logo
UAE's Air Arabia wins bid to operate new Saudi low-cost airline

UAE's Air Arabia wins bid to operate new Saudi low-cost airline

Khaleej Times4 days ago
The UAE's carrier Air Arabia was among an alliance of three companies that won a bid to operate a new Saudi national low-cost airline, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said on Sunday.
The airline will operate with 45 aircraft serving 24 domestic destinations and 57 international destinations, and transporting 10 million passengers by 2030
The new airline would operate domestic and international flights from King Fahd international airport in Dammam, the authority said.
Saudi Arabia
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jordan records 0.8% increase in fuel sales during H1 2025
Jordan records 0.8% increase in fuel sales during H1 2025

Zawya

time17 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Jordan records 0.8% increase in fuel sales during H1 2025

AMMAN — Sales of petroleum derivatives in Jordan reached 1,761.7 million litres during the first half of 2025, up from 1,747.5 million litres during the same period in 2024, marking a 0.8 per cent increase, according to figures from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The data also showed mixed trends across fuel categories. Sales of 90-octane gasoline declined by 2.8 per cent, dropping from 769.9 million litres to 748.4 million litres. In contrast, sales of 95-octane gasoline rose by 6.7 per cent, from 70.8 million litres to 75.6 million litres, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported. Diesel sales also recorded a notable increase, rising from 846.0 million litres to 888.1 million litres, a 5.0 per cent increase. Kerosene sales, however, registered a sharp decline of 18.3 per cent, falling from 60.7 million litres to 49.6 million litres. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Saudi Arabia announces $6.4bln in Syria investments
Saudi Arabia announces $6.4bln in Syria investments

Zawya

time17 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Saudi Arabia announces $6.4bln in Syria investments

Saudi Arabia announced $6.4 billion of investments in Syria on Thursday, reflecting the kingdom's deepening ties with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government as it seeks to rebuild Syria after a 14-year civil war. The deals, unveiled by Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih at a Damascus forum, are a major financial boost for Sharaa. Al-Falih said his visit to Syria had been ordered by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, calling the trip "confirmation of the kingdom's firm and supportive stance towards sisterly Syria". The investment deals included $2.93 billion for real estate and infrastructure projects and about $1.07 billion for the telecommunications and information technology sector, Al-Falih said. Businesses involved in the plans include telecommunications firms the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and GO Telecom, digital security company Elm, cybersecurity firm Cipher, and Classera, an education technology company. Al-Falih said 47 agreements would be signed over the course of the conference, with more than 100 companies participating. Al-Falih also announced the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian Business Council at the event, which had been scheduled for June but was delayed due to the conflict between Iran and Israel. Riyadh has been a key ally of Sharaa's government, which came to power after longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December, using its diplomatic influence to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to lift sanctions. Companies, many from Gulf states and Turkey, have expressed interest in rebuilding Syria's power generation capacity, roads, ports and other damaged infrastructure. Syria has signed a $7-billion power deal with Qatar and an $800-million agreement with UAE-based port company DP World in recent months. U.S. energy firms are also set to draw up a master plan for the country's energy sector. In April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar announced they would pay off Syria's World Bank arrears, opening up the possibility of new lending. ($1 = 3.7514 riyals) (Reporting by Ahmed Elimam and Tala Ramadan; Writing by Pesha Magid; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Tom Perry and Helen Popper)

Staycations are becoming more popular in Dubai – here's why
Staycations are becoming more popular in Dubai – here's why

Gulf Business

time25 minutes ago

  • Gulf Business

Staycations are becoming more popular in Dubai – here's why

Image credit: Supplied photo The UAE hospitality sector is experiencing a sharp rise in demand for staycations, as more residents opt to spend their holidays within the country instead of traveling abroad, according to the Driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness, staycations are increasingly seen as a practical and affordable alternative to international travel. By avoiding long-haul flights, high-priced overseas accommodations, and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, UAE residents are choosing to explore the attractions in their own backyard, from pristine beaches and majestic mountains to bustling cities and cultural landmarks. Read- This trend is not only redefining local travel preferences but also providing a boost to the domestic economy. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the country are benefitting from increased local spending, particularly during weekends and off-peak seasons. 'Staycationers aren't just booking rooms, they're engaging in the full hospitality experience,' the KPMG report noted. 'From utilising hotel amenities to dining at in-house restaurants and participating in curated experiences, residents are helping to diversify and stabilise revenue streams for the hospitality sector.' With the 'living local' movement gaining momentum, UAE hospitality businesses are responding with creative packages and promotions. These include family-friendly deals, upgraded leisure facilities, and tailored experiences that highlight the country's rich and varied attractions. New developments are also underway to meet rising demand. During the nine-day Eid Al Fitr holiday in 2024, the UAE recorded a notable spike in staycation bookings from both residents and travellers from neighboring GCC countries, compared to the same period the previous year. Dubai hospitality poised for continued growth Looking ahead, Dubai's hospitality industry is set for sustained expansion through 2025, supported by strong economic fundamentals, proactive government policies, and a thriving real estate market spanning both luxury and affordable segments. The city's Vision 2025 strategy, focused on tourism, infrastructure, and economic diversification, is paving the way for Dubai to solidify its position as a global tourism hub. Industry projections indicate: 11,300 new hotel rooms are expected to open in Dubai by 2027. Under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate aims to rank among the top three global tourism destinations. However, to maintain competitiveness, hospitality players will need to prioritise innovation, sustainability, and the delivery of unique, localised guest experiences. Central hotels & Resorts capitalise on the domestic travel boom As Dubai grows into a year-round destination for both international and local travelers, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing homegrown hospitality groups, is reaping the benefits of a transformed tourism landscape defined by leisure, locality, and lifestyle. In recent months, the group has recorded a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents. The surge is fuelled by families, couples, and millennial groups opting for short, curated getaways that offer luxury without the hassle of international travel. 'This is not just a seasonal shift—it reflects a deeper change in how residents view leisure,' said Abdulla Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Al Ansari, COO and group general manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. 'Domestic guests, particularly Emirati families and long-time expats, are rediscovering Dubai's appeal. Family travel now contributes nearly 30 per cent of our domestic revenue, and demand for interconnecting rooms and suites has risen by over 40 per cent this summer compared to last year.' Tailored experiences redefine the staycation model To meet growing domestic demand, Central Hotels & Resorts has revamped its offerings to focus on convenience, comfort, and curated experiences. Flagship properties like Royal Central Hotel The Palm, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, and C Central Resort The Palm cater to diverse tastes, from families lounging poolside to couples enjoying panoramic views and regional dining. 'We've introduced value-added offers such as 'Kids Go Free' promotions, enhanced family packages, flexible check-in/out, and upgraded leisure amenities,' Al Ansari explained. 'These thoughtful touches are turning short stays into meaningful escapes.' Strategic locations have also played a key role. By operating in some of Dubai's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Central offers guests both the connectivity of a city hotel and the tranquility of a resort. Whether it's a spontaneous summer weekend or a planned long weekend, the group is becoming the preferred choice for domestic travelers who seek comfort without compromise. Sustaining growth through domestic demand The domestic travel surge is helping hotels flatten seasonal dips in occupancy, particularly during the traditionally slower summer months. 'Domestic leisure travel is expected to account for 35 per cent of our total occupancy this summer, up from 28 per cent last year,' said Al Ansari. 'That's a significant shift, and it's enabling us to maintain strong performance even during what was once considered the off-season.' The wider market data supports this trend. According to Visa's 2025 UAE Travel Pulse, domestic travel spending rose by 68 per cent year-on-year, with Dubai accounting for 70 per cent of in-country travel bookings. Meanwhile, STR's 2024 report revealed Dubai welcomed 18.7 million overnight visitors, boasting an average occupancy rate of 78.2 per cent and a RevPAR of Dhs421, figures that position Dubai as a regional and global leisure powerhouse. Looking ahead: A new era of local tourism As Dubai continues to invest in innovative tourism strategies and new attractions, companies like Central Hotels & Resorts are doubling down on their commitment to provide personalised, value-driven hospitality. The growing appetite for local experiences signals a shift in traveler expectations—one where quality, culture, and convenience converge. 'For many residents, there's no longer a need to board a plane to feel like they're on holiday,' Al Ansari concluded. 'Dubai itself is the destination.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store