 2023: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2022 and for the full year. • Total traffic in 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 64.4% compared to 2021. Globally, full year 2022 traffic was at 68.5% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2022 total traffic rose 39.7% compared to December 2021 and reached 76.9% of the December 2019 level. • International traffic in 2022 climbed 152.7% versus 2021 and reached 62.2% of 2019 levels. December 2022 international traffic climbed 80.2% over December 2021, reaching 75.1% of the level in December 2019. • Domestic traffic for 2022 rose 10.9% compared to the prior year. 2022 domestic traffic was at 79.6% of the full year 2019 level. December 2022 ......read more
The new routes from Budapest, Bucharest and Rome will provide affordable point-to-point travel opportunities and enhance global connectivity Jeddah, 12 January 2023: On 9, 10 and 11 of January 2023, Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and globally most environmentally sustainable* airline, officially inaugurated three new connections between Bucharest and Jeddah, Budapest and Jeddah and Rome and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The new routes will be served twice a week. Tickets can be purchased on Wizz Air's website and via the WIZZ app from as low as 29.99 EUR*. Wizz Air kicked off 2023 further strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia by launching five new routes from Hungary, Romania and Italy to Riyadh and Jeddah. The new routes to Jeddah from Bucharest, Budapest and Rome will boost the growing Saudi Arabian tourism ......read more
10, January 2023: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the air travel recovery continued through November 2022. • Total traffic in November 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 41.3% compared to November 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 75.3% of November 2019 levels. • International traffic rose 85.2% versus November 2021. The Asia-Pacific continued to report the strongest year-over-year results with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2022 international RPKs reached 73.7% of November 2019 levels. • Domestic traffic for November 2022 was up 3.4% compared to November 2021 with travel restrictions in China continuing to dampen the global result. Total November 2022 domestic traffic was at 77.7% of ......read more
The Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah is no ordinary airport terminal. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and a winner of the 1983 Aga Khan Award, it became a port of entry and junction point for hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims from around the world on their way to Awwal Bait – the First House of Allah, the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, a building at the centre of Islam’s most famous mosque. When the terminal opened, it had the world’s largest cable-stayed, fabric-roofed construction; as it was made on an unprecedented scale, the tensile structure made use of newly developed fabric as a permanent structural element instead of the cable-supported in two directions technique, making it a first-of-sorts in airport design. Today, the Islamic Arts Biennale re-imagines this ......read more
04 January 2023: “Several countries are introducing COVID-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China, even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders. It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years. Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected. That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without ......read more
Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to create the most advanced water parks in the world. - Jeremy Gray, VP of Business Development at WhiteWater Riyadh: Not wanting to be left out in the era of digitization when intelligent automation rules the roost, the water parks sector has been exploring new technologies to improve its operations. Organizations all over the world are looking to create touchless experiences to streamline operations to reduce costs and pain points, which makes countries like Saudi Arabia double the size of its economy to $1.6 trillion, adding an additional $293 billion by 2030, according to a new study by Automation Anywhere. WhiteWater, the world’s largest supplier of water parks and services, has expanded beyond the world of attractions with a software arm called Vantage, which was ......read more
7 September 2022 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced passenger data for July 2022 showing that the recovery in air travel continues to be strong. Note: We have returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Owing to the low traffic base in 2021, some markets will show very ......read more
Saudi Airport Exhibition to be held in Riyadh from November 7 Global airport industry leaders heading to the Kingdom Future Airport Development Summit to host international experts on the sidelines Debate on passenger-centric ‘airports of tomorrow’ Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 30, 2022: The global aviation industry will be heading to Riyadh in the first ......read more
• Grand prize winner Sarah Raouf from Family Tours, Egypt, walks away with brand new BMW X2 • Over 1,500 winners and 6,000 rewards distributed during 120 days August 19, 2022: TBO Holidays, one-stop shop booking platform for all travel agents across MEA, which is owned by Tek Travels DMCC– announced the grand prize winner of BMW x2 car following the final ......read more
• New research finds that airport lounges remain extremely popular in the region • Loyalty rewards are considered the top payment card travel benefit • There is a correlation between travel benefits and increased use of payment cards 17, AUGUST 2022: The travel ecosystem is already making a comeback after a disruptive event that has ......read more
Sustainability In The Air Lab’ saw us asking people who experienced our operations first hand, staff and guests, for their opinions and ideas. Airline a finalist in five categories in the SkyTeam Sustainable Flight ChallengeSAUDIA, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was announced as the winner of the customer engagement category in the SkyTeam Sustainable Flight ......read more
June 24, 2022 - Riyadh, KSA: Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Northern Ring Road recently welcomed tour operators from East Europe as part of the Saudi Tourism Authority’s first familiarization trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In an aim to establish further business ventures and attract international travelers, the familiarization trip allowed participants from ten tourism agencies ......read more
Enhanced global connectivity brings our incredible Low Fares to Saudi Arabia in support of KSA’s Vision 2030, supporting rapidly expanding tourism and aviation sectors within the Kingdom 22 June 2022, Budapest, Hungary: Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most sustainable airline, is launching exciting new routes from Dammam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Rome, Vienna and ......read more
• Travellers to the UK from The Kingdoms of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia can now apply for the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) • VFS Global now offers EVW assistance for applicants in six countries in the Middle East Nationals of The Kingdoms of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia can now apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) when travelling to the UK. Travellers can apply in advance ......read more
20 June 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pegasus Airlines Vice-Chairperson of the Board (Managing Director) Mehmet Tevfik Nane has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from the conclusion of the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha, Qatar on 21 June. Nane is the 80th chair of the IATA ......read more
20 June 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an upgrade to its outlook for the airline industry’s 2022 financial performance as the pace of recovery from the COVID-19 crisis quickens. Forecast highlights include: • Industry losses are expected to reduce to -$9.7 billion (improved from the October 2021 forecast for an $11.6 billion loss) for a ......read more
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering in Doha, Qatar, for the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), with Qatar Airways as the host airline. The event (19-21 June) attracts the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s 290 member airlines, as well as ......read more
The agreement will see the online portal provide IT development services to the charitable association Riyadh, KSA, 19 April 2022: Zamzam.com, the online portal facilitating Umrah booking services in the region, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AlBirr Charitable Society in Makkah Al Mukarramah. The MoU aims to help develop the Information Technology Unit at the ......read more
Zamzam.com launches B2C options to its portal A seamless booking experience with exclusive packages and services available directly to travelers Riyadh, KSA, 12 April 2022: Planning an Umrah trip could quickly turn into a daunting task given the many aspects that are involved. From booking flights and accommodations to ground transfers, the entire process could prove to be ......read more
Airline Shares Universal Greeting from SAUDIA to the World Celebrates EID With Special Flight Offers Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has released a special Eid Al Fitr campaign, marking the conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Eid is a period of celebration with family and friends to mark the end of ......read more
This summer SAUDIA airlines resumes their international operations and direct flights to this magnificent island destination Dubai, UAE - April 22, 2022: SAUDIA Airlines resumes direct flights to Mauritius 3 times a week. With the resumption of flights Saudis are now able to travel again into this magnificent destination, and enjoy what this paradise island has to offer. From ......read more
• The Dubai-based carrier resumes flights to Ha’il and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia from 09 May with five flights a week • The resumption of flights to Ha’il and Tabuk sees flydubai’s network in Saudi Arabia grow to ten points Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 21, April 2022: flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has announced today that it will resume operations to ......read more
07 April 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air cargo markets showing that demand increased in February despite a challenging operating backdrop. Several factors benefitted air cargo in February compared to January. On the demand side, manufacturing activity ramped-up quickly after the early February Lunar New Year ......read more
26, March 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will take place 19-21 June 2022 in Doha, Qatar, hosted by Qatar Airways. This will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar; the first being in 2014. Originally, the 78th IATA ......read more
17 March 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the increasing momentum towards re-opening of borders and relaxation of travel restrictions, as COVID-19 moves into the endemic phase. An IATA survey of travel restrictions for the world’s top 50 air travel markets (comprising 88% of ......read more
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - 2, March 2022: At the World Defense Show from 6-9 March in Riyadh, Airbus will showcase a wide range of products, cutting-edge technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of aerospace. The show will be held biennially from its debut edition in March, supporting the development of a sustainable local industry, in line with the ......read more
2, March 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects overall traveler numbers to reach 4.0 billion in 2024 (counting multi-sector connecting trips as one passenger), exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels (103% of the 2019 total). Expectations for the shape of the near-term recovery have shifted slightly, reflecting the evolution of government-imposed travel restrictions in some ......read more
The park will feature 22 rides and attractions including 9 world firsts 24, February 2022: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced the award of a SAR 2.8 billion ($750 million) contract to build Saudi Arabia’s first and the region’s largest water theme park. The contract was awarded to ALEC Saudi Arabia Engineering & Contracting and El Seif Engineering ......read more
Dubai, UAE, 4th January 2022 – Tata Communications, a global digital ecosystem enabler, and Zain KSA, a pioneering mobile telecommunications and digital services provider that is committed to supporting innovation and spearheading the next-generation’s technological revolution in the Middle East, today announced they have entered a strategic engagement to fuel digital transformation ......read more
25 August 2021: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to further reopen borders and resume international air connectivity. Saudi Arabia has taken measures to ease travel restrictions to the Kingdom and enhance passenger facilitation with the necessary health protocols to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, ......read more
The perfect destination in Jeddah for business and leisure travellers June 21, 2021: The much-loved Rosewood Jeddah is offering a range of exciting summer offers since travel restrictions have been lifted, allowing GCC travelers to return once more. The iconic hotel has vaccinated its entire hotel staff to ensure guests returning to one of the city’s most ......read more
May 19, 2021: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, SAUDIA, announced a new reciprocal loyalty agreement, expanding on the existing codeshare deal between the two airlines. Members of the Etihad Guest and ALFURSAN programmes can now earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ ......read more
Airline’s inaugural service into new terminal operated by newest A380 with premium economy Emirates becomes first airline to operate A380 to Terminal 1 at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport March 30, 2021: Emirates has made its first A380 touchdown at Terminal 1 in Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), making it the first airline ......read more
• Future Hospitality Summit will welcome a comprehensive line-up of hospitality and government leaders, industry captains, founders, change-makers, insight experts, and media, on 26-27 October. • The jam-packed line-up includes Arne Sorenson (Marriott International), Arnold W. Donald (Carnival Corporation), Gloria Guevara (WTTC), Alexandre de Juniac (IATA), Geoffrey JW ......read more
• Managed and operated by VFS Global, the newly launched centres have started to accept passport renewal requests from Sunday to Saturday between 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM Saudi - October 08, 2020: In a bid to ease the passport renewal process for Philippine nationals living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), The Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and VFS ......read more
• Etihad to resume flights to three destinations in Saudi Arabia in October 2020 • The ‘Choose Saudi Arabia’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flew to 46 destinations since 23 September 2019 September 23, 2020: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is honoured to celebrate the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the ......read more
141,000 searches were conducted on our platform following the announcement Dubai, 16 September 2020: Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), supports Saudi Arabia’s decision on the resumption of exceptional flights and explains the regulations and categories of travelers allowed to enter and exit the ......read more
• Health precautions introduced throughout the visa application system, including the doorstep ‘On Demand Mobile Visa’ service available for student visa customers. • UK Visas and Immigration has introduced greater flexibility in visa rules, allowing students to apply for visas when they are able to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their ......read more
THC to expand its services to include scenic tourism and aerial work @AirbusHeli @thc_sa #MakingMissionsPossible Riyadh, 20 August 2020 – The Helicopter Company (THC), which is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, today announced that it has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters to purchase 10 H125 helicopters. The deal comes as ......read more
Saudi - August 09, 2020: Focusing keenly on their growth in the Kingdom, The Ascott Limited continues its niche brand offerings as an exclusive ‘hotel apartment’ destination for business and leisure travellers in Jeddah. Catering to a wide sector of both long and short stay guests, the properties, namely Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah ......read more
Mandatory mask wearing will protect travellers and workers People need to learn to live with COVID-19 until a vaccine is widely available July 11, 2020: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called upon all travellers to don protective face masks to show they ‘wear to care’ in the new normal of travelling. As countries transition from lockdowns to ......read more
Intra-Middle East travel demand as a region expected to perform best, with The Maldives ranked as number 1 standalone destination for expected demand 09, June 2020 – In a survey conducted by AVIAREPS of 94 of the Gulf Countries (G.C.C.) leading outbound travel agencies, demand for outbound travel from the G.C.C. is expected to return from August/September 2020, with a ......read more
June 04, 2020: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that demand for air services is beginning to recover after hitting bottom in April. Passenger demand in April (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs), plunged 94.3% compared to April 2019, as the COVID-19-related travel restrictions virtually shut down domestic and international air travel. This is a rate ......read more
2 June 2020: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to quickly implement the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) global guidelines for restoring air connectivity. Today, the ICAO Council approved Takeoff: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis (Takeoff). This is an authoritative and ......read more
13 May 2020, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for aviation-specific financial relief measures from the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address the severe impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the air transport sector. IATA estimates that revenues generated by airlines in the Saudi market will fall by $7.2 billion in 2020, 35% below ......read more
Saudi Tourist arrivals jumped in January 2020 with a 137% increase compared to January 2019, making Saudi Arabia ranked top 9th market to Mauritius. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 27 February 2020: According to the latest statistics released from the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), visitors to Mauritius from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia increased 137% in January 2020 compared to the same ......read more
24 February 2020 – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) will showcase opportunities for growth and development within the Kingdom’s defence sector at the Global Aerospace Summit 2020. The event, taking place in Abu Dhabi on 17-19 March, is one of the world’s leading thought leadership forums for the aviation, aerospace, space and defence ......read more
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 18, 2020: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will again operate a daily scheduled flight between the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s second largest city, Al Ain, and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the last ten days of Ramadan. The airline will operate the flights from 14 May to 23 May to meet increased demand ......read more
JLL’s City Momentum Index combines socio-economic and commercial property metrics of 130 markets to identify the world’s most dynamic urban centers January 25, 2020 – Cities in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are gaining momentum, with Dubai, Riyadh and Nairobi all ranked within the top 20, according to JLL’s City Momentum Index 2020 which ......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
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