/main-category/tourism-transport en /node/2603187/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nadin-hassan%C2%A0">Nadin Hassan </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tue, 2025-06-03 12:34</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Saudi low-cost carrier flynas finalized its initial public offering share allocation at SR80 ($21) per share, the top of its indicated range, following robust demand from institutional and retail investors.</p> <p> The pricing values the airline at an estimated market capitalization of SR13.6 billion at listing.   </p> <p> The offering comes after flynas announced plans last month to float 30 percent of its share capital on the Saudi Exchange, becoming the first airline in the Kingdom to go public and the Gulf’s first in nearly two decades. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/03/4608186-579153315.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="" title="The IPO marks a key milestone for the company as it seeks to strengthen its market position and expand its operational footprint. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/main-category/finance">Finance</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/flynas">Flynas</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-stock-exchange-tadawul">Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)</a></div></div></div> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:44:34 +0000 owen.bennett 2603187 at /node/2603080/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan">Nirmal Narayanan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2025-06-02 13:51</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> NEW DELHI: The Middle East has all the potential to emerge as a global hub for sustainable aviation fuel production thanks to co-processing opportunities available in the region, according to a top official. </p> <p> Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association’s Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, Marie Owens Thomsen, senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist at IATA, said that the world should act now to increase the production of SAF to meet decarbonization targets. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/02/4607918-277095027.jpg" width="4096" height="3072" alt="" title="Marie Owens Thomsen, senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist at IATA. AN" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/international-air-transport-association-iata">International Air Transport Association (IATA)</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/sustainable-aviation-fuel">sustainable aviation fuel</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/aviation">aviation</a></div></div></div> <span class="label abs-el uppercase special"> Special </span> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:06:19 +0000 owen.bennett 2603080 at /node/2603069/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan">Nirmal Narayanan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2025-06-02 12:02</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> NEW DELHI: Middle East airlines are forecast to post the world’s highest net profit margin in 2025 of 8.7 percent, outpacing global peers, according to the latest industry report. </p> <p> The forecast, released by the International Air Transport Association during its 81st Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, also projects that airlines operating in the Middle East will generate a net profit of $6.2 billion this year — slightly up from $6.1 billion in 2024. The region is also expected to earn $27.20 per passenger.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/02/4607890-1263144719.jpg" width="1000" height="666" alt="" title="The region is also expected to earn $27.20 per passenger. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/international-air-transport-association-iata">International Air Transport Association (IATA)</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/aviation-industry">Aviation industry</a></div></div></div> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:16:15 +0000 owen.bennett 2603069 at /node/2602983/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan">Nirmal Narayanan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-06-01 16:25</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> NEW DELHI: Global sustainable aviation fuel production is expected to double to reach 2 million tonnes in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the International Air Transport Association. </p> <p> In a press statement issued during IATA’s Annual General Meeting, Director General Willie Walsh noted that the projected 2 million tonnes of SAF will account for just 0.7 percent of total fuel consumption this year.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/06/01/4607658-369801213.jpg" width="800" height="490" alt="The use of SAF has been increasingly prominent in recent years, as most countries have set stipulated targets to achieve net zero as part of their energy transition efforts. Reuters" title="The use of SAF has been increasingly prominent in recent years, as most countries have set stipulated targets to achieve net zero as part of their energy transition efforts. Reuters" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/aviation">aviation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/international-air-transport-association-iata">International Air Transport Association (IATA)</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/international-civil-aviation-organization-icao">International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/iata">IATA</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sustainable-aviation-fuel">sustainable aviation fuel</a></div></div></div> Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:28:41 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2602983 at /node/2602607/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206261">MOHAMMED AL-KINANI</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-29 15:12</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has secured third place in the 2024 Airport Connectivity Index for the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in ������Ƶ’s ascent as a global aviation hub.</p> <p> The ranking was announced at the Air Connectivity Conference 2025, held in Shanghai, where the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East unveiled its annual index.</p> <p> KAIA followed Dubai International Airport and Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in the regional rankings.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/29/4606673-1192271941.jpeg" width="759" height="506" alt="The ranking was announced at the Air Connectivity Conference 2025, held in Shanghai, where the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East unveiled its annual index." title="The ranking was announced at the Air Connectivity Conference 2025, held in Shanghai, where the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East unveiled its annual index." /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/aviation">aviation</a></div></div></div> Thu, 29 May 2025 12:15:33 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2602607 at /node/2602456/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Wed, 2025-05-28 13:39</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> MANILA: Saudi budget carrier flyadeal could start flying to Syria as early as July, CEO Steven Greenway said on Wednesday, joining a handful of foreign airlines introducing or resuming flights to the country as sanctions against it are scaled back.<br /> “We got approvals last week to fly to Syria ... We’re getting ready to hopefully launch that in July,” Greenway told Reuters in Manila, where he announced a deal to lease two jets from Philippine budget airline Cebu Pacific.<br /></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/28/4606307-1887278136.jpg" width="670" height="395" alt="" title="The picture uploaded on Flyadeal&#039;s LinkedIn page on December 19, 2024 shows one of its plane taking taking off. Flyadeal" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/flyadeal">flyadeal</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/tags/syria">Syria</a></div></div></div> Wed, 28 May 2025 10:40:15 +0000 sarah.glubb 2602456 at /node/2602370/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nadin-hassan">Nadin Hassan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tue, 2025-05-27 18:12</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> ABHA: ������Ƶ’s Asir region is set to receive a fresh investment boost of SR4 billion ($1.06 billion), raising the total value of government-backed projects in the area to more than SR25 billion, according to a senior official.</p> <p> Speaking at the second Asir Investment Forum in Abha, Prince Turki bin Talal, governor of Asir, announced that over SR5 billion in investments are already underway. The newly pledged SR4 billion will be formally revealed during the two-day forum.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/27/4606074-1477548270.jpeg" width="4160" height="2773" alt="Organized by the Aseer Development Authority, the event drew over 1,500 participants, including ministers, business leaders, and regional experts. AN photos by Huda Bashatah" title="Organized by the Aseer Development Authority, the event drew over 1,500 participants, including ministers, business leaders, and regional experts. AN photos by Huda Bashatah" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/asir">Asir</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/tags/tourism">tourism</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/development">Development</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/investment">Investment</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudivision2030">SaudiVision2030</a></div></div></div> Tue, 27 May 2025 15:18:21 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2602370 at /node/2602206/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/reem-walid">Reem Walid</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2025-05-26 15:21</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: ������Ƶ has raised wage subsidies for local workers in the tourism sector from 30 percent to 50 percent, in a strategic push to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labor.</p> <p> The initiative, part of the Employment Support Program by the Human Resources Development Fund, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism in coordination with other government agencies.</p> <p> It extends financial support to 43 tourism-related professions and is designed to enhance the appeal and sustainability of careers in the sector.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/26/4605689-1706839043.jpeg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="The decision is part of continued efforts to localize critical job functions and strengthen the domestic workforce. Reuters/File" title="The decision is part of continued efforts to localize critical job functions and strengthen the domestic workforce. Reuters/File" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/tags/tourism">tourism</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudization">Saudization</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/employment">Employment</a></div></div></div> Mon, 26 May 2025 12:24:40 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2602206 at /node/2602091/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-elshaeri">Nour ElShaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-05-25 14:32</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: ������Ƶ is placing human-centered travel at the forefront of its tourism strategy, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, meaningful interactions, and community engagement as it reshapes its global tourism identity.</p> <p> Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that this people-first approach is designed to balance the Kingdom’s rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections. The strategy, he said, forms a cornerstone of ������Ƶ’s broader ambition to become a leading international tourism destination.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/25/4605399-1737099634.jpeg" width="1200" height="800" alt="Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that this people-first approach is designed to balance the Kingdom’s rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections." title="Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that this people-first approach is designed to balance the Kingdom’s rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections." /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tourise">TOURISE</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/tags/vision-2030">Vision 2030</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ahmed-al-khateeb">Ahmed Al-Khateeb</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-ministry-tourism">Saudi Ministry of Tourism</a></div></div></div> Sun, 25 May 2025 11:33:32 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2602091 at /node/2602082/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/mohammed-al-kinani%C2%A0">Mohammed Al-Kinani </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-05-25 13:16</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> JEDDAH: ������Ƶ’s King Khalid International Airport recorded the highest on-time departure rate among the Kingdom’s international airports in April, achieving 90 percent punctuality, official data showed.  </p> <p> According to the monthly report published by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Riyadh-based hub outperformed larger airports such as Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International, the Saudi Press Agency reported. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/25/4605378-1262751500.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="" title="According to the monthly report published by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Riyadh-based hub outperformed larger airports such as Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/aviation">aviation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/airport">Airport</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-general-authority-civil-aviation-gaca">Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/king-khalid-international-airport">King Khalid International Airport</a></div></div></div> Sun, 25 May 2025 10:26:45 +0000 ameen.syed 2602082 at /node/2601858/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/reem-walid">Reem Walid</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2025-05-23 12:35</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Tourism is a critical part of ������Ƶ’s Vision 2030 diversification initiative, but far from solely relying on its rich heritage to attract visitors, the Kingdom is utilizing pioneering technology to bring the past to life and help deliver an economy for the future.</p> <p> One of the key pillars of the government’s aim to move ������Ƶ away from its reliance on oil revenues is to establish the Kingdom as a global tourism hub and increase the sector’s gross domestic product contribution from 3 percent to 10 percent.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/23/4604805-1742266702.jpg" width="2119" height="1414" alt="" title="From immersive historical reconstructions to personalized AI-driven tours, the Kingdom is setting a global benchmark for experiential and sustainable travel. Getty" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-tourism">saudi tourism</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/virtual-reality">virtual reality</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/vr">VR</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/augmented-reality">augmented reality</a></div></div></div> Fri, 23 May 2025 09:58:46 +0000 owen.bennett 2601858 at /node/2601759/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nadin-hassan">Nadin Hassan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-22 18:43</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: ������Ƶ has launched TOURISE, a global platform connecting leaders in tourism, tech, investment, and sustainability, as it positions itself to shape future travel policy and innovation. </p> <p> The platform, officially introduced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, will serve as a year-round initiative to unlock investment opportunities, address sector-wide challenges, and develop policies to guide the next phase of global tourism growth.  </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/22/4604554-1385261462.jpeg" width="2048" height="1160" alt="The platform, officially introduced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, will serve as a year-round initiative to unlock investment opportunities. Photo/Supplied" title="The platform, officially introduced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, will serve as a year-round initiative to unlock investment opportunities. Photo/Supplied" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudivision2030">SaudiVision2030</a></div></div></div> Thu, 22 May 2025 15:47:09 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2601759 at /node/2601728/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/rbitem-author/arab-news">Arab News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-22 15:00</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Matarat Holding, the state-owned company responsible for managing ������Ƶ’s airports, has signed a strategic agreement with French aerospace and defense giant Thales to advance the Kingdom’s aviation sector through cutting-edge digital technologies.</p> <p> The agreement, formalized during the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 in Madrid, Spain, focuses on enhancing innovation, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience across the Kingdom’s 27 airports.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/22/4604471-1412631755.jpeg" width="4000" height="2666" alt="The agreement focuses on enhancing innovation, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience across the Kingdom’s 27 airports. Supplied" title="The agreement focuses on enhancing innovation, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience across the Kingdom’s 27 airports. Supplied" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudivision2030">SaudiVision2030</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/aviation">aviation</a></div></div></div> Thu, 22 May 2025 12:01:30 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2601728 at /node/2601710/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/reem-walid%C2%A0">REEM WALID </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thu, 2025-05-22 13:02</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Qatar’s tourism industry contributed 55 billion Qatari riyals ($15.1 billion) to the country’s gross domestic product in 2024, accounting for 8 percent of total economic output, according to a senior official.  </p> <p> The figure marks a 14 percent increase compared with 2023, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji said during a high-level business forum in Doha, the country’s news agency reported. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/22/4604417-1077453016.png" width="1780" height="1182" alt="" title="Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji speaking during a business forum in Doha. QNA" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/qatar-tourism">qatar tourism</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/qatar-economic-forum">Qatar Economic Forum</a></div></div></div> Thu, 22 May 2025 10:06:30 +0000 owen.bennett 2601710 at /node/2601194/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nadin-hassan">Nadin Hassan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-05-18 14:15</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: ������Ƶ’s air travel sector experienced a 15 percent growth in passenger traffic in 2024, with more than 128 million passengers traveling through the Kingdom’s airports, a report revealed.</p> <p> According to the General Authority for Statistics’ Air Transport Statistics Publication 2024, international passenger traffic reached 69 million, an increase of 14 percent compared to 2023. Domestic passenger traffic also rose by 16 percent, totaling 59 million passengers.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/05/18/4603054-1614648024.jpeg" width="1200" height="800" alt="The average daily number of passengers at Saudi airports stood at approximately 189,000 for international flights and 162,000 for domestic routes. File" title="The average daily number of passengers at Saudi airports stood at approximately 189,000 for international flights and 162,000 for domestic routes. File" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/tourism-transport">Tourism &amp; Transport</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/aviation">aviation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/general-authority-statistics">General Authority for Statistics</a></div></div></div> Sun, 18 May 2025 11:18:22 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2601194 at