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JEDDAH: Passengers traveling through Jeddah airport are set to experience a new duty-free zone, offering global and local brands as ������Ƶ expands its aviation sector. 

The project is managed by JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, a joint venture between Germany’s Gebr. Heinemann, ������Ƶ’s Astra Group, and Jordanian Duty-Free Shops. The group holds a seven-year license to operate the duty-free shop across Terminal 1 and the North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. 

The launch is part of ������Ƶ’s broader push to modernize its aviation sector, enhance passenger experience, and diversify revenue streams, while also showcasing local culture alongside global brands.  

The new duty-free underscores the Kingdom’s bid to attract international travelers, strengthen its position as a regional hub, and generate jobs and investment across tourism and retail. 

Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co., which operates King Abdulaziz International Airport, told Arab News that about 100 young Saudis are employed as merchandisers at the facility. 

“The pilot opening took place in August last year, focusing on the key products passengers are most likely to demand. Following the full launch, monthly reviews will track sales, assess demand, and identify emerging passenger needs,” he said. 

Johar emphasized that the duty-free reflects the status of King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah’s rich culture. “The new duty-free aims to deliver exceptional shopping options and enhance services available to passengers at the airport.” 

He added that the zone will help increase revenues, diversify income sources, create investment opportunities for local and international investors, and generate direct and indirect jobs for Saudi youth, in line with the National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030. 

Spanning about 8,000 sq. meters, the zone showcases more than 335 international brands across 35 outlets and boutiques.  

Simon Forde, CEO of JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, told Arab News that they carry all the main global brands, while also highlighting regional products. 

“I think maybe we need a few more Saudi made products. We have a Saudi-made area. We sell a lot of dates and souvenirs.” 

Categories include cosmetics, confectionery, gourmet foods, tobacco, souvenirs, fashion, accessories, and jewelry. Standalone stores include Longchamp, Michael Kors, and Swarovski. Other brands featured are BOSS, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. 

He added that Saudi products account for 10 to 15 percent of the duty-free’s overall displays, noting that the company is still learning about the region and the Kingdom. 

Speaking at the launch, Forde added: “We are committed to offer passengers a shopping experience that reflects the uniqueness of the Jeddah airport by striking the perfect balance between a global mindset and local culture.”

RIYADH: Jordan’s tourism sector reversed its declining revenue trajectory in the first eight months of 2025, posting a 7.5 percent increase as it pulled in $5.33 billion.

This was in contrast to the 3.7 percent drop seen in the same period of 2024.

Tourism income in August reached $932.2 million, up 2.6 percent from the same month of the previous year, which had seen a 0.3 percent decline, Jordan News Agency, or Petra, reported, citing preliminary data from the country’s central bank.

The growth was supported by a 14.9 percent increase in tourist arrivals. 

These figures reflect Jordan’s momentum in tourism recovery, supported by improved international air connectivity, greater marketing efforts and infrastructure investment, in line with its National Tourism Strategy 2021-25 and Economic Modernization Vision. 

“The data indicated growth in tourism revenue from Asian nationalities (38.4 percent), European (30.2 percent), American (18.6 percent), Arab (5.5 percent), and other nationalities (34.0 percent),” the Petra report stated. 

It added: “Meanwhile, revenue from Jordanian expatriates dropped by 1.3 percent.” 

Outbound tourism expenditure — money spent by Jordanians abroad — rose 4 percent in the first eight months to $1.44 billion. In August alone, spending increased 4.5 percent to $196.8 million. 

Jordan maintained a steady upward trend in tourism performance earlier in 2025. In the first quarter, revenues rose about 8.9 percent year-on-year, with international arrivals up nearly 19 percent, supported by improved air connectivity, expanded marketing efforts, and infrastructure investments. 

In the first half of 2025, tourism revenues increased 11.9 percent to $3.67 billion, despite regional headwinds and other external pressures. 

January alone saw revenues surge 22.8 percent to $680.5 million, driven by higher spending from Jordanian expatriates, Arab visitors, and non-Arab international tourists. 

Jordan’s performance mirrors a wider tourism surge across the Middle East. 

A May release from the World Travel & Tourism Council showed the sector contributed $341.9 billion to regional gross domestic product and supported 7.3 million jobs in 2024, with projections rising to $367.3 billion and 7.7 million jobs in 2025. 

������Ƶ led the region with a 148 percent jump in international tourism revenue in 2024, according to its Ministry of Tourism, while Oman, the UAE, and Qatar continued to draw strong visitor flows through investment, improved connectivity, and major events.