Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced that the number of visitors to events during the second quarter of this year reached more than 16 million visitors, an increase of about 130% over the same period last year, when the number of visitors reached 7 million visitors. The total number of licenses reached 1,529, an increase of 7.3 percent compared to the second quarter of last year 2023, when the total number of licenses issued reached 1,425. The largest number of licenses was for live shows in restaurants and cafes with 523 licenses, followed by entertainment events with 433 licenses, then entertainment shows with 322 licenses, 93 licenses for entertainment cities, and then crowd organization and management with 60 licenses. In its second quarter report, the Authority stated that the number of licensed entertainment destinations reached 97 in the second quarter. In terms of oversight, the number of field visits for the year 2024 achieved a 301% jump compared to the second quarter of 2023, when the number of visits was 5,200 visits, while the number of visits in the second quarter reached 20,880 field visits during the second quarter of 2024. Those wishing to issue licenses of various types can access the “Entertainment Portal,” which facilitates the provision of entertainment services. It can also be used to view the requirements and controls necessary to work in the sector. The Authority issues licenses for entertainment centers, operating entertainment facilities, certificates of accreditation for selling tickets for entertainment activities, managing and developing entertainment artistic talents, and certificates of accreditation for organizing and managing crowds. Entertainment event permits, entertainment show permits, live show permits in restaurants and cafes, in addition to entertainment city licenses.

Dubai International (DXB) has raised the bar on its contribution to Dubai’s economy by welcoming a record 44.9 million guests during the first six months of this year. Marking an 8% year-on-year increase in guests, DXB has established its position as a globally preferred gateway, boosted by strong connectivity with key international markets, while reaffirming its central role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth. Dubai attracted 9.31 million international visitors in H1 2024, reflecting its burgeoning appeal as a global hub for talent, enterprises, and investors. These figures, recently released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, tie in closely with the growth of Dubai’s GDP, which reached AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, up 3.2% from the previous year. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented, “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world, and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest. Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China, have been instrumental in our success. We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024.” The size and significance of DXB’s established and growing markets including South Asia, Western Europe, the GCC, and East Asia has played a crucial role in the airport’s continued success. In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top …

ITA Airways is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia launching its second destination in the country with the direct Rome- Jeddah roundtrip flight, operating with three weekly frequencies. “We are delighted to inaugurate our first nonstop flight between Jeddah and Rome, strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia, a rapidly growing market”, said Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare. “This new opening follows the launch of the nonstop connection to Riyadh in June and is part of our ongoing summer network expansion, which boasts excellent booking results. Operated with the state-of-the-art A321neo, this new flight will expand the medium-haul network and enhance commercial and cultural exchanges between the Arabian Peninsula and Italy, while also providing connections with our array of destinations accessible via our Rome Fiumicino hub”. “We are delighted to see ITA Airways commencing the route between Rome and our coastal and historical city of Jeddah, which will further enhance our air connectivity to KSA. Travelers from ITA Airways’ network in Italy, Europe, and the Americas will enjoy a more seamless journey to explore the untapped potential of Jeddah. We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with a great partner, ITA Airways”, said Mazin Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports (JEDCO) and Majid Khan, CEO of Air Connectivity Program (ACP). “As a representative of the Italian Consulate, I am thrilled to be part of the strengthening partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia through the launch of the new roundtrip Rome-Jeddah flight. It truly is a testimony of the friendship between the two countries, which not only is rooted in a deep historic relationship, but is further developing the commercial friendship with expanding opportunities”, said …

Lumi has partnered with CarTrust , a pioneering Auto-Tech company in Saudi Arabia that specialises in car inspection and delivering detailed examination reports for used car sales. The partnership aims to enhance user experience for Lumi’s used car sales customers and increase their confidence in buying cars that have been inspected by a well-known third party provider in the field. As part of the new partnership, CarTrust will inspect Lumi’s used fleet vehicles that are for sale. During Phase 1, CarTrust will inspect a total of 1600 cars and aim to certify 9000 vehicles by the end of 2024. Lumi’s new procedure will ensure that sales activities run smoothly, whether through financing companies or banks. Suliman Alrobish, UCS Director, Lumi, said; “Lumi’s used car sales segment has been an integral part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy and our collaboration with CarTrust will go a long way towards elevating customers’ confidence and trust in our well-maintained fleet of vehicles. We have always placed great premium on ensuring a seamless and quality experience for our customers and by aligning ourselves with a digital platform, we will no doubt be able to add more value to our services.” Ammar Toonsi, Founder and CEO, CarTrust added; “This partnership represents an important step in our CarTrust journey and assures our ongoing commitment to providing the best services to our customers. The combination of CarTrust’s expertise in vehicle services with Lumi in delivering these services aims to enhance the quality of the used car market in the region.” One of the leading service providers in Saudi Arabia, CarTrust specialises in digital vehicle inspections and evaluations tech platforms using artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision …

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices. One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working in major Red Sea tourism projects such as Red Sea Global, Cruise Saudi, and NEOM. The training, which focused on customer service experiences and safety principles, was conducted as part of the second edition of the Tourism Trailblazers Program. (SPA report) The other initiative entailed increasing the public and private sectors integration through collaboration between the ministry and the authority in selecting elite human resources working in luxury coastal resorts and tourism marine agents organizing luxury cruise trips. These selected individuals participated in a specialized training program on a European cruise liner, accredited by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Dale Carnegie UK and supervised by Umm Al-Qura University. The initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills and expertise needed in hospitality and guest service, and manage various hospitality-related operations on board cruise ships. These initiatives reflect the Ministry of Tourism’s and SRSA’s commitment to training national talent in the coastal tourism sector and their vital role in making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast a leading coastal tourism destination. SRSA aims to provide over 210,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute more than SAR85 billion to the GDP that same year.

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced a partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) to boost adventure tourism across the Red Sea region. The collaboration will be activated through Akun, RSG’s adventure sports brand, which is responsible for all hiking, climbing and adventure experiences across RSG’s destinations. The partnership will create opportunities to elevate the guest experience at The Red Sea, as well as provide training and certification pathways for climbing and hiking guides. “Modern luxury tourism is as much about adventure as it is about comfort. Our partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation is ensuring that Akun can offer invigorating experiences that complement the elegance of our resorts in a safe and professional manner. Together, we are propelling the adventure tourism industry across the Red Sea region,” said Nicholas King, Group Chief Development Officer at Red Sea Global. SCHF is the national governing body for all aspects of rock climbing and mountaineering in Saudi Arabia. Through this partnership, SCHF trainees will have the chance to apply their skills in real-world settings through work placements and internships with Akun. In return, SCHF is providing qualified trainers for temporary training support as well as permanent recruitment. Yasmin Gahtani, Managing Director at SCHF, said: “Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, especially along the Red Sea coast. We want to help Saudis and the world discover this dramatic terrain by opening it to exhilarating, yet safe, climbing and hiking experiences. Through this partnership, we can make Saudi and the Red Sea a must-visit destination for the most avid climbers, hikers and thrill-seekers.” The collaboration will see RSG’s destinations activated through a range of local, regional, and international …

According to the statistics by GACA, there was a 17% increase in the number of passengers over the past six months, reaching approximately 62 million passengers, compared to 53 million passengers during the same period last year. The number of flights also reached approximately 446,000, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 399,000 flights. Additionally, the airfreight volume in the first six months of 2024 witnessed a 41% increase, reaching 606,000 tons compared to the 430,000 tons in the same period of 2023. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released air-traffic statistics showing significant growth in the number of passengers and flights during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. During the first half of this year, GACA launched several development projects, including the development and expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the inauguration of the development and expansion of Al-Ahsa International Airport, the launch of the new additional international departure terminal at Taif International Airport, and the introduction of the self-driving air taxi experience for the first time during the Hajj season. Furthermore, the authority granted the first operating permit for building cleaning using drones, which illustrates its commitment to enabling safe and innovative advanced air mobility solutions. It also launched a knowledge-testing center for aviation personnel and the first phase of electronic gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In terms of service quality provided to passengers, GACA won two gold awards for Best Customer Service and Best Public Service Center in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, the Consumer Protection Association award for excellence in protecting passengers’ rights, and the …

Diriyah announced over SAR7.8 billion ($2 billion) mixed -use development in northern region. It involves the construction of advanced educational institutions, cultural venues, modern offices, and a luxury hotel. Diriyah Company announced the signing of a contract with El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. Ltd (ESEC), in partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (CSCEC), for a large-scale construction project in the northern part of Diriyah. The project will be executed by some of the most prominent real-estate developers from Saudi Arabia and around the world, contributing to the realization of the Diriyah Company, which represents one of the most important historical and cultural destinations in the Kingdom and a key project of Saudi Vision 2030. The agreement was signed by Diriyah Company Group chief executive Jerry Inzerillo, ESEC chief executive Eng. Ahmed Al Bassam, and CSCEC’s KSA Branch chief executive Chuanhai Wei. Construction work is set to commence in the third quarter of this year. “This represents a major step in our accelerating development strategy and commitment to making Diriyah one of the most important and prominent tourist, humanitarian, and cultural destinations in the world,” Inzerillo said. “This contract is one of the largest in terms of size, scope, and significance within the development plan for the Diriyah project. This agreement also represents another example of the close economic relations and strong commercial partnerships being established between Saudi Arabia and China,” the chief executive said. The agreement is a testament to the local and global stature of the Diriyah project and its ability to attract more economic opportunities to the Kingdom. The project offers tremendous investment opportunities and an attractive business environment characterized by the highest standards of governance, …

Delta and Riyadh Air sign strategic agreement to expand connectivity and premium travel options across North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. New partnership will include a range of benefits for consumers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. Delta, Riyadh Air to strengthen connectivity and harness future growth opportunities for both carriers. Agreement will enhance competition with an array of new travel choices for consumers, including future Delta service between the U.S. and Riyadh. Delta will serve as Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, while Riyadh Air will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh and beyond. Delta Air Lines, the world’s leading premium airline, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new full-service global carrier, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the goal of introducing a broad range of benefits for customers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and destinations beyond. The agreement, signed today at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, serves as the foundation for a strategic partnership that will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks and drive future growth. This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience, which is why we’re looking forward to building and expanding this partnership in the months and years ahead. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as …

Saudi Arabia announced granting the official Approved Destination Status (ADS) to China effective from July 1, 2024.  The ADS designation marks a significant milestone for group travel to Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom aims to make China its third largest source market for international arrivals by 2030, Saudi Arabia has proactively prepared to be China-ready. This includes significantly increasing direct flights since 2023, introducing tailored products, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance group and Flexible Independent Travel (FIT) experiences. This follows the Kingdom’s participation in the second China roadshow and ITB China in Shanghai. This move underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a strategic economic partner with China, unlocking new opportunities across the tourism sector and fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and economic development for both nations. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that the official ADS status demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s readiness for Chinese visitors and the Saudi progress toward making China its third largest tourism market by 2030. “The Saudi Tourism Authority has played a crucial role in visa facilitation, reduced fees, improving air connectivity, and ensuring destination readiness with Mandarin-language information available on www.visitsaudi.cn, Mandarin signage at airports, and Mandarin-speaking tour guides and hotel staff,” he said. Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, Saudi ambassador to China, emphasized: “By strengthening bilateral ties with China, the ADS agreement opens doors for economic development across sectors, benefiting both nations.” CEO of Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin said: “Saudi’s approval as a tourist destination for Chinese visitors reflects our continuous efforts and participation in trade shows and conferences, leading to agreements with Chinese organizations. We strive to provide a seamless, enjoyable, and safe experience for Chinese tourists, including streamlined visa procedures, increased flight capacity, …